The Ocean Carbon Lab studies the biogeochemistry of seawater and sediments to answer fundamental questions related to carbon and oxygen cycles in the context of climate change and anthropogenic stressors in ocean systems.
Contact
Prospective students can email me directly to discuss possible research projects that can be conducted in my lab.
Dr. Hongjie Wang
Graduate School of Oceanography
University of Rhode Island
215 South Ferry Rd
Narragansett, RI 02882 USA
Office: CACS 318
Carbon Cycle for Everyone
What is Ocean Acidification?-The Achilles’ Heel of Calcifying Organisms
Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have been on a steady rise due to the extensive use of fossil fuels. As of now, CO2 levels have exceeded the highest levels observed in the past 800,000 years. This unprecedented increase not only accelerates global warming but also introduces a significant global challenge: the rise in oceanic acidity. This happens because carbon dioxide, when dissolved in water, forms carbonic acid, a weak acid.
Marine calcifiers, such as oysters and corals, rely on their strong shells and skeletons made of calcium carbonate for protection against predators and harsh environmental conditions. Yet, these natural armors are surprisingly susceptible to the gradual increase in ocean acidity. The escalating acidity undermines the structural integrity of these protective shells and skeletons, posing a significant risk to the survival of these organisms. To demonstrate the impact of varying acidity levels, we experimented with tap water, sparkling water, and vinegar to represent neutral, mildly acidic, and strongly acidic environments, respectively. Our aim was to observe firsthand how increasing acidity affects calcifiers.
While the acidity produced by CO2 doesn’t reach the intensity of vinegar, the severe effects observed with vinegar serve as a stark illustration of the potential damage caused by rising CO2 levels. The mild acidity in sparkling water, primarily resulting from carbon dioxide, serves as an appropriate metaphor for the Earth’s oceans in a future marked by elevated CO2 concentrations. As our industrial endeavors continue to emit CO2, a larger fraction of this greenhouse gas is absorbed by the oceans, effectively transforming them into a vast “bottle of sparkling water.” This development poses a significant threat to marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Creatures like shells, oysters, and corals are particularly vulnerable; they may find it increasingly difficult to maintain the strength of their protective exteriors, or in more dire circumstances, may start to disintegrate. This analogy underscores the critical nature of ocean acidification and its potential to undermine marine ecosystems.
This experiment serves as a direct visualization of ocean acidification’s effects. It’s like watching the ocean’s pH drop in real-time, leading to a scenario where the building blocks of many marine organisms simply cannot hold up.
What Can We Do?
It’s crucial that we act to reduce our carbon footprint. Every small action counts, from minimizing energy consumption to supporting renewable energy sources and advocating for policies that reduce CO2 emissions. By understanding the impact of our choices, we can contribute to a collective effort to mitigate ocean acidification and protect our marine ecosystems for future generations.
Let’s take responsibility for our planet. By becoming more carbon-conscious, we can help safeguard the Achilles’ heel of these vital marine organisms.