IndexIntroductionHuman Impact on Ocean AcidificationImpact of Ocean Acidification on Marine LifeSolutions to Ocean AcidificationConclusionReferencesIntroductionIt is not some aliens, but humans themselves are destroying planet Earth. Earth is a beautiful planet that is blessed with water. Humans are making the water on earth acidic, and ocean acidification is the correct term for this phenomenon. The term ocean acidification is used to describe a significant change in ocean chemistry. Ocean acidification occurs when atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to have measurable impacts on ocean life. Humans are responsible for ocean acidification, which is harming marine life and disturbing the chemical balance in the aquatic ecosystem. We created this problem and it is up to us to fix it. Now is the best time to at least start preparing for change to reduce the major problem of ocean acidification. We are the ones who must think about saving our planet Earth and finding effective solutions to ocean acidification. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Human Impact on Ocean Acidification Humans are responsible for carbon dioxide emissions in the sea. According to Zachos “it has been hypothesized that there was a release of approximately 2000 gigatons of carbon in approximately 10,000 years, presumably as a result of a massive volcanic release of methane that resulted in a release of CO2 into the deep ocean” (Logan 819) . Here, methane would be the supplier to activate the CO2 in the ocean water and disturb the pH of the water, pH is the scale that can measure the acidity in the water. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it generates carbonic acid and from these carbonate ions are formed; instead, that it is a reversible and harmful process. Impact of ocean acidification on marine life Marine life is most affected by ocean acidification. Being a reversible process, ocean acidification is very dangerous for humans and marine life. According to Cheryl, “decreasing carbonate ion concentrations could affect the calcification process for clarifying organisms such as corals” (Logan 820). Marine life faces many consequences due to changes in seawater concentration since corals are important to the sea, it is more difficult for them to build their skeleton. The marine ecosystem would be disturbed if corals were disturbed in the sea, which is not very beneficial. According to the UNEP-WCMC article, “Coral reefs also provide sources of income, food, and coastal protection for more than 100 countries around the world” (Logan 822). Corals are critically important because they serve as habitat for other marine life such as fish. According to the article “Lowering pH could affect acid-base regulation, as well as a variety of other physiological processes” (Logan 820). The physiological effects mean that reproduction, metabolism, respiration and other vital functions of marine life such as squid, sea urchins, worms, crabs, etc. they will be disturbed. It would not be beneficial to the marine ecosystem when marine life would be disturbed. Many functions of marine organisms, such as reproduction, are disturbed whenever there is a large change in the concentration of ions in the water. Solutions to ocean acidification To reduce the risk of, 2010.
tags