Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1505
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-1505
05 Jan 2023
 | 05 Jan 2023

Considerations for hypothetical carbon dioxide removal via alkalinity addition in the Amazon River watershed

Linquan Mu, Jaime B. Palter, and Hongjie Wang

Abstract. The Amazon River plume plays a critical role in shaping the carbonate chemistry over a vast area in the western tropical North Atlantic. We explore a thought experiment of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) via hypothetical quicklime addition in the Amazon River watershed, examining the response of carbonate chemistry and air-sea carbon dioxide flux to the alkalinity addition. Through a series of sensitivity tests, we show that the detectability of the OAE-induced alkalinity increment depends on the perturbation strength (or size of the alkalinity addition, ΔTA) and the number of samples: there is a 90 % chance to meet a minimum detectability requirement with ΔTA > 15 μmol kg-1 and sample size > 40, given background variability of 15–30 μmol kg-1. OAE-induced pCO2 reduction at the Amazon plume surface would range between 0–25 μatm when ΔTA = 20 μmol kg-1, decreasing with increasing salinity. Adding 20 μmol kg-1 of alkalinity at the river mouth could elevate the total carbon uptake in the Amazon River plume by 0.07–0.1 MtCO2 month-1. Such thought experiments are useful in designing minimalistic field trials and setting achievable goals for monitoring, reporting, and verification purposes.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 May 2023
Considerations for hypothetical carbon dioxide removal via alkalinity addition in the Amazon River watershed
Linquan Mu, Jaime B. Palter, and Hongjie Wang
Biogeosciences, 20, 1963–1977, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1963-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1963-2023, 2023
Short summary

Linquan Mu et al.

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1505', Anonymous Referee #1, 27 Jan 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Linquan Mu, 18 Apr 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1505', Adam Subhas, 28 Feb 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Linquan Mu, 18 Apr 2023
      • AC3: 'Reply on AC2', Linquan Mu, 18 Apr 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1505', Anonymous Referee #1, 27 Jan 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Linquan Mu, 18 Apr 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2022-1505', Adam Subhas, 28 Feb 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Linquan Mu, 18 Apr 2023
      • AC3: 'Reply on AC2', Linquan Mu, 18 Apr 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Publish subject to minor revisions (review by editor) (20 Apr 2023) by Jack Middelburg
AR by Linquan Mu on behalf of the Authors (21 Apr 2023)  Author's response   Manuscript 
EF by Una Miškovic (24 Apr 2023)
EF by Una Miškovic (24 Apr 2023)  Author's tracked changes 
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (25 Apr 2023) by Jack Middelburg
AR by Linquan Mu on behalf of the Authors (25 Apr 2023)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

26 May 2023
Considerations for hypothetical carbon dioxide removal via alkalinity addition in the Amazon River watershed
Linquan Mu, Jaime B. Palter, and Hongjie Wang
Biogeosciences, 20, 1963–1977, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1963-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-20-1963-2023, 2023
Short summary

Linquan Mu et al.

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
Enhancing ocean alkalinity accelerates carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere. We hypothetically added alkalinity to the Amazon River and examined the increment of the carbon uptake by the Amazon plume. We also investigated the minimum alkalinity addition in which this perturbation at the river mouth could be detected above the natural variability.