USE OF BRINE AND NATURAL POZZOLANS IN A METHOD OF MAKING COMPOSITIONS TO PROMOTE MARINE-LIFE

BACKGROUND

Access to freshwater in many areas of the world is a growing environmental problem. To address the shortfall of potable water, desalination facilities convert seawater into drinkable water; however, these facilities produce as byproducts a wastewater that is concentrated in salts, minerals, and other chemical residues, known as brine. There are hundreds of millions of gallons of brine wastewater dumped into the oceans each day from desalination facilities around the globe. This high salinity wastewater not only has no economic value, but also has adverse effects on marine ecosystems. Dumping brine wastewater disturbs the local water and sediment, at least, by introducing a multi-component waste, increasing the local salinity, and increasing the temperature; these changes are harmful to the local flora and fauna. There remains an unmet need for transforming brine wastewater from desalination facilities into products that are, at least, not harmful to aquatic life and which may be beneficial to them.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to methods that transform high salinity brine into a non-toxic, CO₂-absorbing aggregate cementitious composition and a lower salinity water component which can be recycled through the desalination plant, to create additional drinking water, or added to a body of water and without harming the local flora and fauna.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO2, and (iii) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material; and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)2. MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO) and (b) permitting the combination obtained in step (a) to persist under conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an in-line conversion method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material; and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO) and (b) permitting the combination obtained in step (a) to persist under conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein the conditions in step (b) preferably comprises applied pressure and wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a pipeline.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an in-line conversion method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material; and (b) applying pressure to the combination obtained in step (a) for an amount and duration sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein the conditions in step (b) comprise applied pressure and wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a pipeline.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is an in-line conversion method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material; (b) allowing the combination obtained in step (a) to persist for duration sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a pipeline.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an in-line conversion method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material, and (iv) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO); and (b) applying pressure to the combination obtained in step (a) for an amount and duration sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein the conditions in step (b) comprise applied pressure and wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a pipeline.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a tank precipitation method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material; and (b) permitting the combination obtained in step (a) to persist under conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein the conditions in step (b) does not comprise applied pressure and wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a tank or basin. In some cases, the conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component in step (b) comprise time and heat.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a tank precipitation method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material; and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO) and (b) permitting the combination obtained in step (a) to persist under conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein the conditions in step (b) does not comprise applied pressure and wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a tank or basin. In some cases, the conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component in step (b) comprise time and heat.

In various tank precipitation methods, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In combinations comprising latently hydraulic material, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In some cases, heat is applied to the mixture and/or the mixture is heated via an additional heat source.

In some embodiments, the reduced salinity water component is further processed to extract sodium to produce additional fresh water. In addition to or in combination with or after the above-described processes, a chloralkali process (as illustrated in FIG. 5) can more efficiently be performed, since, at least in part, because the sulphates and chlorides have already been removed. The extracted sodium may be isolated into a pure sodium product.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for providing substrate for aquatic flora and/or fauna attachment, the method comprising depositing a herein-disclosed cementitious aggregate composition into a natural or artificial body of water which comprises aquatic flora and/or fauna in need of an attachment.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cementitious aggregate composition obtained by any herein-disclosed method. The cementitious aggregate composition be used in any way that another cementitious aggregates can be used.

An additional aspect of the present disclosure is a shaped cementitious composition obtained by any herein-disclosed method. The shaped cementitious aggregate composition be used in any way that any cement can be used.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for providing substrate for aquatic flora and/or fauna attachment, the method comprising depositing any herein-disclosed shaped cementitious composition into a natural or artificial body of water which comprises aquatic flora and/or fauna in need of an attachment.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a cementitious aggregate composition comprising more numerous pores per unit volume and/or larger average pores than a standard cement.

Any composition or method disclosed herein is applicable to any herein-disclosed composition or method. In other words, any aspect or embodiment described herein can be combined with any other aspect or embodiment as disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating steps of herein-disclosed methods.

FIG. 2 is a photograph showing an illustrative cementitious aggregate composition obtained by herein-disclosed methods.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating the process of in-line conversion. Also shown are precipitated compounds resulting from the method.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating the process of tank precipitation.

FIG. 5 is a schematic for removing sulphates and sodium from a high salinity brine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction

The present disclosure relates to methods that transforms a high salinity brine, which may be a byproduct from a desalination facility's conversion of seawater into drinkable water, into (1) a non-toxic, CO₂-absorbing cementitious aggregate composition and (2) a lower salinity water component. The lower salinity water can be recycled through the desalination plant, to create additional drinking water, or added to a body of water and without harming the local flora and fauna; however, in some cases, the lower salinity water component is fresh water. And, the cementitious aggregate composition can be added to a body of water to promote coral growth due, in part, to the chemical composition of the material.

Elements of an illustrative inline conversion process of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. 1. CO₂is captured through industrial processes (3) or from direct air molecular capture (1). In a brine discharge pipeline or pipeline, the CO₂is combined with a high salinity brine from a desalination facility (4) along with dry-mix composition comprising a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material; and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO). The inline conversion process takes advantage of the existing in-line pressure and volume of the brine in the outlet pipe. The efficiency of converting the dissolved salts takes advantage of magnifying the existing forces (pressure) by utilizing a series of pipe reducers and/or other methodologies that do not require addition energy inputs; in some cases, additional energy inputs are provided. Once pressure is applied to the combination, a cementitious aggregate composition is created (8) and a reduced salinity water component is created. The cementitious aggregate composition can be captured by straining or precipitation to obtain an isolated product. The cementitious aggregate composition can directly be used as a substrate for attachment by aquatic life or can be molded into defined shapes and which then can be used as a substrate for attachment by aquatic life. And, the reduced salinity water component can be recycled to the desalination facility or may be is added to a natural or artificial body of water where it will cause less harm to local aquatic life than the high salinity brine from the desalination facility. Moreover, the cementitious aggregate composition be used in ways that any aggregates can be used. Finally, exothermic heat produced from the pressure and chemical reactions (7) which can be captured and used for energy in the desalination facility, or elsewhere, using well-established methodologies. See also FIG. 3 is another schematic illustrating the process of in-line conversion.

