Ocean Acidification and its Effects

Ocean Acidification

• Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 gas dissolves in the ocean and chemically reacts with seawater.
• Despite its name, the ocean does not become acidic, but remains alkaline, with a pH closer to the acidic end of the scale.
• The reaction between CO2 and seawater forms an unstable molecule called carbonic acid, which becomes stable by releasing a hydrogen ion and becoming bicarbonate.
• The increase in hydrogen ions reduces the pH of the water, making it closer to acidity.
• The production of hydrogen ions affects marine organisms, such as corals and mollusks, that use calcium carbonate to build strong structures.
• Calcium carbonate is formed from calcium and carbonate, which is affected by the increase in hydrogen ions.
• Hydrogen ions bind more easily with carbonate than with calcium, causing corals to miss out on needed calcium, leading to slowed growth.
• While the oceans are still safe for humans, the increase in hydrogen ions can make it difficult for many marine organisms to survive.

Ocean Acidification

• Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 dissolves in seawater, triggering a chemical reaction.
• Despite the name, the ocean remains alkaline, but its pH shifts closer to the acidic end of the scale.
• The reaction between CO2 and seawater forms carbonic acid, which breaks down into bicarbonate and releases a hydrogen ion.
• The increased hydrogen ions reduce the pH of the water, making it more acidic.

Impact on Marine Organisms

• The increase in hydrogen ions affects marine organisms like corals and mollusks that use calcium carbonate to build strong structures.
• Calcium carbonate formation is disrupted by the increased hydrogen ions, which bind more easily with carbonate than calcium.
• This causes corals to miss out on needed calcium, leading to slowed growth.
• The increased hydrogen ions can make it difficult for many marine organisms to survive.

Explore the process of ocean acidification, its impact on seawater pH, and the resulting effects on marine ecosystems.