Example of impact of CO2 levels on Marine EcoSystem

Hi well everyone has been hearing about global warming and rising CO2 levels. Well the rising CO2 levels are acidifying the ocean, driving the pH of the ocean down as CO2 levels rise. This is a very bad thing, as Corals and marine life live in a very narrow band of acceptable PH levels between pH 8.1 and pH 8.4.

Corals grow by creating bicarbonate skeletons, this is what creates the beautiful corals reefs and ecosystems that support the huge abundance of life in the oceans.

However, when pH levels in the ocean drop below about 7.8 calcification stops and corals start to disolve.

Below is a graphic example of this. My marine tank is in the basement, When my son has a sleep over with his buddies, 4 extra bodies exhaling CO2 drives up the CO2 levels and lowers the pH in the tank.

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