Ocean Acidification
The ocean's acidification stems mainly from excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. One quarter of carbon dioxide from coal, oil, and gas gets dissolved into the water instead of staying in the atmosphere. This then causes the ocean to become more acidic because it decreases the ocean's pH (IUCN). This can be very detrimental to our ocean's ecosystems and wildlife. "Beyond lost biodiversity, acidification will affect fisheries and aquaculture, threatening food security for millions of people, as well as tourism and other sea-related economies" (The Ocean Portal Team).
Effects of ocean acidity:
Species such as plankton that are threatened by the acidification causes harm to the marine food chains since they are at the bottom (Oceana).
One study showed that the high levels of CO2 caused bleaching on coral (PNAS).
The offset of carbon dioxide can cause organisms thermal stress which will affect their strength in the ecosystem (PNAS).
"Some marine fishes have also shown vulnerability to acidification. While adult fish may be relatively insensitive to ocean acidification, their eggs and larvae may not be able to develop properly due to changes in ocean chemistry." (Oceana)
In acidic conditions some fish show a reduced sense of smell which can affect their swimming behavior. (Oceana)
Ocean acidification can have direct effects on shellfish aquaculture such as mollusks. It can change the patterns of salinity and precipitation. (Biastoch)
Polar regions like the Arctic Ocean are more susceptible to ocean acidification because of colder conditions. Glaciers can melt very rapidly. (Biastoch)
Lower pH levels (more acidic) had adverse effects on growth and morphology of sea urchin post-larvae. (Byrne)
Hydrate destabilization can occur in the Arctic in response to global warming. (Byrne)
Acidification can also be a problem in Michigan's Great Lakes. It could be a serious problem for organisms that are at the bottom of the food chain (Chicago Tribune). The increase of carbon dioxide in the water can be harmful to small organisms. The excess carbon dioxide in the lakes is lowering their pH, and this is making them more acidic. Acidic waters can be difficult for small organisms to live in, and too much acidity can be harmful to freshwater fish (Tiffany Chen). It is hurting their chances of survival and may cause a permanent change to the Great Lakes.
Reference List:
Anthony, K. R. N., et al. "Ocean Acidification Causes Bleaching and Productivity Loss in Coral Reef
Builders." PNAS, vol. 105, no. 45, 11 Nov. 2008, pp. 17444-46.
Biastoch, A. (2011, April 16). Rising Arctic Ocean Temperatures Cause Gas Hydrate Destabilization and Ocean Acidification. Retrieved November 9, 2020, from https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2011GL047222
Byrne, M., Dworjanyn, S. A., & Mos, B. (2020). Effects of Low and High pH on Sea Urchin Settlement, Implications for the use of Alkali to Counter the Impacts of Acidification. Retrieved October 20, 2020.https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.gvsu.edu/science/article/pii/S0044848620310103
Calvin, Juan Carlos. "Effects of Ocean Acidification on Marine Species & Ecosystems." Oceana,
usa.oceana.org/effects-ocean-acidification-marine-species-ecosystems.
Chen, Tiffany. “The Great Lakes May Be Souring Just like Our Oceans.” Popular Science, 26 Feb. 2019, www.popsci.com/great-lakes-souring-climate-change/.
“Ocean Acidification.” IUCN, 26 Apr. 2019, www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/ocean-acidification.
The Ocean Portal Team Reviewed by Jennifer Bennett (NOAA). “Ocean Acidification.” Smithsonian Ocean, 20 June 2019, ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/invertebrates/ocean-acidification.
Tribune, Chicago. “Could Acidification Threaten Great Lakes?” Chicagotribune.com, 5 Sept. 2018, www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-08-16-ct-met-great-lakes-acidification-20100816-story.html.
