The pH of seawater is affected by carbon dioxide, resulting in increased acidity. Seawater undergoes a reaction with carbon dioxide, leading to the formation of carbonic acid. This carbonic acid subsequently breaks down into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), thereby increasing the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. The rise in hydrogen ions causes a decline in pH, resulting in more acidic seawater. This phenomenon is known as ocean acidification. Marine organisms, including coral reefs, shellfish, and other species that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells or skeletons, can be negatively impacted by ocean acidification. Additionally, the balance of marine ecosystems can be disrupted, and various ecological processes in the ocean can be affected.
Carbon dioxide affects the pH of seawater by causing it to become more acidic. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water molecules to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid then dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), which increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. The increase in hydrogen ions leads to a decrease in pH, making the seawater more acidic. This process is called ocean acidification. Ocean acidification can have detrimental effects on marine organisms, such as coral reefs, shellfish, and other marine life that depend on calcium carbonate for their shells or skeletons. It can also disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems and impact various ecological processes in the ocean.
Carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This process is known as ocean acidification and has significant impacts on marine life and ecosystems.
