Ocean acidification is caused by carbon dioxide from the atmosphere being absorbed by the oceans, which increases acidity levels. Before a few decades, ocean water was basic but acidity has been rising. This poses threats such as damage to marine life, food webs, and ocean goods/services that rely on calcification. Programs are working to increase awareness and research mitigation strategies, though no large-scale reductions have occurred yet. Individual actions like reducing carbon footprints, planting trees, and minimizing vehicle use can help address the problem.
2. Ocean acidification is the continuous decrease in the pH of the Earth's
oceans, caused by the diffusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from
the atmosphere.
pH is the measure of acidity or basicity of a substance. If the pH of a
substance ranges below 7, it is considered as an acid and if the pH of a
substance measures above 7, it is considered as a base. pH stands for
Potential Hydrogen.
Before a few decades, the ocean water was basic. With time acidity of
the ocean water is rising.
3. โข The main cause of ocean acidification is the atmospheric
Carbon-dioxide. When the atmospheric carbon-dioxide
dissolves in water it forms Carbonic Acid and finally splits
Bicarbonate ion (HCO3
-) and Hydrogen (H-). This
absorption of carbon in water is called Carbon
Sequestration.
โข Moreover deforestation, use of petroleum, et cetera are
other factors contributing indirectly to this acidification
5. o Marine animals are unable to survive.
o Destruction of Food Web
o Several ocean goods and services are likely to be damaged by
future ocean acidification.
o Calcification
o Vulnerable Shelled animals
6. Changes in ocean chemistry can have extensive direct and
indirect effects on organisms and their habitats. One of the most
important impact is increasing ocean acidity relates to the
production of shells and plates out of calcium
carbonate (CaCO3). This process is called calcification.
Calcification involves the conversion of dissolved ions into
solid CaCO3 structures. After they are formed, such structures
are vulnerable to dissolution unless the surrounding seawater
contains saturating concentrations of carbonate ions (CO3
2โ).
8. SOME PROGRAMS WORKING FOR THESE ACIDIFICATION ARE:
1. Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) by National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
2. UK Ocean Acidification (UKOA) Programs and Researches
3. Precision Measurement and Equipment Laboratory (PMEL) which is
another sub-division of NOAA.
STEPS TAKEN BY THESE PROGRAMS:
1. Creating Public Awareness
2. Conducting researches that help in maximum expansion of knowledge
and taking appropriate actions for reduction in this ocean acidifications.
3. Drafting plans for future reduction of the same with several other co-
operations.
Till date no steps have been taken as such for the reduction of the
acidification.
9. We can adopt the following measures for our contribution towards
this acidification:
1. We can reduce our carbon footprint by: switching to energy
efficient products, dropping the temperature of our water heaters
from 60o C to 400 C and by switching of appliances at the plug
point.
2. By planting trees through processes like Reforestation and
aforestation.
3. Reducing our vehicle use which is a major cause for emission of
carbon-dioxide.
4. By using the three Rโs of waste management