The experiment was conducted with the support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Off the coast of Massachusetts, as part of a scientific experiment, researchers poured 65,000 liters of sodium hydroxide — an alkaline chemical substance dyed red. The geoengineering project, named LOC-NESS, aims to increase the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Researchers believe this could help slow down global warming, reports the Daily Mail.
In August of last year, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts poured sodium hydroxide into the Atlantic Ocean for four days, 50 miles (80 km) off the state’s coast. To track the spread of the substance, specially dyed red for this purpose, the scientists used underwater vehicles and special sensors on the vessel. The experiment was conducted with the support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Over the next few days, scientists recorded that the ocean absorbed 10 tons of carbon, and the pH level increased from 7.95 to 8.3, corresponding to pre-industrial levels.
It was noted that sodium hydroxide did not have a negative impact on the marine environment and its inhabitants.
"Based on the biological and ecological data we collected and analyzed, the LOC-NESS field experiment did not have a significant impact on the biological community based on the metrics we measured," said Rachel Davitt from Rutgers University (New Jersey).
The experiment was based on the Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement method. Adding alkalinity to the ocean accelerates the natural process of converting CO₂ into sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This addresses two issues at once: removing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reducing ocean acidification.
Environmental organizations warn that changing the ocean's pH is a response to consequences, not the root cause. Recent studies also show that excessive alkalinity can affect biodiversity and organism growth. Additionally, the dissolution of alkaline substances releases trace metals, which can accumulate in the oceans and create ecological risks.
"Increasing alkalinity is a short-term solution that does not address the factors leading to climate change and ocean acidification. Restoring ecosystems, such as coral reefs, represents a more sustainable solution and can help reduce acidification, improve water quality, protect coastlines, and support marine life," noted Gareth Cunningham, director of conservation at the Marine Conservation Society.