Elements of an illustrative tank conversion process of the present disclosure are shown in FIG. 4. CO₂is captured through industrial processes or from direct air molecular capture. In tank or basin, the CO₂is combined with a high salinity brine from a desalination facility (4) along with dry-mix composition comprising a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material; and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO). The combination is gently stirred or agitated to form insolvable precipitates with the salts (called flocs), which can settle and be separated from the liquid mixture. Ultimately, the cementitious aggregate composition can be captured by straining or precipitation to obtain an isolated product, which can be used as described for other methods of the present disclosure. Notably, the tank conversion process removes sulphates and chlorides from the brine but leaves the sodium. The remaining sodium can then be isolated by an efficient process, at least in part, since other minerals have already been removed and the isolated sodium will be of high purity since it will lack the other minerals. Further, after sodium isolation, the process permits production of additional fresh water.

In addition to or in combination with or after the above-described processes, a chloralkali process (as illustrated in FIG. 5) can more efficiently be performed, since, at least in part, because the sulphates and chlorides have already been removed. Again, this permits creation of a higher purity isolated sodium and more fresh water.

In short, the present disclosure provides methods for using or “recycling” waste brine from a desalination facility (for example) while producing a lower salinity water component and a cementitious aggregate composition. The cementitious aggregate composition may be used as a substrate for attachment by aquatic flora and/or fauna. And, the lower salinity water component may be used to isolate pure sodium and to produce additional fresh water. In some cases, the lower salinity water component is fresh water.

Notably, the methods capture free CO₂pollutants, thereby reducing its effect on climate change and providing an opportunity for collection of carbon credits.

To date, a desalination facility typically uses established reverse osmosis or membrane technologies to purify water because the process of converting dissolved salts into solids under pressure is not as efficient for large-scale water treatment when compared with these membrane methodologies.

However, given the significant negative effects on marine health, sea life, including coral, from discharging the high salinity brine derived from a desalination facility into the seas and oceans, global calls for mitigation of this issue are growing and are needed. On average, desalination facilities generally produce a high salinity brine discharge that is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the volume of the treated freshwater produced. For example, a large-scale desalination facility with a capacity of 100 million gallons per day (MGD) might produce a brine discharge of approximately 150 to 250 MGD.

As the concentration of salts and other elements within the discharged high salinity brine are far more significant, the process of combining pressure and added natural and recycled ingredients is efficient and effective. The present disclosure describes methods in which the pressure needed pressure to treat the high salinity brine discharged from desalination facility is less than half than what is needed to treat raw seawater-from 250 atmospheres or roughly 3,700 psi to roughly 100 atmospheres or 1,700 psi. This is because the solubility of salts generally decreases as the concentration of the solution increases.

When mixture of (i) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material; and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO); (ii) CO₂; and (iii) a high salinity brine are combined under this pressure, “flash reactions” or precipitation occurs. The benefit of this method is: (1) the generation of fresh water, in addition to the fresh water produced by the desalination facility, (2) the creation of a moldable cementitious product, (3) the creation of usable aggregate for use in cement products, (4) highly pure isolatable sodium, and, perhaps most importantly, (4) the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.

The herein-described methods can follow, at least, two routes: in line conversion under pressure and tank precipitation.

In some cases, the process of in-line conversion takes advantage of the existing in-line pressure and volume of the high salinity brine in the outlet pipe from a desalination facility. The efficiency of converting dissolved salts relies on magnifying the existing forces (pressure) within the outlet pipe by utilizing a series of pipe reducers. The novel use of the reducers relies on the existing energy of the discharge without needing additional energy. This pressure is generated due to the resistance offered by the smaller diameter, causing an increase in fluid velocity and, subsequently, pressure.

In various cases, the process of tank precipitation makes use of chemical precipitation. Chemicals such as lime (calcium hydroxide) or alum (aluminum sulfate) can be added to the water to form insoluble precipitates with the salts, which can then settle and be separated from the water. This method is often used in municipal wastewater treatment and industrial processes. The “novel mix” of the present disclosure (comprising a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material and, optionally, an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO), CO₂, and high salinity brine precipitate in the tank which can be collected through processes of sedimentation, filtration, and/or clarification.

A general overview of the tank-based precipitation involves the following steps. 1. Mixing: The novel mix is combined with the high salinity brine (which contains dissolved salts-or activators for this purpose). These ingredients react with the salts to form insoluble precipitates or cementitious particles or flocs. 2: Flocculation: The mixture is gently stirred or agitated to promote the formation of larger particles called flocs. The flocs are composed of the precipitated salts and other impurities and ingredients. 3. Sedimentation: The mixture is allowed to settle in large tanks or basins, allowing the flocs to settle to the bottom due to gravity. This process is known as sedimentation or clarification. The settled flocs form a layer of sediment at the bottom of the tank. 4. Sediment removal: The sediment layer is periodically removed from the bottom of the tank using equipment such as sediment scrapers, screens and/or pumps. 5. Filtration (if required): In some cases, after sedimentation, the water may undergo additional filtration processes to remove any remaining suspended solids or fine particles that may have not settled during sedimentation. The time required for this precipitation process, including sedimentation removal, can vary depending on several factors such as the type and concentration of salts, the dosage and type of ingredients used, the temperature, and the design of the sedimentation tanks. In some cases, the process takes a few hours to complete. The goal is to allow sufficient time for the cementitious sediment to form, settle, and compact at the bottom of the tank. The sedimentation process can be enhanced by optimizing various factors, including the use of coagulants and flocculants, controlling the flow rate and hydraulic loading, and ensuring proper tank design and operation. These measures aim to maximize the removal efficiency of suspended solids and achieve the desired water quality.

