Study puts seaweed farming carbon sequestration under scrutiny

Seaweed farming, often considered a potential carbon sink, can become a source of CO2 during the aging stage of kelp, according to researchers from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology. The study, based on in-situ mesocosm cultivation experiments and field studies in a Chinese intensive farming area, revealed that late-stage kelps contribute to seawater acidification and deoxygenation, turning the environment into a CO2 source. This finding emphasizes the need for a comprehensive assessment of macroalgal carbon sequestration effects and prudent management of seaweed farming for carbon neutrality goals. (Phys.org)