The authors show the effects of elevated seawater pH and alkalinity on the ecophysiology (i.e., growth rate and cellular particulate inorganic and organic carbon) of marine ubiquitous calcifying coccolithophore species Emiliania huxleyi through laboratory experiments to discuss the ecological implications of ocean alkalinity enhancement, a key strategy of marine carbon dioxide removal.
The authors show the effects of elevated seawater pH and alkalinity on the ecophysiology (i.e.,...
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is being evaluated for its capacity to absorb atmospheric CO2 in the ocean and store it long term to mitigate climate change. As researchers plan for field tests to gain insights into OAE, sharing knowledge on its environmental impact on marine ecosystems is urgent. Our study examined NaOH-induced OAE in Emiliania huxleyi, a key coccolithophore species, and found that the added total alkalinity (ΔTA) should stay below 600 µmol kg⁻¹ to avoid negative impacts.
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) is being evaluated for its capacity to absorb atmospheric CO2...