What was poured into the Gulf of Maine during the alkalinity enhancement experiment?

During the experiment in August 2025, ships poured 65,000 liters of alkaline sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine.

How much carbon dioxide was removed during the ocean alkalinity trial?

The trial removed between 2 and 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the four days following the experiment, with estimates suggesting up to 50 tonnes could be removed overall.

Did the ocean alkalinity enhancement experiment harm marine life?

No significant negative effects on marine life were observed during the trial, according to researchers monitoring microbes, plankton, fish larvae, and photosynthetic activity.

Home / Science / Ocean Alkalinity Boosts CO2 Removal: Trial Success

Ocean Alkalinity Boosts CO2 Removal: Trial Success

27 Feb

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Summary

65,000 liters of sodium hydroxide were poured into the Gulf of Maine.
The trial removed up to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
No significant negative effects on marine life were observed.

Ocean Alkalinity Boosts CO2 Removal: Trial Success

An innovative experiment conducted in August 2025 saw ships release 65,000 liters of alkaline sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine. This initiative aimed to counteract ocean acidification and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Initial findings, announced on February 25, 2026, indicate that the trial successfully removed between 2 and 10 tonnes of CO2 in just four days. Researchers estimate a potential total removal of up to 50 tonnes. Crucially, monitoring revealed no significant adverse impacts on the marine ecosystem, including microbes, plankton, and fish larvae.