In the methods of the present disclosure, magnesium oxide (MgO) can be used as a coagulant or flocculant in water treatment processes to create flocs. When added to water, MgO can undergo hydrolysis, generating hydroxyl ions (OH—) that can react with dissolved salts and impurities, leading to the formation of insoluble precipitates or flocs. The hydroxyl ions generated from the hydrolysis of MgO can neutralize the charges on suspended particles, destabilizing them and promoting their aggregation into larger flocs. These flocs can then settle more easily during the sedimentation process, facilitating their removal from the water. MgO is sometimes used as a coagulant or flocculant in various water treatment applications, including the treatment of industrial wastewater, municipal water, and wastewater treatment plants. It can be particularly effective in treating water with high levels of turbidity, color, or dissolved solids. However, in combination with the novel mix, it helps forms usable cementitious materials and/or aggregates.

Volcanic ash (natural pozzolan) can be used to create flocs. Volcanic ash contains various minerals and clays that have flocculation properties. When volcanic ash is added to water, it can adsorb onto suspended particles, destabilizing them and promoting the formation of flocs. The specific composition of volcanic ash can vary depending on the volcanic source, but it often contains minerals like zeolites, bentonite, or montmorillonite, which have high cation exchange capacities and surface charges. These properties allow volcanic ash to attract and bind with suspended particles, leading to the formation of larger flocs. Volcanic ash can be particularly effective where the removal of fine suspended particles or colloids is desired. It can be used in processes such as coagulation, flocculation, or sedimentation, where the ash is added to the water and mixed to facilitate the formation of flocs. When a natural pozzolan (e.g., a volcanic ash) or a man-made pozzolan (e.g., GGBFS slag), MgO, and CO₂gas are used in combination with the high salinity brine, to creates hard cementitious flocs or sediment. Slag is a byproduct of the iron and steel manufacturing process and is commonly used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete production. It contains reactive compounds such as calcium oxide (CaO) and silica (SiO₂) that can react with water and form cementitious compounds.

CO₂gas is used to promote carbonation in cementitious materials. When CO₂reacts with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which is commonly present in cementitious systems, it can form calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). This reaction contributes to the hardening of the flocs or sediment, making them more durable and cementitious in nature.

Thus, by combining a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and/or a latently hydraulic material, MgO or CaO or Mg(OH)₂, and CO₂gas, it is possible to create a cementitious floc or sediment system where the slag provides the cementitious properties, MgO contributes to the flocculation process, and CO₂gas promotes carbonation and hardening.

In addition, by adding CO₂to water—it will lower the pH, which improves the solubility of certain salts and impurities, causing them to precipitate and form flocs—making the process more efficient. However, this effect is not directly related to CO₂acting as a flocculant itself. Instead, it is the change in pH that triggers the precipitation of specific compounds.

CO₂is used in some instances for pH adjustment or as a means of controlling alkalinity. By adjusting the pH, certain reactions can occur that facilitate the formation of flocs, but CO₂is not the primary flocculant agent in these cases.

In the case of in line conversions, applying pressure to the brine outlet pipe from a desalination plant creates the feasibility of using slag, MgO, and CO₂gas to create hard cementitious flocs in that specific context.

In various embodiments, a mixture which is transformed into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, may comprise one of the following combinations:

- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a man-made pozzolan;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a man-made pozzolan, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a latently hydraulic material;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan and a man-made pozzolan;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan and a man-made pozzolan, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a man-made pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a man-made pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and a latently hydraulic material; or
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO).

In various tank precipitation methods, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In combinations comprising latently hydraulic material, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

The methods and compositions of the present disclosure further provide:

- 1. Fresh water generation: The processes effectively remove salts and impurities from the brine, producing fresh water as a byproduct. This is beneficial in areas where freshwater resources are scarce and/or where there is a demand for additional freshwater supply—and at little to no additional cost.
- 2. Carbon removal: The use of CO₂gas in the process contributes to carbon removal from the atmosphere, and possible carbon credits. The amount depends on the specific carbon accounting mechanisms and standards in place, as well as the volume of CO₂captured and utilized.
- 3. Market demand: Creation of much needed cementitious compositions, including aggregates.
- 4. Significant Reduction in Brine Pollution: This can reduce harm done to local flora and fauna.
- 5. High Pure Sodium: This can be isolated from residual water and using a highly efficient process.
- 5. Cost-effectiveness: The economic viability of the process is a critical advantage for its commercial viability. The costs associated with the relatively little needed additional infrastructure and equipment, are greatly outweighed by the benefits of additional freshwater production, much needed cementitious composition, and CO₂absorption and offsets (including carbon credits).

Methods

An aspect of the present disclosure is a method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material; and (b) permitting the combination obtained in step (a) to persist under conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is an in-line conversion method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material, and (iv) an activator; and (b) applying pressure to the combination obtained in step (a) for an amount and duration sufficient to transform the combination into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, wherein the conditions in step (b) comprise applied pressure and wherein steps (a) and/or (b) occur in a pipeline.

In various tank precipitation methods, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In combinations comprising latently hydraulic material, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In some embodiments, the high salinity brine is treated after step (a) to reduce the amount of sodium and chloride using a method known in the art (e.g., via a chloralkali process).

In several embodiments, the high salinity brine, CO₂, and pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material are combined simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the high salinity brine, CO₂, and pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material are combined sequentially with the high salinity brine and CO₂combined first.

In various embodiments, the high salinity brine, CO₂, and pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material are combined sequentially with the CO₂and the pozzolan combined first.

In numerous embodiments, the high salinity brine, CO₂, and pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material are combined sequentially with the high salinity brine and the pozzolan combined first.

In additional embodiments, the high salinity brine is obtained from a desalination facility, is natural seawater, or an industrial brine.

In several embodiments, the salt concentration of the high salinity brine is greater than or about equal to the salt concentration of seawater. In some cases, the salt comprises sodium chloride.

In embodiments, the salt concentration of the reduced salinity water component is less than or about equal to the salt concentration of seawater. In some cases, the salt comprises sodium chloride.

