MIT researchers introduce a chemical-free approach to balancing ocean acidity that protects marine life and could have huge impact on the global aquaculture market.

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MIT News

MIT researchers have developed a chemical-free electrochemical method to remove CO2 from seawater and restore ocean alkalinity, helping shellfish hatcheries combat ocean acidification. The process uses reactive electrodes to extract dissolved carbon dioxide as a gas, then reverses the voltage to return alkaline water to the sea — producing no waste. Trials at Maine's Mook Sea Farm showed oyster larvae fared better under this approach than with traditional sodium bicarbonate buffering. The captured CO2 can be repurposed, such as growing algae for shellfish feed. Backed by an ARPA-E award and a collaboration with the University of Maine, the team aims to scale the technology to support the $60 billion global shellfish aquaculture market and coastal blue economies.

Carbon removal project supports Maine’s blue economy, broader marine health