Evaluating Coral Response to Modified Seawater-Water Chemistry and Coral Health

Industrial seawater modification processes, including desalination, electrochemical brine treatment, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and green hydrogen production, generate effluents that can substantially alter seawater chemistry. However, their ecological implications for reef-building corals under altered seawater conditions have not been comprehensively evaluated. The results highlight the need for discharge monitoring frameworks that incorporate ionic balance and trace metals, and for mitigation strategies such as Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ rebalancing and limiting metal release. This study provides evidence to support environmentally responsible implementation of seawater-based technologies and electrochemical-related climate mitigation strategies.