Index IntroductionCauses and Effects of Ocean AcidificationSolutions and Prevention of Ocean AcidificationConclusionReferencesIntroductionOcean acidification, the absorption of CO2 into the ocean which increases the acidity of the water, will harm inevitably the environment. Many have mistakenly assumed that the ocean is unaffected by climate change, however they couldn't be more wrong. This is because acidity lowers the metabolism and immune responses of marine species, as well as eroding the shells of vital marine species, such as clams, oysters, urchins and tetrapods. Awareness of this topic and implementation of solutions to ocean acidification are critical to preventing irreversible changes in our marine life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Causes and effects of ocean acidification The lowering of the pH in seawater can initially be attributed to the industrial revolution. Since this event began in 1760, studies have shown that the ocean's pH level has decreased by 0.1 (a 30% increase in acidity). Scientists predict that ocean acidity levels will increase 150% by the end of the century due to continuing carbon dioxide emissions. While carbon dioxide is absolutely necessary for our ecosystem and plant life, it is starting to be produced faster than it can be absorbed naturally and, among other things, the ocean is starting to take a toll. This is based on the idea that the ocean absorbs some of the carbon dioxide (the root cause), nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxide gases from man-made sources, such as the burning of fuel and machinery, which are absorbed into the 'ocean. This makes sense, as these emissions are influenced by gravity and often flow into the ocean. The pH of seawater is lowered when carbonic acid (H2CO3) mixes with water molecules (H20) to form a chemical reaction that causes an increase in acidity. When H2CO3 and H20 mix, they break down to form a hydrogen ion (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-). This is what lowers the pH of seawater. Other research has revealed that the continued decrease in seawater pH will begin to affect ocean life in various ways. Over time, acidity can harm some marine creatures. Marine creatures that use calcium carbonate in their shells are particularly at risk. The diagram above shows the shell of a pteropod, a pea-sized marine creature. By 2100, this diagram will be an accurate representation of the time it takes for a pteropod shell to dissolve in ocean water. The effects of ocean acidification also apply to shellfish. This has been evident in the failure of shellfish farming in aquaculture facilities and natural ecosystems on the West Coast, which accounts for nearly 85% of its economic earnings and more than 42,000 jobs, as well as the tribes' food and cultural identity local. This is believed to be the result of upwelling (upwelling is the occurrence of water below the surface rising above after the original surface water has been pushed elsewhere by the wind) which lowers the pH of the water. Although the increase in acidity resulting from upwelling is considered natural, studies suggest that anthropogenic CO2 may have a role to play in this phenomenon. Indeed, ocean acidification may well be responsible for this threat to the 100 million dollar shellfish industry.dollars per year, but it would be unwise to reach this conclusion thus far. Washington state is particularly affected by ocean acidification due to regional implications, such as coastal upwelling. This water rose heavy in carbon dioxide, with little pH. This rising water originally flowed deep beneath the surface absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere 30 to 50 years ago. This water is pushed upwards, serving as a sort of 1970s time capsule. Additionally, Washington waters experience storm runoff that feeds into rising water, dislodging many seafloor plants and absorbing carbon dioxide. This has different effects in different places. An example of this would be that billions of oyster larvae were lost in Washington, significantly harming its agricultural industry between 2005 and 2009. It can logically be concluded that Washington's marine life is threatened by ocean acidification . Other areas are affected by ocean acidification due to their oceans are the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with a lot of acidic water and upwelling. Within the Puget sound there are estuarine environments, with saturation of dissolved oxygen and carbonate which can further reduce the pH. Sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide from urban areas could also lower the pH of ocean water, but it is currently too early to reach this conclusion. Acidification in Puget Sound also varies by season, with data collected in the winter showing well-distributed acidity and different pH layers in the water during the summer. Willapa Bay and Totten Inlet are better distributed in pH and shape diversity than other Puget Sound estuaries such as Hood Canal, Dabob Bay, and Main Basin. Due to the fact that they are smaller, the addition of fresh water and rising water have a greater than normal effect on its shallowness. Additionally, photosynthesis has more power on ocean plants, as they are closer to the surface of the water, therefore absorbing more sunlight. This can result in more carbon dioxide, as there are more decaying plants. In addition to runoff and upwelling, rivers and streams that flow into the ocean contribute to ocean acidification. The water in these rivers and streams typically has a higher acidity, with a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. This is the result of the addition of minerals from soil and other organic material not normally found in the ocean. Wastewater from industrial products can also flow into the ocean and lower pH. Increased acidity in the ocean has also had a negative effect on corals. Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have put 33% of the corals that form the reef at risk of bleaching. The color of corals comes from symbiotic algae and the loss of these algae would mean the inevitable death of the corals. A quarter of marine fish species live on coral reefs, as do 500 million humans who need them for subsistence. In 2015, the WWF predicted that coral loss will cost $500 billion per year by 2100, as did other studies' prediction that coral reefs will begin to erode faster than they can be rebuilt. The potential environmental and economic impact of ocean acidification has prompted research to better understand this dilemma. Experiments have been conducted in the North Pacific Ocean using hydrographic cruises, which have produced significant data. Over the course of 15 years, documentation of pH 6,000 meters below the ocean surface has shown an increase related to atmospheric increases in CO2. Currently, the observers—2015.