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THE PROBLEM OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

by Pragati Dubey | 26-07-2021 13:55 recommendations 0

71 percent of the Earth is covered by water, 97 percent of it is in the seas and oceans and only three percent is potable, of which 2.4 percent is stored in the glaciers of the North and South Pole and only 0.6 percent is in rivers, lakes.  and in ponds.  Our ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing a quarter of the carbon dioxide produced by humans, which causes changes in the basic chemistry of the ocean.  When carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean water, a chemical reaction causes the formation of organic acids (H2CO3), due to which the amount of hydrogen ions in the water increases, which increases the acidity of the ocean and increases the acidity of sea water.  pH decreases.  This process is called ocean acidification. 
In other words, when there is a change in the basic chemistry of the ocean due to a continuous decrease in the pH value of the ocean, it is called 'ocean acidification'.

The absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean helps reduce the climate impact of carbon dioxide emissions, but also negatively impacts the pH value of the ocean.
If the pH value of ocean water continues to decrease in an unnatural way, it affects marine ecosystems and food chains.  Marine fauna such as corals, echinoderms, crustaceans and molluscs are being seriously affected. 
What is the cause of ocean acidification?

Ocean chemistry is constantly changing due to the following reasons:
1. Industrial Revolution
2. High concentration of carbon dioxide
3. Use of Fossil Fuels
4. Cement Manufacturing
5. Change of Land Use
6. Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels in the Ocean
7. Increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
8. Chemical reactions are formed due to high concentration of hydrogen ions
9. Reduction of Carbonate Ions
10. Loss of Biodiversity
11. Changes in the Technology of Production of Biogas
12. Lack of eco-friendly laws and regulations

How does ocean acidification affect marine ecosystems?

1. It lowers the concentration of carbonates, which are important for building blocks, in seawater.

2. It disrupts the food chain of marine organisms, making it difficult to form calcium carbonate shells or shells in acidified water.

3. It has a significant impact on tourism activities such as commercial fisheries, shellfish making, aquaculture, recreational fisheries, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Ocean acidification has increased only after industrialization.  The pre-industrial pH value of ocean water was 8.179, which has risen to 8.1074 due to a 19% increase in H+ ions.  At present, the pH value of ocean water is 8.069 and this corresponds to a 28.8% increase in H+ unions since the industrialization of the 18th century.
 
Source: coastadapt.com.auOcean

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6 Comments

  • Yuseon Mentor says :
    Hi Pragati,

    This is your mentor Yuseon:D

    I thought that ocean's absorption for carbon would be a good thing.
    Reading this report, it seems to have both positive and negative affects.
    I have never thought about how ocean acidification could be a problem.
    What a dilemma for us. We should try and use carbon absorption system in marine life too.

    Thanks for sharing this info:)
    Posted 02-08-2021 03:30

  • Debbie Mentor says :
    Dear Pragati,

    This is your mentor Debbie :)
    Just like one degrees rise in the average global temperature is affecting the globe extensively, it seems like a small decrease in the ocean pH is affecting the marine ecosystem drastically. The third point that it affects the tourism industry no longer seems to be a big issue due to the rise in Covid-19, but the first two points seem critical to oceanic ecosystem. Thank you for introducing another new topic for us :)

    Green Cheers,
    Debbie
    Posted 30-07-2021 20:18

  • Bindu Dhakal says :
    Hello Pragati,
    Hope you are doing great,
    Thank you for your report in problems due to ocean acidification
    Keep writing,
    Green Cheers,
    Bindu,
    Posted 28-07-2021 20:14

  • Meena Pandey says :
    Dear Pragati Dubey,
    Thank you for this wonderful report, you have clarified on causes of ocean acidification and effect on marine life. I enjoyed reading your report. I am eager to read your next report.

    I want to give you a kind reminder to fill this form which will take just a minute so that we can get connected in the coming days too.

    Form link : http://forms.gle/G2Qa9iXjhDXxcWcr9

    Yours,
    Meena

    Posted 28-07-2021 02:12

  • Sagar Koirala says :
    Dear Pragati Dubey,
    Green Cheers from Nepal

    Ocean Acidification has created numerous problems in the habitat of marine animals. We must take preventive measures to solve the problem. Keep Writing.

    Regards,
    Sagar Koirala
    Posted 27-07-2021 20:37

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