In some embodiments, the salt concentration of the reduced salinity water component is less than the high salinity brine. In various cases, the high salinity brine comprises water with a salt concentration (e.g., chloride, sulphate and sodium) higher than 50 parts per thousand. In some cases, the salt comprises sodium chloride.

In many embodiments, the brine of step (a) has reduced amounts of sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, and/or calcium ions via chemical precipitation, electrochemical methods, ion selective membranes, reverse osmosis, and/or selective precipitation by pH. In some cases, the chemical precipitation comprises contacting the sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, and/or calcium ions with lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂) or alum (aluminum sulfate, Al₂(SO₄)₃) which forms insoluble precipitates with the sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium, and/or calcium ions. In various cases, the chemical precipitation occurs before step (a) and/or during step (a).

In various embodiments, the reduced salinity water component is added to a natural or artificial body of water. In some cases, the reduced salinity water component does less harm to flora and/or fauna present in the natural or artificial body of water relative to the harm that would be caused when the high salinity brine is added to a natural or artificial body of water. Without wising to be bound by theory, the reduced salinity water comprises less sulphates and chlorides than high salinity brine, which also are harmful to flora and/or fauna present in the natural or artificial body of water.

In numerous embodiments, the reduced salinity water component is returned to the desalination plant for a further round of desalination into fresh water.

In additional embodiments, the method permits production by a desalination facility of a brine having a higher salt concentration relative to a method where the desalination facility produces brine as wastewater to be added to a natural or artificial body of water. In some cases, the relative salt concentration is up to 5-fold higher, e.g., about 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, or about 5-fold and any range or value therebetween.

In several embodiments, the method permits production of more fresh water by a desalination facility relative to a method where the desalination facility produces brine as wastewater to be added to a natural or artificial body of water. In some cases, the amount of fresh water produced is up to 5-fold higher, e.g., about 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, or about 5-fold and any range or value therebetween.

In embodiments, the steps (a) and/or (b) occurs in a location within the desalination facility, adjacent to the desalination facility, or downstream from the desalination facility. In some cases, step (a) and/or step (b) occurs in a pipeline within the desalination facility, adjacent to the desalination facility, or downstream from the desalination facility. In certain cases, the pressure in step (b) is applied to the pipeline utilizing a series of pipe reducers which creates pressure sufficient to make the conversion process (e.g., chemical reactions) more efficient. In various cases, a pipe reducer is a mechanical device used to reduce the diameter of a pipe, which creates pressure by restricting the flow of a fluid. In other cases, the pressure in step (b) is applied using another method which creates pressure sufficient to make the conversion process (e.g., chemical reactions) more efficient. In numerous cases, the applied pressure further reduces the amount of energy required and/or waste CO₂produced.

In various cases, a pipe reducer is a mechanical device used to reduce the diameter of a pipe, which creates pressure by restricting the flow of a fluid. In other cases, the pressure in step (b) is applied using another method which creates pressure sufficient to make the conversion process (e.g., chemical reactions) more efficient. In numerous cases, the applied pressure further reduces the amount of energy required and/or waste CO₂produced.

In embodiments, the pipeline is between about 12 inches and about 18 inches in diameter. In some cases, the diameter of the pipeline is greater than 18 inches, e.g., a diameter capable of discharging a million gallons (or more) per day.

In many embodiments, the steps (a) and/or (b) occurs in a location within the desalination facility, adjacent to the desalination facility, or downstream from the desalination facility and steps (a) and/or (b) occurs in a tank or basin.

In various embodiments, the steps (a) and/or (b) occurs in a location distant from the desalination facility and steps (a) and/or (b) occurs in a tank or basin.

In numerous embodiments, the pozzolan comprises silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), and/or iron oxide (Fe₂O₃).

In embodiments, the pozzolan is a natural pozzolan or a man-made pozzolan.

In additional embodiments, the pozzolan comprises or is obtained from one or more of volcanic rock (e.g., rhyolite, olivine, obsidian, pitchstone, pumice, basalt or trap, or andesite); volcanic ash; sedimentary clays or shales' calcined clays; rice husk ash; diatomaceous earth; metakaolin; and olivine.

In several embodiments, use of pozzolan avoids the problem of sourcing cementitious material that is used in standard concrete manufacturing. In some cases, avoiding the problem of sourcing cementitious material further reduces the amount of energy required and/or waste CO₂produced relative to standard concrete manufacturing. Without wishing to be bound by theory, while standard cement manufacturing is responsible for about 10% of the world's CO₂emissions.

In embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition absorbs more carbon dioxide during its manufacture than is emitted.

In some embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition absorbs and/or retains at least 0.04 kg CO₂per kg of composition.

In any embodiment, the CO₂is chemically reacted to form a crystalline form of carbon.

In various embodiments, the CO₂is absorbed into the aggregate cementitious as a crystalline form of carbon. Thus, the CO₂is permanently removed from the atmosphere.

In many embodiments, the CO₂of step (a) is from industrial waste, from environmental sources, or from molecular capture. In some cases, the industrial waste relates to alcoholic fermentation or the burning of fossil fuels.

In various embodiments, the CO₂of step (a) is provided in gaseous, solid, and/or as a supercritical fluid form or as a dissolved gas.

In numerous embodiments, the CO₂of step (a) is incorporated into the cementitious aggregate composition as a carbonate.

In additional embodiments, step (a) further comprises adding an activator. In various cases, the activator may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions. In some cases, the activator is Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO. In some cases, the activator, e.g., Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂and/or CaO, are not obtained by a pyroclastic process.

In various tank precipitation methods, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In combinations comprising latently hydraulic material, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

In several embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition forms particles of various shapes, sizes, and textures. In some cases, the particles have average sizes ranging from 0.0625 mm to about 40.0 mm in diameter. In various cases, the particles have generally rounded or oval shapes. The particles may comprise pores. In certain cases, the particles comprise more numerous pores per unit volume and/or larger average pores than a standard cement. In some cases, a standard cement has pores of 1.5 to 2.0 nm. The particles may be less dense per unit volume than a standard cement.

