LOC-NESS NaOH alkalinity trial [climaxing]
Key Questions
What is the LOC-NESS NaOH alkalinity trial?
The trial involves deploying ~65kL of NaOH near Boston for ocean alkalinity enhancement, a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) method. It creates a 2-8 week window to monitor pH, plankton, and prey impacts. High-frequency pH/carbonate and eDNA transects are planned.
What monitoring is planned for the NaOH trial?
High-frequency pH and carbonate sensors, plankton/eDNA transects, and nursery alerts will track effects over the closing 2-8 week window. It addresses CDR-related O2 deoxygenation risks. Status is climaxing, emphasizing urgency.
How does the NaOH trial relate to ocean CO2 storage?
NaOH increases ocean alkalinity to enhance CO2 absorption, similar to stashing CO2 in the sea. A related deep-ocean plan won rare EPA approval, though sinking plants raises questions. LOC-NESS focuses on alkalinity for climate mitigation.
What threats does Trump policy pose to the trial?
Trump administration's proposed $1.1B NOAA funding slash threatens monitoring efforts for the trial and ocean management. This endangers high-freq data collection on pH and ecosystems. Federal ocean research faces precarious finances.
What are the potential ecological impacts of the trial?
The trial risks altering pH, plankton, prey, and causing O2 deoxygenation in nurseries. Monitoring windows are closing, requiring transects and alerts. It's part of debated CDR strategies like deep-ocean CO2 stashing.
~65kL NaOH Boston: 2-8wk pH/plankton/prey window closing. High-freq pH/carbonate, plankton/eDNA transects, nursery alerts; CDR O2 deoxygenation. Trump NOAA $1.1B slash threatens monitoring.