Researchers from McMaster University and the University of Toronto in Canada have proposed a new approach to a global challenge: ocean acidification. As carbon dioxide rises in the atmosphere, more of it dissolves into seawater, pushing the water’s acidity higher and threatening marine life. The team published their findings in a reputable scientific journal to share this plan with the world.
Geological weathering, the natural process where minerals from shoreline rocks dissolve and offset acidity, has long helped balance seawater chemistry. Yet the surge in CO2 over the past six decades has outpaced this natural counteraction, leading to a roughly 30 percent increase in ocean acidity. This shift endangers countless species and vital ecosystems, including coral communities that underpin coastal food webs and tourism economies across North America.
To counteract rising acidity, the researchers describe a strategy focused on boosting the oceans’ alkalinity. In simple terms, the idea is to add substances that neutralize excess acidity, helping stabilize seawater for marine life and ecosystem services. However, proponents acknowledge that large-scale alkalinity augmentation would demand monumental quantities of raw materials—on the order of billions of tonnes annually—posing logistical and environmental challenges.
As a more targeted alternative, the team highlights a biochemical method known as bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED). This technology uses a sequence of delicate, ultrathin membranes to separate charged particles as seawater passes through specially designed filters. The aim is to convert the chemical makeup of seawater in a way that raises its pH level without heavy material inputs. The process is powered by electricity, and the researchers envision pairing it with renewable energy sources to minimize carbon footprints and support long-term viability in diverse coastal regions across Canada and the United States.
Early work shows promise for scaling up BMED while keeping operating costs manageable. In their view, advances in membrane science could lead to more efficient separation, reduced energy use, and safer handling of any byproducts. If proven effective at larger scales, this approach could become part of a broader toolkit to protect coral reefs, shell-forming organisms, and overall ocean health—benefits that ripple through fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection alike.
Looking ahead, the Canadian researchers emphasize collaboration among universities, industry partners, and policymakers to translate laboratory successes into real-world implementations. They note that pilot projects near developed economies, with robust grid infrastructure for renewable energy, could demonstrate the practicality of BMED in temperate and subtropical waters along North America’s coasts. While there is no single fix for ocean acidification, combining enhanced weathering awareness with innovative membrane technologies could help build resilience for marine ecosystems amid ongoing climatic shifts, particularly in sensitive ar eas around Bermuda and similar regions that have shown early signs of stress in recent years. At the same time, continued monitoring of seawater chemistry, biodiversity indicators, and socioeconomic impact will guide responsible deployment and avoid unintended consequences for marine habitats and coastal communities.