Assessing chemical and biological implications of alkalinity enhancement using carbonate salts obtained from captured CO2 to mitigate negative effects of ocean acidification and enable mCDR

PI: Andrew Dickson, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Start Year: 2023 | Duration: 3 years
Partners: Scripps Institute of Oceanography University of California San Diego, Pacific Rim Design and Development, Oregon State University, NOAA PMEL

Project Abstract:

Researchers will develop and test a pilot-scale system that captures carbon dioxide from the air and converts it into a mixture of salts that can be used for marine carbon dioxide removal (sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate). To understand the chemical constraints of this method, the project examines the precipitation of different minerals in seawater and the best rate of adding the critical components. Marine species may differ in their response to the changes caused by ocean alkalinity enhancement. Part of this project synthesizes published data to assess how different species with varying calcification behaviors may respond to changes in seawater. Researchers will then evaluate the potential effects of ocean alkalinity enhancement on different habitats along the United States West Coast that incorporate both experimental data and field data. Lastly, the project emphasizes maintaining quality control and chemical validation throughout the research to ensure accurate and reliable results.