Aquatic Co2 – How A Change In Concentration Levels Affects The Ecosystem

All life forms whether humans, animals, or plants depend on Co2 for existence. The inorganic forms of carbon, namely, carbon dioxide and bicarbonate are used by aquatic plants for their survival. Carbon dioxide is preferred by most aquatic plants. Huge increases in aquatic Co2 concentration levels do cause proportionally large increases in the growth of aquatic plants, especially seaweeds, as per one study.

Even though the concentration of carbon dioxide is generally higher in water than it is in air, the actual availability of Co2 to plants in the ocean is pretty low. This is due to the slow movement of gases in the oceanic water. The diffusion of gases in water is almost ten thousand times lower than that in air.

Therefore, although the carbon dioxide concentration in many rivers and streams might be larger than that present in the air, the slow gaseous movement in the water eventually leads to a limitation in the actual availability of carbon dioxide which is essential for the growth of the aquatic plants.

Ocean waters influence climate through the absorption and storage of Co2. Climatic change is caused due to an accumulation of anthropogenic carbon dioxide and various other greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. However, the rate of accumulation depends on the amount of carbon dioxide which is emitted by mankind and the amount of this excessive Co2 that is absorbed by soil and plants or is transported into the depths of the ocean by planktons.

Scientists all over the globe believe that oceanic waters absorb about thirty to fifty percent of the carbon dioxide which is produced by the burning up of fossil fuels. If the oceans did not absorb any carbon dioxide, the level of Co2 in the atmosphere would be much higher than it is now. However, with an increase in the level of Co2, ocean waters are unable to absorb the entire amount of the green house gas. This change in Co2 level has affected aquatic life gravely.

All aquatic animal life differs from land animals and humans. This is because the level of carbon dioxide in their blood is almost similar to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2). Even if there is a minor change in the PCO2 level, it could prove to be fatal for many life species in the oceans.

A change in aquatic Co2 concentration levels would also affect the whole food chain in return. If the concentration of carbon dioxide is affected in the deep seas, not only will many aquatic animals species become extinct, but it will also have a negative impact on many other forms of life further up the food chain, including human beings.