In embodiments, the particle has a diameter of about 0.0625 mm to about 40.0 mm. In embodiments the particle has a diameter of 0.0625 mm, 0.075 mm, 0.0825 mm, 0.0900 mm, 0.125 mm, 0.187 mm, 0.250 mm, 0.312 mm, 0.375 mm, 0.437 mm, 0.500 mm, 0.562 mm, 0.625 mm, 0.687 mm, 0.750 mm, 0.812 mm, 0.875, 0.937 mm, 1.00 mm, 1.0625 mm, 1.075 mm, 1.0825 mm, 1.0900 mm, 1.125 mm, 1.187 mm, 1.250 mm, 1.312 mm, 1.375 mm, 1.437 mm, 1.500 mm, 1.562 mm, 1.625 mm, 1.687 mm, 1.750 mm, 1.812 mm, 1.875, 1.937 mm, 2.00 mm, 2.0625 mm, 2.075 mm, 2.0825 mm, 2.0900 mm, 2.125 mm, 2.187 mm, 2.250 mm, 2.312 mm, 2.375 mm, 2.437 mm, 2.500 mm, 2.562 mm, 2.625 mm, 2.687 mm, 2.750 mm, 2.812 mm, 2.875, 2.937 mm, 3.00 mm, 3.0625 mm, 3.075 mm, 3.0825 mm, 3.0900 mm, 3.125 mm, 3.187 mm, 3.250 mm, 3.312 mm, 3.375 mm, 3.437 mm, 3.500 mm, 3.562 mm, 3.625 mm, 3.687 mm, 3.750 mm, 3.812 mm, 3.875, 3.937 mm, 4.00 mm, 4.0625 mm, 4.075 mm, 4.0825 mm, 4.0900 mm, 4.125 mm, 4.187 mm, 4.250 mm, 4.312 mm, 4.375 mm, 4.437 mm, 4.500 mm, 4.562 mm, 4.625 mm, 4.687 mm, 4.750 mm, 4.812 mm, 4.875, 4.937 mm, 5.00 mm, 5.0625 mm, 5.075 mm, 5.0825 mm, 5.0900 mm, 5.125 mm, 5.187 mm, 5.250 mm, 5.312 mm, 5.375 mm, 5.437 mm, 5.500 mm, 5.562 mm, 5.625 mm, 5.687 mm, 5.750 mm, 5.812 mm, 5.875, 5.937 mm, 6.00 mm, 6.50 mm, 7.00 mm, 7.50 mm, 8.00 mm, 8.50 mm, 9.00 mm, 9.50 mm, 10.0 mm, 10.5 mm, 11.0 mm, 11.5 mm, 12.0 mm, 12.5 mm, 13.0 mm, 13.5 mm, 14.0 mm, 14.5, mm, 15.0 mm, 15.5 mm, 16.0 mm, 16.5 mm, 17.0 mm, 17.5 mm, 18.0 mm, 18.5 mm, 19.0 mm, 19.5 mm, 20.0 mm, 21.5 mm, 22.0 mm, 22.5 mm, 23.0 mm, 23.5 mm, 24.0 mm, 24.5, mm, 25.0 mm, 25.5 mm, 26.0 mm, 26.5 mm, 27.0 mm, 27.5 mm, 28.0 mm, 28.5 mm, 29.0 mm, 29.5 mm, 30.0 mm, 30.5 mm, 31.0 mm, 31.5 mm, 32.0 mm, 32.5 mm, 33.0 mm, 33.5 mm, 34.0 mm, 34.5, mm, 35.0 mm, 35.5 mm, 36.0 mm, 36.5 mm, 37.0 mm, 37.5 mm, 38.0 mm, 38.5 mm, 39.0 mm, 39.5 mm, 40.0 mm; or values between the foregoing ranges including endpoints.

In embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition comprises more CO₂per gram than a standard cement. In some cases, the cementitious aggregate composition comprises up to 50% more CO₂per gram than a standard cement.

In some embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition comprises more calcium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium and/or iron per gram than a standard cement. In some cases, the cementitious aggregate composition comprises up to 50% more calcium, silicon, aluminum, magnesium and/or iron per gram than a standard cement.

In numerous embodiments, the density of the cementitious aggregate composition is from about 1000 g/cc to about 5000 g/cc, e.g., about 1000 g/cc, 1500 g/cc, 2000 g/cc, 2500 g/cc, 3000 g/cc, 3500 g/cc, 4000 g/cc, 4500 g/cc, or about 5000 g/cc. In some case the density is about 2500 g/cc.

In many embodiments, the standard cement comprises CaO, CaCO₃, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and CaSO₄·H₂O.

In various embodiments, the standard cement comprises a slaked or hydraulic dolomitic or calcareous lime blended with a natural or man-made pozzolanic or latently hydraulic material.

In numerous embodiments, the standard cement, e.g., a standard hydrated cement, is a Portland Cement comprising cement clinker rather than pozzolan.

In additional embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition is deposited into a natural or artificial body of water. In some cases, when deposited into the natural or artificial body of water, the cementitious aggregate composition remains where deposited or when deposited into the natural or artificial body of water, a portion of the cementitious aggregate composition is distributed away from the deposit site. In various cases, the cementitious aggregate composition is distributed away from the deposit site by water movement or currents, erosion, or animal activity. In numerous cases, the cementitious aggregate composition permits attachment by flora, e.g., algae, and/or fauna, e.g., coral. In many cases, the cementitious aggregate composition permits a preferred level of colonization by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement and/or the cementitious aggregate composition permits more plentiful attachment by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement.

In embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition comprises any sodium, lithium or Potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, CaO, CaSO₄·H₂O, SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃and/or Brucite.

In several embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition comprises MgO. In some cases, the cementitious aggregate composition does not substantially comprise MgO obtained from a calcination reaction.

In some embodiments, step (b) produces exothermic heat. In some cases, the exothermic heat is transformable from thermal energy into electrical energy.

In many embodiments, the pressure in step (b) is from about ambient (1 bar) to about 250 bar.

