In the battle against climate change, scientists are exploring innovative methods to capture and store carbon, with one promising avenue being marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). Among these techniques, ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) stands out for its potential to mitigate coastal acidification while sequestering carbon. However, the biological impacts of increased ocean alkalinity remain a critical unknown. New research published in Biogeosciences, a journal that translates to ‘Life Sciences’ in English, sheds light on this very question, with implications for the energy sector’s growing interest in carbon capture and storage.
At the heart of this study is the work of K. Jones, a researcher at the Coastal Sciences Division of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Sequim, WA. Jones and the team focused on the effects of elevated pH and alkalinity on two key species in eelgrass ecosystems: Taylor’s sea hare (Phyllaplysia taylori) and the eelgrass isopod (Idotea resecata). These species were chosen for their ecological significance, particularly as prey for salmon and their role in maintaining the health of eelgrass habitats.
The experiments involved exposing the creatures to varying levels of alkalinity, delivered as aqueous NaOH, over a four-day period. The results were striking. “We saw a range of responses,” Jones explained. “Sea hares experienced significant mortality across all pH treatments, with 100% mortality at the highest pH level. Isopods, on the other hand, showed lower mortality rates that did not significantly increase with higher pH treatments.”
The findings highlight the complex nature of marine ecosystems and the varying responses of different species to changes in ocean chemistry. “Different invertebrate species will likely have different responses to increased pH and alkalinity, depending on their physiological vulnerabilities,” Jones noted. This variability underscores the need for thorough ecological assessments as mCDR technologies advance.
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As companies increasingly look to carbon capture and storage solutions to meet sustainability goals, understanding the ecological impacts of these technologies is crucial. OAE, with its potential to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce acidification, could play a pivotal role. However, the success of such initiatives will depend on a deep understanding of their effects on marine life.
The research by Jones and the team at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory represents an important step in this direction. By investigating the potential vulnerabilities of local marine species, they are helping to inform the decision-making process for mCDR planning and permitting. As the energy sector continues to explore carbon capture and storage solutions, this kind of research will be invaluable in ensuring that these technologies are both effective and environmentally sound.
The study published in Biogeosciences serves as a reminder that the path to a sustainable future is complex and multifaceted. It requires not just technological innovation but also a deep understanding of the natural world and its intricate web of life. As we strive to mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is this holistic approach that will ultimately guide us towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
