The acidity of Antarctic seawater has risen dramatically, new research shows.

The study, published in The Journal of Marine Chemistry, reveals changes in ocean chemistry over the past 16 years that - while influenced by natural variability - are consistent with increased carbon emissions.

Nick Roden, the lead author of the study, says the results are concerning.

“The surprise was that the change in acidity was so large, indicating that natural and human induced changes have combined to amplify ocean acidity in this region,” he said.