Acidification Effects On Oceans

The increasing level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is taking its toll on the ecological systems. The acidification effects of excess carbon dioxide dissolved in ocean water is a cause of concern.

The excess atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolved in water causes ocean acidification. It decreases the pH level of the ocean. According to many scientists, by the end of this century, the pH level of the ocean's water will reduce to alarming levels.

The dissolving of carbon dioxide in water is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it is essential for sea life. But, in the recent years, due to anthropogenic activities, the level of atmospheric Co2 has increased considerably. This excess Co2 is absorbed by the oceans, thus making them acidic. It decreases the pH level of the water.

Acidification of the oceans is one of the biggest threats to the Earth. There are many harmful effects of acidification on oceans. It affects the life of the marine animals in a harmful manner.

The acidification of oceans affects the life of all creatures living in the oceans. This is also responsible for increasing the temperature of the seawater. This results in lesser oxygen to the marine animals. That is responsible for the decreasing life cycle of these animals.

The acidic water of the oceans also harms the shell-forming plants, surface of the oceans, deep water corals. Plankton, clams, oysters, snails and lobsters are facing difficulties in surviving.

The food source of these animals and plants has also decreased. Acidification affects the small fishes very badly. According to many experts from the field of environmental sciences, it is urgent to control the acidification of the oceans. Otherwise, the pH level of the water will fall by 0.7 percent in next hundred years.

Acidification also affects the temperature of the water of the oceans. This directly affects the marine life. The growth of the marine animals highly depends on the temperature of the water.

Also, the sea water has big amount of salt in it. So, by adding the carbon dioxide, the water turns milky. It affects the percentage of some essential nutrients in the water like nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon and iron.

This can affect the health of the human beings also.

Oceans are the only source of getting salt and sea food. If ocean acidification continues, it can harm the sea food business. This will be detrimental to all sea food lovers.

As a result of all this, experts are working out all possible measures to fight this problem. To prevent the oceans and marine life from acidification, human beings need to stop polluting the atmosphere.

If timely action is not taken, the acidification effects will cause damage beyond control. Also, we will lose the very precious sea life.