Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification although seems to be self explanatory is actually a very complicated process that is causing immeasurable harm to the Earth. it all started when the Industrial Revolution began taking place, because humankind became more and more dependent on machinery to produce the necessities. these machines gave off large amount of carbon dioxide which in turn fell into the oceans. Today even "simple" things such as cars give off large amount of carbon dioxide out of which 30%is absorbed by the ocean. Now what does this do to the ocean? Well it changes the pH level of the ocean water with a 30% increase in acidity which serves to be very harmful to sea life.
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Ocean Acidifaction
How it impacts sea life: So this acid increases the concentration of hydrogen atoms and decreases the concentration of carbonate ions. These carbonate ions are used as the building blocks for many different structures such as sea shells and coral skeletons. Sea creatures such as oysters, clams, sea urchins, shallow and deep water corals, and calcareous plankton depend on these structures and the decrease in the carbonate ions harms them. Also this increase in acidity impacts the food chain. There are these creatures called Pteropods also known as the "sea butterflies" which serve as a food source for many creatures ranging from krill to whales and are very crucial food sources for the North Pacific salmon. In a study done the shells of pteropods were expected to last in the ocean till the year 2100 but the acidity has been making the shells dissolve in 45 days. If it wasn't enough that the fishes food source is being wiped out and they are unable to find shelter, like larval clownfish whose sensors are so heavily impacted they are unable to find a suitable habitat to live in, the acid also increases chances of predation. the acid messes with the sensors of certain fish like the pollock from differentiating between their predators and their own species.
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How it impacts us: Although it may seem that ocean acidification does not impact humanity, it actually hurts us too. You see, 2 billion people worldwide depend on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein, especially those in climates that are less than suitable for crops and animals. Also millions of people work in jobs that are dependent on the fish in the oceans such as many marine biologists and as many fishermen trying to make a living. To prevent this from becoming more concerning there are some measures being taken.
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What can we do?: So there are many efforts worldwide that are attempting to monitor the acidification of the ocean but it is proving to be almost impossible to predict how this acidification is traveling and how it will hurt the marine food chain. We as people could try to limit our production of carbon dioxide by supporting greener energy movements that replace the harmful carbon dioxide with a better solution. We could try to contribute by decreasing our usage of everyday vehicles such as cars to a smaller amount to prevent releasing any harmful chemicals into the air. Or if that seems too expensive or impractical, we could simply start withdrawing support for high energy companies that release this harmful carbon dioxide into the air.
