UCSB will test the impact of electrochemically generated alkalinity on phytoplankton functional group physiology using representative species that are well studied in the context of their biogeochemical impacts on planetary scales. These groups include calcium carbonate producers (coccolithophores) and silica producers (diatoms).

Additionally, UCSB will develop and apply a prospective life-cycle assessment (LCA) model to assess the sustainability of the technology at scale and to identify the technology, economic, and process parameters that most govern its environmental footprint for future optimization efforts.