In various embodiments, the pressure in step (b) is from about 100 bar to about 250 bar. As examples, the pressure in about 101 bar, 102 bar, 103 bar, 104 bar, 105 bar, 106 bar, 107 bar, 108 bar, 109 bar, 110 bar, 111 bar, 112 bar, 113 bar, 114 bar, 115 bar, 116 bar, 117 bar, 118 bar, 119 bar, 120 bar, 121 bar, 122 bar, 123 bar, 124 bar, 125 bar, 126 bar, 127 bar, 128 bar, 129 bar, 130 bar, 131 bar, 132 bar, 133 bar, 134 bar, 135 bar, 136 bar, 137 bar, 138 bar, 139 bar, 140 bar, 141 bar, 142 bar, 143 bar, 144 bar, 145 bar, 146 bar, 147 bar, 148 bar, 149 bar, 150 bar, 151 bar, 152 bar, 153 bar, 154 bar, 155 bar, 156 bar, 157 bar, 158 bar, 159 bar, 160 bar, 161 bar, 162 bar, 163 bar, 164 bar, 165 bar, 166 bar, 167 bar, 168 bar, 169 bar, 170 bar, 171 bar, 172 bar, 173 bar, 174 bar, 175 bar, 176 bar, 177 bar, 178 bar, 179 bar, 180 bar, 181 bar, 182 bar, 183 bar, 184 bar, 185 bar, 186 bar, 187 bar, 188 bar, 189 bar, 190 bar, 191 bar, 192 bar, 193 bar, 194 bar, 195 bar, 196 bar, 197 bar, 198 bar, 199 bar, 200 bar, 101 bar, 202 bar, 203 bar, 204 bar, 205 bar, 206 bar, 207 bar, 208 bar, 209 bar, 210 bar, 211 bar, 212 bar, 213 bar, 214 bar, 215 bar, 216 bar, 217 bar, 218 bar, 219 bar, 220 bar, 221 bar, 222 bar, 223 bar, 224 bar, 225 bar, 226 bar, 227 bar, 228 bar, 229 bar, 230 bar, 231 bar, 232 bar, 233 bar, 234 bar, 235 bar, 236 bar, 237 bar, 238 bar, 239 bar, 240 bar, 241 bar, 242 bar, 243 bar, 244 bar, 245 bar, 246 bar, 247 bar, 248 bar, 249 bar, or about 250 bar, and any range or value therebetween.

In numerous embodiments, the pressure in step (b) is from about ambient (1 bar) to about 100 bar. As examples, the pressure is about 1 bar, 2 bar, 3 bar, 4 bar, 5 bar, 6 bar, 7 bar, 8 bar, 9 bar, 10 bar, 11 bar, 12 bar, 13 bar, 14 bar, 15 bar, 16 bar, 17 bar, 18 bar, 19 bar, 20 bar, 21 bar, 22 bar, 23 bar, 24 bar, 25 bar, 26 bar, 27 bar, 28 bar, 29 bar, 30 bar, 31 bar, 32 bar, 33 bar, 34 bar, 35 bar, 36 bar, 37 bar, 38 bar, 39 bar, 40 bar, 41 bar, 42 bar, 43 bar, 44 bar, 45 bar, 46 bar, 47 bar, 48 bar, 49 bar, 50 bar, 51 bar, 52 bar, 53 bar, 54 bar, 55 bar, 56 bar, 57 bar, 58 bar, 59 bar, 60 bar, 61 bar, 62 bar, 63 bar, 64 bar, 65 bar, 66 bar, 67 bar, 68 bar, 69 bar, 70 bar, 71 bar, 72 bar, 73 bar, 74 bar, 75 bar, 76 bar, 77 bar, 78 bar, 79 bar, 80 bar, 81 bar, 82 bar, 83 bar, 84 bar, 85 bar, 86 bar, 87 bar, 88 bar, 89 bar, 90 bar, 91 bar, 92 bar, 93 bar, 94 bar, 95 bar, 96 bar, 97 bar, 98 bar, 99 bar, or about 100 bar, and any range or value therebetween.

In various embodiments, the pressure in step (b) is greater than about 250 bar. For example, the pressure in step (b) is greater than, 250 bar, 500 bar, 750 bar, 1000 bar, 1250 bar, 1500 bar, 1750 bar, 2000 bar, 2250 bar, 2500 bar, 2750 bar, 3000 bar, 3250 bar, 3500 bar, 3750 bar, 4000 bar, 4250 bar, 4500 bar, 4750 bar, 5000 bar and any range or value therebetween. In various cases the pressure in step (b) is greater than 250 bar, 260 bar, 270 bar, 280 bar, 290 bar, 300 bar, 310 bar, 320 bar, 330 bar, 340 bar, 350 bar, 360 bar, 370 bar, 380 bar, 390 bar, 400 bar, 410 bar, 420 bar, 430 bar, 440 bar, 450 bar, 460 bar, 470 bar, 480 bar, 490 bar, 500 bar and any range or value therebetween. The pressure in step (b) may be greater than 500 bar, 510 bar, 520 bar, 530 bar, 540 bar, 550 bar, 560 bar, 570 bar, 580 bar, 590 bar, 600 bar, 610 bar, 620 bar, 630 bar, 640 bar, 650 bar, 660 bar, 670 bar, 680 bar, 690 bar, 700 bar, 710 bar, 720 bar, 730 bar, 740 bar, 750 bar, 760 bar, 770 bar, 780 bar, 790 bar, 800 bar, 810 bar, 820 bar, 830 bar, 840 bar, 850 bar, 860 bar, 870 bar, 880 bar, 890 bar, 900 bar, 910 bar, 920 bar, 930 bar, 940 bar, 950 bar, 960 bar, 970 bar, 980 bar, 990 bar, 1000 bar and any range or value therebetween.

