The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Effects of Alkaline Feedstock Dissolution and Sinking on Coastal Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement: A Modelling Study
ID:1401 Oral Presentation

2027-01-12 11:10 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 22 - Advances in modeling marine carbon dioxide removal

Abstract
Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) can potentially remove gigatons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. By adding alkaline substances into seawater, the enhanced alkalinity will yield net removal of atmospheric CO2 if this enhancement happens at the surface. Consequently, it has long been assumed that these substances must be ground into small particles or pre-dissolved to prevent from sinking out of the surface before the addition to the open ocean. However, given the unique hydrodynamics of coastal systems, the applicability of this assumption remains to be verified. In this study, we developed a regional high-resolution model to simulate the addition, dissolution, and sinking of various alkaline feedstocks, and to evaluate their impacts on detectability, potential risks, and CO2 removal efficiency of OAE. Results show that in winter, a fast sinking velocity of feedstocks greatly reduces potential risks, while having minimal impact on the detectability of OAE signals or removal efficiency due to strong vertical mixing. In contrast, summer, which features strong stratification and long residence time, allows a slow dissolution rate to mitigates potential risks without sacrifice on detectability or efficiency. Thus, the potential risks can be mitigated without compromising detectability and efficiency by tailoring feedstock selection to local hydrodynamic conditions.
 
Speaker
Bin Wang Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources

Author
Bin Wang Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027