What is the chemistry behind ocean acidification?
The Chemistry When carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur that reduce seawater pH, carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of biologically important calcium carbonate minerals. These chemical reactions are termed “ocean acidification” or “OA” for short.
How does ocean acidification affect ocean chemistry?
However, as ocean acidification increases, available carbonate ions (CO32-) bond with excess hydrogen, resulting in fewer carbonate ions available for calcifying organisms to build and maintain their shells, skeletons, and other calcium carbonate structures.
What is the biggest contributor to ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification is mainly caused by carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere dissolving into the ocean. This leads to a lowering of the water’s pH, making the ocean more acidic. Many factors contribute to rising carbon dioxide levels.
Does acidification cause coral bleaching?
Greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of ocean acidification and the increases in sea temperature that cause coral bleaching. Any efforts to reduce emissions will bring benefits both on land and at sea. However, global greenhouse gas emissions have risen steadily in recent years.
What issues does ocean acidification cause?
Ocean acidification is expected to have negative overall effects on many marine species. This could alter marine food chains and food supply to humans. Acidification could also decrease storm protection from reefs, tourism opportunities, and other benefits that are difficult to value.
How does ocean acidification decrease pH?
The term ocean acidification refers to the process of moving toward the acid end of the scale, because dissolved carbon dioxide results in increased [H+] lowering the pH of seawater. Carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which releases hydrogen ions, reducing pH.
How does ocean acidification affect shells?
Ocean acidification can negatively affect marine life, causing organisms’ shells and skeletons made from calcium carbonate to dissolve. The more acidic the ocean, the faster the shells dissolve.
What are three causes of ocean acidification?
Causes of Ocean Acidification
- Raised Carbon IV oxide Concentration in the Ocean.
- Raised Carbon IV oxide Concentration in the Atmosphere.
- Higher Concentration of Hydrogen ions in the Water.
- Burning Fossil Fuels.
- Waste Disposal.
- Improper Land Management.
- Industrialization.
Why does acidification affect coral?
The rising acidity of the oceans threatens coral reefs by making it harder for corals to build their skeletons. Corals grow their skeletons upward toward sunlight and also thicken them to reinforce them.