In additional embodiments, the temperature of step (a) and/or step (b) is from about 1° C. to about 100° C. As examples, the temperature is about 1° C., 2° C., 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C., 10° C., 11° C., 12° C., 13° C., 14° C., 15° C., 16° C., 17° C., 18° C., 19° C., 20° C., 21° C., 22° C., 23° C., 24° C., 25° C., 26° C., 27° C., 28° C., 29° C., 30° C., 31° C., 32° C., 33° C., 34° C., 35° C., 36° C., 37° C., 38° C., 39° C., 40° C., 41° C., 42° C., 43° C., 44° C., 45° C., 46° C., 47° C., 48° C., 49° C., 50° C., 51° C., 52° C., 53° C., 54° C., 55° C., 56° C., 57° C., 58° C., 59° C., 60° C., 61° C., 62° C., 63° C., 64° C., 65° C., 66° C., 67° C., 68° C., 69° C., 70° C., 71° C., 72° C., 73° C., 74° C., 75° C., 76° C., 77° C., 78° C., 79° C., 80° C., 81° C., 82° C., 83° C., 84° C., 85° C., 86° C., 87° C., 88° C., 89° C., 90° C., 91° C., 92° C., 93° C., 94° C., 95° C., 96° C., 97° C., 98° C., 99° C., or about 100° C., and any range or value therebetween. In various cases, heat is provided to achieve a temperature of greater than 100° C. and up to 3000° C.

In any embodiment, heat is applied to the mixture and/or the mixture is heated via an additional. The applied heat increases the rate of reaction and/or the extent of reaction and/or activates the latent hydraulic nature of some components. In several embodiments, the duration of step (b) is from about 1 minute to about 10 hours. As examples the duration is about 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 70 minutes, 80 minutes, 90 minutes, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, or about 10 hours, and any range or value therebetween.

In several embodiments, the duration of step (b) is from about 10 hours to about 10 days. As examples the duration is about 10 hours, 20 hours, 30 hours, 40 hours, 50 hours, 60 hours, 70 hours, 80 hours, 90 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, or about 10 days, and any range or value therebetween.

In embodiments, the duration of step (b) is from about 1 minute to about 10 minutes. As examples the duration is about 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, or about 10 minutes, and any range or value therebetween. In numerous embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the high salinity brine to pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material varies from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the high salinity brine to CO₂varies from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In some embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material to CO₂varies from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In some embodiments, a filler material or another additive is added to the combination of step (a). In some cases, a filler material or another additive comprises sand, gravel, lightweight aggregate, or crushed stone, and a combination thereof.

In embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the aggregate to each of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In various embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the aggregate to the combined weight or volume of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In many embodiments, the latently hydraulic material is a slag. In some cases, the slag is added in step (a) in addition to the added pozzolan. In alternate cases, the slag is added in step (a) instead of pozzolan. In some cases, the slag is added in step (a) instead of an activator.

In embodiments, the method further comprises isolating the cementitious aggregate composition from the reduced salinity water component or other liquid components. In some cases, the isolating comprises straining to capture the cementitious aggregate composition.

In various embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition is molded into a shaped cementitious composition. Without wishing to be bound by theory, particles of the cementitious aggregate composition can stick to each other, thereby permitting the molding of the composition into shapes. In some case, molding may not require an additional binder to keep the molded shape and in other cases, molding may require an additional binder to keep the molded shape. In some cases, the shaped cementitious composition permits attachment by flora, e.g., algae, and/or fauna, e.g., coral, relative to a standard cement. In various cases, the shaped cementitious composition permits stronger attachment by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement and/or the shaped cementitious composition permits more plentiful attachment by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement. When molded, the shaped cementitious composition comprises gaps between particles of the aggregate such that the of the shaped cementitious composition is has a more porous surface, is more porous throughout its volume, and is less dense than a standard cement. The gaps of a shaped cementitious composition may be up to 500 nm in diameter. Additionally, a shaped cementitious composition may have up to 85% of the volume being void (e.g., the sum of all gaps) whereas a standard cement may have about 40% of the volume being void.

The cementitious aggregate composition be used in any way that another cementitious aggregates can be used.

The shape of the shaped cementitious composition may be any shape capable of providing a substrate for aquatic flora and/or fauna attachment, as examples. The shape could be planar, circular, rounded, elongated, flat, rectangular, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shape is pyramidal with closed surfaces. In other embodiments, the shape is pyramidal with open surfaces such that the shape comprises four bars or cylinders that form a square base and four bars or cylinders each originating at a corner of the square and converging to form the pyramid's apex.

The shaped cementitious aggregate composition be used in any way that any cement can be used.

In embodiments, the cementitious composition further comprises at least one filler material or other additive, the at least one filler or other additive can be pumice or other volcanic rock or material, sand, gravel, crushed stone, aggregate (e.g., fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, intermediate aggregate, other types of aggregate, etc.), lightweight aggregate, talc, other clay material, fibers (e.g., steel and/or other metallic fibers, polypropylene and/or other polymeric fibers, glass fibers, asbestos fibers, carbon fibers, organic fibers, etc.), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), other reinforced polymers, admixtures or other additives that facilitate with fire protection, water protection, corrosion resistance/inhibition, workability, and/or one more other properties of the final cured product (e.g., MasterPel, RheoCell, MasterCell, etc.), sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde (SNF) and/or other surfactants, plasticizers, pigments, dyes and other color additives, titanium dioxide, other minerals, other natural or synthetic materials, other filler materials and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the filler material or other additive to each of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In various embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the filler material or other additive to the combined weight or volume of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In some cases, when deposited into the natural or artificial body of water, the cementitious aggregate composition remains where deposited or when deposited into the natural or artificial body of water, a portion of the cementitious aggregate composition is distributed away from the deposit site. In various cases, the cementitious aggregate composition is distributed away from the deposit site by water movement or currents, erosion, or animal activity. In numerous cases, the cementitious aggregate composition permits attachment by flora, e.g., algae, and/or fauna, e.g., coral. In many cases, the cementitious aggregate composition permits a preferred level of colonization by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement and/or the cementitious aggregate composition permits more plentiful attachment by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement.

