Ocean Acidification is the process when CO2 is absorbed by seawater, which immediately reduces the seawater’s PH levels. This affects the levels of calcium carbonate minerals (commonly known as the building blocks for the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms). If the degradation of these vital materials continues, it will affect the ability of many of these organisms to produce and maintain the upkeep of their shells (What is ocean).
Beginning in the Industrial Revolution, the pH levels have lowered .1. This number might look small, but in reality, it implies that pH levels are 10% lower and the ocean is 10 times more acidic. This is primarily detrimental to shelled animals and coral reefs, and according
to the Coral Reef Conservation Program, “Over 25 percent of the world's fish biodiversity, and between nine and 12 percent of the world's total fisheries, are associated with coral reefs”.
How do pH levels affect the water and why are they so important??
Pteropods are shelled organisms that live as zooplankton and are an extremely important prey species for many fish. If the PH levels in the ocean continue to decrease, it will break down their shell, making it soft, which ultimately leaves to food web at risk.
so Overall, decreased PH levels can determine the availability for aquatic life.
WHAT IS OCEAN ACIDIFICATION?
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