Salting-out phenomenon induced by the clathrate hydrates formation at high-pressure

Abstract

Here we show the salting out phenomenon assessment occurring on MgSO4-CO2-H2O system due to the presence of clathrate hydrates under temperature and pressure conditions of the ocean of Jupiter's icy moon Europa. In order to form clathrate hydrates, water molecules are removed from the aqueous solution. This fact causes great impact on solutes concentration, including available nutrients in solution so habitability is directly affected. Both, thermodynamical history recorded in the experiments and visual features following of the system help to understand the truly effect of salting-out on geology and its expression on Europa's surface in application to space exploration.