Excess carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans causes the water's pH level to drop.
The first test, he said, is to determine the pH level.
Being a responsible pool owner, though, means more than achieving the perfect pH level.
Homeowners should also check the soil's pH level and make adjustments if necessary.
The pH level was between 8 and 9, Dr. Kounaves said.
Check all fluids and replenish as needed, including the pH level and the concentration of fluids in the cooling system.
The water that flows out of the mine is extremely acidic, with a pH level of 0.5.
Seawater is naturally slightly alkaline, but as oceans absorb CO2 from the air, their pH level falls gradually.
The test results will list the pH level of the soil, and for growing grass, neutral or slightly acidic conditions are best.
But biologists have observed that a change of 0.3 in the pH level in the blood of some deep sea creatures can halve the amount of oxygen.
In general, she said, because dogs' skin has a pH level different from human skin, it's wise to use a shampoo especially formulated for them.
