By Eshani Siva
Ocean acidification is a growing concern with far-reaching consequences. Rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are absorbed by oceans, causing a decrease in water pH, known as ocean acidification. This disrupts marine ecosystems and impacts shell-forming organisms like corals, mollusks, and planktonic species. Additionally, acidification hinders fish populations' abilities to detect predators and locate food sources. Climate change exacerbates the process, as hotter temperatures cause rocks to shed more minerals through thermal expansion and contraction, weakening their structure.
Rare Earth Elements Contamination
The presence of rare earth elements in waterways raises concerns about potential impacts on human health and the environment. The U.S. EPA's lack of specified thresholds for dissolved rare earth elements leaves uncertainty about their effects.
Researchers have found increased levels of rare earth metals, including lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, and others, in various water bodies, possibly linked to climate change. Water contamination incidents in different regions like Sardinia and Germany emphasize the widespread nature of the issue. Mining waste poses significant risks, with hazardous metals and sulfuric acid generated during the degradation of sulfides in waste rock, threatening ecosystems. Moreover, increasing temperatures have led to a significant rise in metal concentrations in certain areas over decades. Immediate attention is needed to address this concerning issue for environmental preservation.
Biodiversity Loss
Increased acidification negatively impacts fish populations, particularly trout, hindering their ability to thrive. Low pH levels accelerate the release of metals from rocks and sediments in the stream, affecting fish metabolism and breathing. At a pH greater than 9, ammonium in water converts to toxic ammonia (NH3), posing a fatal threat to fish. Ocean acidification occurs when excessive carbon dioxide is absorbed into water. The reaction of carbon dioxide (CO2) with water molecules (H2O) produces carbonic acid (H2CO3). This compound further breaks down into bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+), leading to an accumulation of hydrogen ions, making the water more acidic.
Ecosystems and Industrial Consequences
Ocean acidification has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and industries. As acidity contributes to habitat loss, it directly impacts vital sectors like commercial fisheries, shellfisheries, aquaculture, recreational and traditional fisheries, and tourism activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. These industries heavily rely on healthy seas and coastlines, but ocean acidification poses a significant threat. For instance, oysters, clams, and scallops, which contribute $400 million worth of seafood annually in the United States, face challenges in shell formation due to acidification. These industries' sustainability relies on addressing acidification and preserving marine ecosystem health.
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