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The Acidification of The Oceans
The Acidification of The Oceans
The Acidification of The Oceans
The acidification of the oceans is characterized as being the decrease of the pH of the world
ocean as a result of theCO2 absorption from the atmosphere by the oceans.
The acidification of the oceans has a global negative impact upon bodies and important
ecosystems which provides food for millions of people. The acidification of the oceans rise
has an impact upon beings based on calcium, like small organisms called pteropode, the most
important food source for crabs, fish, lobsters or coral. One of the most important biological
effects is the destruction of colour pigments of some coral species which forms the Great
Barrier Reef. The high water acidity has caused the destruction of the symbiotic algae that had
as a result the whitening of the coral.
Other biological effects:
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The decrease of the reproductive potential of the aquatic organisms and animals
The slowdown of the growth process
The increasing sensitivity towards different illnesses
Negative effects upon the food chain and the ecosystem structure
The increasing of the vulnerability and sensitivity of the ecosystems
Socio-economical effects:
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Fishing decrease
The decrease of the tourism potential
Negative impact upon the real estate in the area
Metal corrosion due to the seas and oceans action
The acidification of the oceans is an unavoidable process due to the continuum release of CO2
into atmosphere. The negative impact of these emissions is globally felt, and it affects both
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.