"Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement: A Promising Solution for Carbon Dioxide Removal and Marine Life"

A study published in Science Advances explores the impact of ocean alkalinity enhancement on marine biota and its potential for carbon dioxide removal. The research focused on two important phytoplankton species, Emiliania huxleyi and Chaetoceros sp., and found that limestone-inspired alkalinity had a neutral effect on their growth rate and elemental ratios. However, high-alkalinity additions resulted in mineral precipitation that removed nutrients from the system, reducing the overall effectiveness of carbon removal. While the initial findings are promising, further research is needed to understand the long-term effects and potential risks of ocean alkalinity enhancement on marine ecosystems.