Organic alkalinity has been recognized as a potentially substantial fraction of total alkalinity in coastal waters. However, conventional assessments of ocean acidification typically neglect its contribution when calculating pH and aragonite saturation state, potentially biasing the derived values. Here, we present elevated organic alkalinity in Arctic margins, and show that failure to account for it introduces substantial biases in calculated [H+] (1% – 51%) and aragonite saturation state (1% – 117%) in the Svalbard fjords, Tanafjorden, and the Barents Sea Opening, with potential implications for the broader Atlantic sector of the Arctic margins. Regional projections based on Earth system model outputs further indicate that accounting for organic alkalinity leads to a larger and faster pH decline. These results indicate non-negligible biases in conventional ocean acidification assessments for Arctic margins and highlight the need to account for organic alkalinity in coastal waters and beyond.
Song S., Bellerby R., Wallhead P., Tjiputra J., Yakushev E., Wang Z. A., Omar A., Jones E. M., Skjelvan I. & Li D., in press. Overlooked contribution of organic alkalinity in Arctic Ocean margins biases ocean acidification estimates. Communications Earth & Environment. Article.
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