Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in pH levels of the oceans. This is as a result of the increase in CO2 levels surrounding the earth. Oceans currently absorb (1 )/3 of carbon dioxide present within the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide that enters the sea this results in a change in the chemicals present in the ocean thereby changing the equilibrium of the ocean due to different chemical ratios. This is particularly harmful for organisms with shells such as shell fish along with coral and others that build calcium-based shells.
Ocean acidification does not mean that oceans are acidic, it just means their pH is decreasing and although they are still currently alkaline, this could change within the next few centuries. The acidity or alkalinity of a solution refers to the number of Hydrogen ions [H+] found within it. To …show more content…
For over 300 million years the ocean pH averaged around 8.2. In just 2 centuries due to the industrial revolution the acidity has decreased by 0.1. This means a 25% increase in acidity of oceans. This is due to the oceans absorbing around half the CO2 emitted through human activities and providing storage for the extra carbon dioxide. Without this occurring greenhouse gas emissions would be so much higher than they already are. As over the past 200 years the amount of fossil fuels burnt has increased, thereby increasing CO2 present within the atmosphere and in oceans, by 2100 it’s predicted that the oceans will have a pH of 7.76-7.86. Nonetheless depending on where in the world you are the pH could differ slightly, due to the fact that carbon dioxide is more readily soluble (Solubility means the ability of a chemical substance, the solute to dissolve in another chemical solution the solvent. This forms the solution) colder water as opposed to warm meaning countries such as New Zealand are particular susceptible to the effects of Ocean Acidification before they hit the rest of the
Ocean acidification does not mean that oceans are acidic, it just means their pH is decreasing and although they are still currently alkaline, this could change within the next few centuries. The acidity or alkalinity of a solution refers to the number of Hydrogen ions [H+] found within it. To …show more content…
For over 300 million years the ocean pH averaged around 8.2. In just 2 centuries due to the industrial revolution the acidity has decreased by 0.1. This means a 25% increase in acidity of oceans. This is due to the oceans absorbing around half the CO2 emitted through human activities and providing storage for the extra carbon dioxide. Without this occurring greenhouse gas emissions would be so much higher than they already are. As over the past 200 years the amount of fossil fuels burnt has increased, thereby increasing CO2 present within the atmosphere and in oceans, by 2100 it’s predicted that the oceans will have a pH of 7.76-7.86. Nonetheless depending on where in the world you are the pH could differ slightly, due to the fact that carbon dioxide is more readily soluble (Solubility means the ability of a chemical substance, the solute to dissolve in another chemical solution the solvent. This forms the solution) colder water as opposed to warm meaning countries such as New Zealand are particular susceptible to the effects of Ocean Acidification before they hit the rest of the