Potential of Organic Carbon Pool in the Ocean: Approaches for Naturally and Artificially Capturing and Retaining Carbon

Abstract

The organic carbon stored in the seas and coastal ecosystems is referred to as “blue carbon.” Studies on blue carbon have focused a lot of emphasis on ocean ecosystems such seagrass beds, mangroves, saltmarshes, and algae beds. However, these vegetated ecosystems are not the exclusive repositories of atmospheric carbon, and alternative methods of capturing and retaining carbon naturally (by utilizing the inherent capacity of the ocean) and artificially (through the implementation of engineered approaches) are thus being investigated. This study provides an overview of these approaches and assesses the potential for storing organic carbon beyond vegetated ecosystems. The study used a systematic evaluation of the literature in order to determine the trend in blue carbon research, particularly with regard to carbon storage beyond vegetated environments. Besides the carbon sequestration by the marine vegetation, the present study proposes the feasibility of capturing aquatic carbon through a biological pump process that has the potential to store carbon at the ocean floor. Furthermore, we summarize the potential impact of artificial processes on carbon dioxide removal. This study suggests an expanded definition of “blue carbon” that incorporates the concepts of “organic carbon,” “carbon dioxide removal,” and “carbon capture and storage by oceans and coastal ecosystems.”