Can the CO₂ be released back into the atmosphere in any way?

As a nature-based solution, enhanced rock weathering offers a very low risk of removed carbon dioxide leaking back into the atmosphere. Once the rock has weathered, and the carbon dioxide has been converted into bicarbonates or carbonates, it is nearly impossible for the CO₂ to be released - just like the natural geological process, but faster.

These bicarbonates will eventually be washed out to sea, where they’ll aid in maintaining ocean alkalinity levels and be used by marine wildlife to build shells. As part of the natural carbon cycle, CO₂ may leave the ocean as atmospheric levels decrease to ensure a balance of carbon across the surface of the sea - this process takes tens of thousands of years to occur. While concerns have been raised over the more rapid, unexpected release of carbon from rivers and oceans, recent research using Earth system model simulations predict that oceanic storage of carbon is 90% effective, with minimal levels of leakage.