In embodiments, the shaped cementitious composition permits attachment by flora, e.g., algae, and/or fauna, e.g., coral, relative to a standard cement. In various cases, the shaped cementitious composition permits stronger attachment by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement and/or the shaped cementitious composition permits more plentiful attachment by flora and/or fauna relative to a standard cement.

In some embodiments, a filler material or another additive is added to the combination of step (a). In some cases, the filler material or the other additive comprises sand, gravel, lightweight aggregate, or crushed stone, and a combination thereof.

In numerous embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the aggregate to each of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the aggregate to the combined weight or volume of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

The shape of the shaped cementitious composition may be any shape capable of providing a substrate for aquatic flora and/or fauna attachment. The shape could be planar, circular, rounded, elongated, flat, rectangular, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shape is pyramidal with closed surfaces. In other embodiments, the shape is pyramidal with open surfaces such that the shape comprises four bars or cylinders that form a square base and four bars or cylinders each originating at a corner of the square and converging to form the pyramid's apex.

In many embodiments, the cementitious composition further comprises at least one filler material or other additive, the at least one filler or other additive can be pumice or other volcanic rock or material, sand, gravel, crushed stone, aggregate (e.g., fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, intermediate aggregate, other types of aggregate, etc.), lightweight aggregate, talc, other clay material, fibers (e.g., steel and/or other metallic fibers, polypropylene and/or other polymeric fibers, glass fibers, asbestos fibers, carbon fibers, organic fibers, etc.), glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), other reinforced polymers, admixtures or other additives that facilitate with fire protection, water protection, corrosion resistance/inhibition, workability, and/or one more other properties of the final cured product (e.g., MasterPel, RheoCell, MasterCell, etc.), sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde (SNF) and/or other surfactants, plasticizers, pigments, dyes and other color additives, titanium dioxide, other minerals, other natural or synthetic materials, other filler materials and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the filler material or other additive to each of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

In embodiments, the ratio (weight to weight or weight to volume or volume to volume) of the filler material or other additive to the combined weight or volume of the high salinity brine, CO₂, and the pozzolan and/or the latently hydraulic material from 1:100 to 100:1. As examples the ratio is about 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11, 1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 1:21, 1:22, 1:23, 1:24, 1:25, 1:26, 1:27, 1:28, 1:29, 1:30, 1:31, 1:32, 1:33, 1:34, 1:35, 1:36, 1:37, 1:38, 1:39, 1:40, 1:41, 1:42, 1:43, 1:44, 1:45, 1:46, 1:47, 1:48, 1:49, 1:50, 1:51, 1:52, 1:53, 1:54, 1:55, 1:56, 1:57, 1:58, 1:59, 1:60, 1:61, 1:62, 1:63, 1:64, 1:65, 1:66, 1:67, 1:68, 1:69, 1:70, 1:71, 1:72, 1:73, 1:74, 1:75, 1:76, 1:77, 1:78, 1:79, 1:80, 1:81, 1:82, 1:83, 1:84, 1:85, 1:86, 1:87, 1:88, 1:89, 1:90, 1:91, 1:92, 1:93, 1:94, 1:95, 1:96, 1:97, 1:98, 1:99, 1:100, 100:1, 99:1, 98:1, 97:1, 96:1, 95:1, 94:1, 93:1, 92:1, 91:1, 90:1, 89:1, 88:1, 87:1, 86:1, 85:1, 84:1, 83:1, 82:1, 81:1, 80:1, 79:1, 78:1, 77:1, 76:1, 75:1, 74:1, 73:1, 72:1, 71:1, 70:1, 69:1, 68:1, 67:1, 66:1, 65:1, 64:1, 63:1, 62:1, 61:1, 60:1, 59:1, 58:1, 57:1, 56:1, 55:1, 54:1, 53:1, 52:1, 51:1, 50:1, 49:1, 48:1, 47:1, 46:1, 45:1, 44:1, 43:1, 42:1, 41:1, 40:1, 39:1, 38:1, 37:1, 36:1, 35:1, 34:1, 33:1, 32:1, 31:1, 30:1, 29:1, 28:1, 27:1, 26:1, 25:1, 24:1, 23:1, 22:1, 21:1, 20:1, 19:1, 18:1, 17:1, 16:1, 15:1, 14:1, 13:1, 12:1, 11:1, 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or about 1:1 and any range or value therebetween.

The methods, steps, and/or features thereof disclosed in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 may be incorporated into any of the herein-disclosed aspect or embodiment.

In various embodiments, a mixture which is transformed into a cementitious aggregate composition and a reduced salinity water component, may comprise one of the following combinations:

- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a man-made pozzolan;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a man-made pozzolan, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a latently hydraulic material;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan and a man-made pozzolan;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan and a man-made pozzolan, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a man-made pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material;
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a man-made pozzolan and a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO);
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, and (3) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and a latently hydraulic material; or
- (1) brine, (2) CO₂, (3) a natural pozzolan, a man-made pozzolan, and a latently hydraulic material, and (4) an activator (which may be any sodium, lithium or potassium salt or hydroxide and any alkali or alkali earth metal ions and including Mg(OH)₂, MgO, Ca(OH)₂, CaCO₃, Al₂(SO₄)₃, and/or CaO).

In various tank precipitation methods, an activator is preferably included in the combination. In combinations comprising latently hydraulic material, an activator is preferably included in the combination.

Any method or method step disclosed herein is applicable to any other herein-disclosed method or method step. In other words, any aspect or embodiment described herein can be combined with any other aspect or embodiment as disclosed herein.

Compositions

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cementitious aggregate composition obtained by any herein-disclosed method.

In embodiments, the cementitious aggregate composition is obtained by a method comprising steps of: (a) combining (i) a high salinity brine, (ii) CO₂, and (iii) a pozzolan and/or a latently hydraulic material; and (b) permitting the combination obtained in step (a) to persist under conditions sufficient to transform the combination into a reduced salinity water component and a cementitious aggregate composition.