Ocean and coastal acidification refers to the process of increasing acidity in the Earth’s oceans and coastal waters. It is primarily caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, leading to chemical changes in the water.
The primary causes of ocean and coastal acidification are as follows:
Increased Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, releases significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. The excess CO2 is absorbed by the oceans, leading to a chemical reaction that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water, resulting in higher acidity.
Carbonic Acid Formation: When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). Carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), leading to the acidification of the surrounding water.
Natural Processes: In addition to human-caused CO2 emissions, natural processes can also contribute to ocean and coastal acidification. These include volcanic eruptions, which release CO2 and other gases into the atmosphere, and the decomposition of organic matter, which can produce carbon dioxide.
Eutrophication: Excessive nutrient runoff from land, such as nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural activities and wastewater discharge, can lead to eutrophication in coastal waters. Eutrophication can stimulate the growth of algae blooms, which, when they die and decompose, release CO2 and further contribute to acidification.
The continuous increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations resulting from human activities is the primary driver of ocean and coastal acidification. The ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 is crucial for mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, this absorption process leads to harmful consequences, including changes in seawater chemistry, reduced availability of carbonate ions, and potential negative impacts on marine ecosystems and organisms.
Ocean and coastal acidification refers to the process of increasing acidity in the Earth’s oceans and coastal waters. It is primarily caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, leading to chemical changes in the water.
The primary causes of ocean and coastal acidification are as follows:
The continuous increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations resulting from human activities is the primary driver of ocean and coastal acidification. The ocean’s capacity to absorb CO2 is crucial for mitigating climate change by reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, this absorption process leads to harmful consequences, including changes in seawater chemistry, reduced availability of carbonate ions, and potential negative impacts on marine ecosystems and organisms.