Combined effects of ocean acidification and solar UV radiation on photosynthesis, growth, pigmentation, and calcification of the coralline alga Corallina sessilis (Rhodophyta)

When a coralline alga was exposed to both ocean acidification and solar UV radiation, its growth, photosynthesis, and calcification rates were greatly reduced, compared to when it was exposed only to solar UV radiation. The calcified layer of the alga appeared to provide protection from UV. The results imply that ocean acidification causes coralline algae to suffer from more damage caused by UV. (Laboratory study)