By: Laura A. de Llano
Carbon emissions, besides climate change, also contribute to ocean acidification. The ocean acts as a carbon sink; this means that oceans absorb carbon dioxide emissions. In the ocean, carbon dioxide transforms into carbonic acid, increasing the acidity of ocean water. Researchers tested the effect of two different acidic conditions and six temperatures in a variety of marine organisms. The four-month study showed that some organisms can cope with increased acidity; however, the data accounts only for short-term responses, not prolonged exposure to acidic conditions. Other studies show that defense mechanisms against acidity depend on many external factors. The ongoing emission of carbon dioxide has encouraged several countries to establish research projects studying ocean acidification because this issue threatens marine ecosystems and the fish industry.
Carbon emissions, besides climate change, also contribute to ocean acidification. The ocean acts as a carbon sink; this means that oceans absorb carbon dioxide emissions. In the ocean, carbon dioxide transforms into carbonic acid, increasing the acidity of ocean water. Researchers tested the effect of two different acidic conditions and six temperatures in a variety of marine organisms. The four-month study showed that some organisms can cope with increased acidity; however, the data accounts only for short-term responses, not prolonged exposure to acidic conditions. Other studies show that defense mechanisms against acidity depend on many external factors. The ongoing emission of carbon dioxide has encouraged several countries to establish research projects studying ocean acidification because this issue threatens marine ecosystems and the fish industry.
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| This figure (from Schiemeier 2011) shows different fates for marine organisms depending on different pH levels. |
Schiemeier Q. (2011). Earth's acid test. Nature. 471: 154-156
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