Ocean antacid trials test plankton response in 8,000-liter seawater enclosures
All the forests in the world pale in comparison to the ocean when it comes to absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean is the world's largest natural carbon sink, absorbing about a quarter of all CO2 emissions every year (and most of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere from greenhouse gases).
Every year, the ocean absorbs nearly a quarter of all carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. However, there are inherent limits to how much carbon the ocean can absorb, and this capability has decreased by 30% since the Industrial Revolution due to rising acidity. Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) aims to address these challenges by adding minerals that increase seawater's ability to absorb CO2, thereby countering acidification.
Steve Archer, a senior research scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, emphasizes that OAE functions as an "antacid for the ocean," mimicking natural rock weathering processes. To test the potential biological impacts of OAE, Archer and his team have conducted several large-scale experiments using mesocosms – large enclosures that simulate natural conditions.
These experiments, conducted in various locations around the world, have helped scientists understand how OAE affects plankton, a critical component of the marine food web. The researchers focus on the effects of different mineral types and quantities on plankton physiology, photosynthesis efficiency, and the long-term sequestration of absorbed CO2.
Despite the promising potential of OAE, significant questions remain about its long-term effects on marine life and the feasibility of implementing such a large-scale solution.
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