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Essay / Ocean Acidification: Solutions to Serious Environmental Concerns
Table of ContentsIntroductionHuman Impact on Ocean AcidificationImpact of Ocean Acidification on Marine LifeSolutions to Ocean AcidificationConclusionReferencesIntroductionIt's Not Some Extraterrestrials, It's Humans -the same people who are destroying planet Earth. Earth is a beautiful planet that enjoys the blessing of water. Humans are making the water on earth acidic, and ocean acidification is the proper term for this. The term ocean acidification is used to describe a significant change in ocean chemistry. Ocean acidification occurs when atmospheric carbon dioxide reacts with seawater and has measurable impacts on ocean life. Humans are responsible for ocean acidification, which harms marine life and disrupts the chemical balance of the aquatic ecosystem. We created this problem and it's up to us to fix it. Now is the best time to at least start preparing for change to reduce the major problem of ocean acidification. It is we who must think about saving our planet Earth and finding effective solutions to ocean acidification. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Human Impact on Ocean Acidification Humans are responsible for carbon dioxide emissions into the sea. According to Zachos, “it has been hypothesized that there may have been a release of about 2,000 gigatons of carbon over about 10,000 years, probably following a massive release of volcanic methane which would have led to a supply of CO2 in the depths of the ocean” (Logan 819). . Here, methane would have been the supplier of activating the CO2 in the ocean water and disrupting the pH of the water, pH is the scale that allows us to measure the acidity of the water. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it generates carbonic acid, from which carbonate ions are produced; rather, it is a reversible and harmful process. Impact of ocean acidification on marine lifeMarine life is most affected by ocean acidification. Since ocean acidification is a reversible process, it is very dangerous for humans and marine life. According to Cheryl, “a decrease in carbonate ion concentration could affect the calcification process to clarify organisms such as corals” (Logan 820). Marine life faces many consequences due to changes in seawater concentration. Because corals are important to the sea, it is more difficult for them to build their skeleton. The marine ecosystem would be disrupted if corals were disturbed in the sea, which is not beneficial. According to the UNEP-WCMC article, “coral reefs also provide sources of income, food and coastal protection for more than 100 countries around the world” (Logan 822). Corals are of utmost importance as they provide habitat for other marine species such as fish. According to the article “A drop in pH could affect acid-base regulation, as well as various other physiological processes” (Logan 820). Physiological effects mean that reproduction, metabolism, respiration and other vital functions of marine life like squid, sea urchins, worms, crabs, etc. are affected. will be disrupted. This would not benefit the marine ecosystem when marine life is disrupted. Many functions of marine organisms, such as reproduction, are disrupted whenever there is a significant change in the concentration of ions in the water. Solutions to acidification of, 2010.