What Is Ocean Acidification?
The human activities have many adverse effects on nature. Ocean acidification is one such consequence. It is the process of decreasing level of pH in the oceans. This is caused by the increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Scientists from all over the world are worried about ocean acidification. The level of carbon dioxide in atmosphere is increased due to human activities. The oceans act as sponge and absorb the excess carbon dioxide in nature. This is a fatal process and it makes the ocean water acidic.
Many aquatic species living in the oceans are getting disturbed with the increasing level of carbon dioxide. According to many scientists, the amount of carbon dioxide in the sea water is highly dependant on the carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide dissolved in the ocean water makes carbonic acid. The carbonic acid makes the sea water more acidic. The results of this reaction are not very clear. But it is very dangerous for the aquatic animals living in the oceans. It is difficult for them to survive in the acidic water as the percentage of oxygen in the water is not up to the mark. There are many harmful effects of ocean acidification. These are listed below. Decreased pH level in the sea water can make life of the aquatic animals very difficult. Marine creatures such as corals, star fish, sea urchins and shell fish will suffer the most. The high acidification makes it difficult for them to maintain their hard calcium carbonate skeletons and shells The ocean acidification can also be responsible of decreasing the climatic effects of emissions of carbon dioxide. The scientists from all over the world have predicted that the pH level will further reduce in the coming years. Increasing level of atmospheric Co2 has reached alarming heights. There are many reasons behind the rise of carbon dioxide in atmosphere. These are increasing population of the world. Human beings are the biggest source of carbon dioxide. At night, even plants release carbon dioxide. Both global warming and ocean acidification are affected by the increasing level of carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide mixes in water, it makes the water more harmful. However, there are a few preventive measures to control ocean acidification. But, these measures are not easy to implement. Emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide have to be cut to contain the rising levels of acidity in the oceans. This can potentially prevent harmful consequences for marine life. |
