Reduced calcification of marine plankton in response to increased atmospheric CO2

Two dominant marine calcifying phytoplankton species, the coccolithophorids Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica, produced less calcite under ocean acidification conditions. They also had more deformities and higher rates of incomplete development. The findings suggest that ocean acidification could slow down the production of calcium carbonate in the ocean. (Laboratory study)