The rate of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by Humans is not reducing at a pace fast enough to limit the most extreme climate warming scenarios. To supplement CO₂ reductions, marine carbon dioxide removal techniques have been proposed by governing bodies (E.g., EU Green deal). One proposed method is increasing the oceans’ ability to take-up excess atmospheric CO₂. Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) which involves the dissolution of alkaline minerals into the ocean is one method of marine carbon dioxide removal being explored. However, the potential effects of how these minerals will dissolve and the repercussion on biological organisms remains poorly understood. The REPAIRS project looks to examine the effects of OAE on sensitive life-stages of shellfish, and to test the dissolution potential of alkaline minerals proposed for OAE.

Natural mineral addition and dissolution in coastal environments capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while enhancing ocean alkalinity (TA) (Eisaman, M.D., Geilert, S., et al. 2023). In reaction to historically unprecedented high atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies are considered to enhance the natural mineral dissolution in the oceans and thereby stabilize the climate.