Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. this acid lowers the ph of the water and makes the water corrosive. what is likely to happen if carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase?
Chemistry · High School · Sun Jan 24 2021
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If carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere increase, it can lead to increased absorption of CO2 by water bodies, which can impact the pH of the water and result in the formation of carbonic acid. This process is part of what is known as ocean acidification.
The potential consequences of increased carbon dioxide levels on water bodies include:
1.Lowering of pH: The increased dissolution of CO2 in water leads to the formation of carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. This can make the water more acidic.
2.Corrosive Effects: As the pH decreases, the water can become more corrosive. This increased acidity can have detrimental effects on marine life, particularly on organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and certain types of plankton.
3.Impact on Marine Life: Ocean acidification can negatively affect the growth and development of marine organisms, especially those that rely on calcium carbonate for their structures. This includes disruptions in the formation of shells and skeletons, potentially affecting the entire marine food web.
4.Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in the acidity of the water can lead to disruptions in marine ecosystems, affecting the balance and interactions among different species.
5.Biotic and Abiotic Interactions: Ocean acidification may alter the interactions between organisms and their environment, affecting the physiology and behavior of marine species.
It's important to note that while increased CO2 levels contribute to ocean acidification, they also have other significant implications for climate change. Elevated atmospheric CO2 levels are a major driver of global warming and can result in changes to weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems on a broader scale. Efforts to mitigate the impacts of increased CO2 levels often involve addressing both climate change and specific consequences like ocean acidification.