Water Pollution and Ocean Acidification

Water pollution covers so much from rapid urban development, improper sewage disposal by industries, oil spills, disposal of chemical and radioactive wastes, and plastic pollution are some of the major causes of water pollution among may other that have not been mentioned. Today, water scarcity and polluted water are posing a big threat to the human existence across many nations of the world and sadly it's the same human beings creating a threat to themselves.

Ocean waters absorb around 30 percent of the carbon dioxide that is released in the atmosphere. Ocean acidification occurs when the CO2 absorbed by the seawater undergoes a series of chemical reactions which leads to increased concentration of hydrogen ions, thus making the seawater more acidic. This decreases the carbonate ions in the seawater which makes it difficult for clams, deep sea corals, oysters etc. to build and maintain their shells and other calcium carbonate structures. These changes in the ocean water chemistry can affect the behavior of other organisms also. This puts the entire ocean food web at risk. Listed below are some  of the measures which can help prevent water pollution and ocean acidification:

Practice more effective measures to contain spills in oceans and seas

Curtail storm water runoff and plant trees near water bodies to reduce soil erosion

Expand the network which monitors the measuring of acidity levels to provide researchers and shellfish farmers with long-term and real-time pH data

Incorporate ocean acidification threats into the coastal zone management plans of states

Increase marine protection measures by checking on the legal framework and ensuring the respective government offices safeguard the lakes,rivers,streams,oceans and seas.

Reference 

https://ohsonline.com/Home.aspx

https://eponline.com/home.aspx