Oceans absorb large amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This may sound like a good thing, but it is not. Emissions from vehicles and industries contribute high amount of carbon dioxide in the air causing the ocean to be more acidic. Marine organisms also contribute to the CO2 concentration through respiration. Let’s analyze the chemical reaction below. CO2(g) + H2O (l) ⇌ H2CO (aq) More CO2 shifts the equilibrium towards producing more carbonic acid, H2CO. The low temperature in the colder regions of the globe also favors the dissolution. Ocean acidification is quite complex. Phytoplankton cannot survive the acidic condition. Organisms that depend on plankton for food will also be affected. Acidification can also lead to coral bleaching and destruction. Moreover, calcium carbonate which makes up shells of marine organisms is soluble in acidic conditions. Despite all these, note that the dissolution of CO2 in water is a reversible process. Thus, reducing the amount of CO2 in the air should reverse and minimize its adverse effect. With that in mind, what can you contribute as a SHS student to reduce the adverse effects of too much CO2?
Oceans absorb large amount of CO2 from the atmosphere. This may sound like a good thing, but it is not. Emissions from vehicles and industries contribute high amount of carbon dioxide in the air causing the ocean to be more acidic. Marine organisms also contribute to the CO2 concentration through respiration. Let’s analyze the
More CO2 shifts the equilibrium towards producing more carbonic acid, H2CO. The low temperature in the colder regions of the globe also favors the dissolution. Ocean acidification is quite complex. Phytoplankton cannot survive the acidic condition. Organisms that depend on plankton for food will also be affected. Acidification can also lead to coral bleaching and destruction. Moreover, calcium carbonate which makes up shells of marine organisms is soluble in acidic conditions.
Despite all these, note that the dissolution of CO2 in water is a reversible process. Thus, reducing the amount of CO2 in the air should reverse and minimize its adverse effect. With that in mind, what can you contribute as a SHS student to reduce the adverse effects of too much CO2?
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