Ocean Acidification
Ocean Acidification | October 29
2011
| [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] | Environmental Chemistry |
Table of Contents Appendix 4 Appendix 1 5 Appendix 2 5 Appendix 3 5 Appendix 4 5 Appendix 5 5 Appendix 6 5
The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen from 320 parts per million in the early 20th century to an astonishing 380 parts per million at the beginning of the 21st century. These drastic changes to earth’s atmosphere and environment have resulted in numerous ripple effects including the acidification of the ocean. The ocean is a complex mixture of chemicals primarily consisting of water, sodium chloride and trace elements of magnesium, sulfur, potassium, calcium and bromine. Calcium is the most important constituent as it is important in sustaining marine life and plays a role in the chemical balance of the ocean. The acidification of the ocean, precipitated by global warming, is causing a change in the chemical interactions of these various ecological systems. These systems rely on chemical reactions where the pH of the ocean is within a certain range and concentrations of carbon dioxide are at acceptable levels. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has allowed more of it to dissolve in the ocean causing a drastic change in pH and carbonic acid concentrations. These changes could result in the loss of various marine life and ecosystems which once lost cannot be recovered. Acidification of the ocean is a serious concern and if allowed to continue could result in irreversible and permanent changes to ocean ecosystems and marine life.
Appendix
Appendix 1 http://www.chemistryland.com/CHM107Lab/Exp05_CO2/Lab/Exp5_CO2.html Appendix 2
2011
| [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] | Environmental Chemistry |
Table of Contents Appendix 4 Appendix 1 5 Appendix 2 5 Appendix 3 5 Appendix 4 5 Appendix 5 5 Appendix 6 5
The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen from 320 parts per million in the early 20th century to an astonishing 380 parts per million at the beginning of the 21st century. These drastic changes to earth’s atmosphere and environment have resulted in numerous ripple effects including the acidification of the ocean. The ocean is a complex mixture of chemicals primarily consisting of water, sodium chloride and trace elements of magnesium, sulfur, potassium, calcium and bromine. Calcium is the most important constituent as it is important in sustaining marine life and plays a role in the chemical balance of the ocean. The acidification of the ocean, precipitated by global warming, is causing a change in the chemical interactions of these various ecological systems. These systems rely on chemical reactions where the pH of the ocean is within a certain range and concentrations of carbon dioxide are at acceptable levels. The increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere has allowed more of it to dissolve in the ocean causing a drastic change in pH and carbonic acid concentrations. These changes could result in the loss of various marine life and ecosystems which once lost cannot be recovered. Acidification of the ocean is a serious concern and if allowed to continue could result in irreversible and permanent changes to ocean ecosystems and marine life.
Appendix
Appendix 1 http://www.chemistryland.com/CHM107Lab/Exp05_CO2/Lab/Exp5_CO2.html Appendix 2