Calcification rate of pteropods dropped 28 percent at pH levels projected for 2100. This result supports the concern for the future of pteropods in a high-CO2 world, as well as of those species dependent upon them as a food resource. (Laboratory study)
When larvae of Mediterranean pteropods were cultured in pH 7.82 water, they had malformations and less shell growth. At pH 7.51, the larvae did not make shells but survived and showed normal development. In a natural setting, the smaller shells or lack of shells would have both ecological and biogeochemical ...
Although pteropods are able to build shells at low aragonite saturation state, the production of their shell appears to be very sensitive to decreased pH. (Laboratory study)
Increased CO2 and temperature acted together to increase the growth of algal turfs, which produced twice as much biomass and covered four times as much space. Experimental removal of algal turfs led to greater establishment of young kelp. The findings suggest that ocean acidification and warming could potentially cause a ...
Shark feeding could be affected by changes in seawater chemistry projected for the end of this century. When smooth dogfish were placed for five days in ocean acidification conditions, their odor tracking behavior was impaired, and they attacked less. (Laboratory study)
Climate change, rising atmospheric carbon dioxide, excess nutrient inputs, and pollution in its many forms are fundamentally altering the chemistry of the ocean, often on a global scale and, in some cases, at rates greatly exceeding those in the historical and recent geological record. Major observed trends include a shift ...
Atmospheric nitrogen and sulfur from human activities have substantial impacts on coastal waters, where ocean acidification could have the most severe implications for humans.
Common sunstar larvae and juveniles in ocean acidification conditions grew faster without apparent effects on survival or body structure. Unlike the larvae of some other sea star species that feed on plankton, larval common sunstars rely on nutrition provided in their egg. This difference in life history may enable some ...
Brittlestar larvae died within 8 days after being transferred into acidified seawater (pH 7.9). The larvae had reduced growth and abnormal development and body structure. The brittlestar used in this study, Ophiothrix fragilis, dominates the seabed ecosystem off northwestern Europe, and the findings suggest that ocean acidification could lead to ...
This field study in Papua New Guinea examined the effects of natural carbon dioxide seeps on coral reef ecosystems. At reduced pH, coral diversity was lower, population replenishment and abundance of some corals decreased, and interactions among species changed. Reef development ceased below pH 7.7. Ocean acidification, together with warmer ...
