IVIC studies the use of cement for marine biodiversity and CO2 capture

Published at: 09/10/2026 10:39 AM

The Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC) develops studies on cement chemistry in two aspects: the use of the material as an artificial substrate to promote the settlement of marine organisms and accelerated carbonation to mitigate and reuse cement debris.

The initiative, led by Dr. María Cristina Goite in the Transition Metal Chemistry Laboratory, began in 2024 together with FUDENA in the Morrocoy National Park, with the purpose of developing equipment that uses oyster shells and powder as a source of calcium in cement matrices, which allows modifying the textural properties of the specimens that are in the laboratory testing phase.

In parallel, researchers are studying the accelerated carbonation of cement as a strategy for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), aimed at mitigating emissions from the cement industry. “Both lines will contribute to the country's environmental side by increasing the biodiversity of our coasts and, on the other, mitigating the effects of climate change,” Goite concluded.

Mazo News Team