Oceans turning acidic is life threatening
Source: Middle East Insurance Review | Nov 2022
The acidity levels of western region of Arctic ocean are increasing three to four times faster than ocean waters elsewhere and this growing acidity is creating life-threatening problems for the diverse population of sea creatures, plants and other living things that depend on a healthy ocean, according to a new study.
The study published in a recent issue of the journal Science is the first analysis of Arctic acidification that includes data from 1994 to 2020. The research team consisted of Chinese, US, Swedish and Russian scientists.
The researchers have also identified a strong correlation between the accelerated rate of the Arctic melting ice and the rate of ocean acidification. Seawater is normally alkaline, with a pH value of around 8.1.
The study predicts that by 2050, Arctic sea ice in this region will no longer survive the increasingly warm summers. As a result, the ocean’s chemistry will grow more acidic. The team said no one knows exactly what the increasing acidity will do to the creatures and plants and other living things that depend on healthy ocean waters.
The research team said crabs, for example, live in a crusty shell built from the calcium carbonate prevalent in ocean water. Polar bears rely on healthy fish populations for food, fish and sea birds rely on plankton and plants, and seafood is a vital element of many human diets. M