The pH of ocean water typically ranges from about 7.5 to 8.4, making it slightly basic (alkaline). The average pH of ocean water is often cited as around 8.1. However, this value can vary based on several factors, including location, depth, and environmental conditions.
In recent years, ocean pH has been decreasing due to increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which lead to ocean acidification. As CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which can lower the pH. This change poses risks to marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, like corals and certain shellfish. Monitoring and understanding pH changes in the oceans is an important aspect of studying the impacts of climate change and human activity on marine ecosystems.
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