Ocean Acidification

Direct result of human activity releasing excess Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere.

Chemical chain reaction:

1. Ocean absorbs vast amounts of excess CO2 from the air

2. The CO2 reacts with the seawater (H2O) to form a weak acid called carbonic acid:

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3

3. This carbonic acid breaks down, releasing hydrogen ions (H+) into the water. An increase in H+ ions means the pH of the oceans drops (more acidic)

The consequence:

• Marine creatures (coral, crabs, shellfish) need carbonate ions to build their hard shells.

• The extra acid reacts with and destroys these carbonate ions, meaning sea creatures can no longer build or maintain their shells, collapsing the ocean food chain.