Swimming In Acid
Modeling Ocean Acidification
By: Syrah Bhatnagar
Abstract
The environmental impact of ocean acidification causes our seas to expand larger and absorb more carbon dioxide (CO₂), raising water's acidity. The global surface temperature rises in tandem with global warming, resulting in higher temperatures, more intense storms, and an increase in drought. As a result, many organism species' habitats will be lost, leading to the extinction of species and the eventual downfall of our planet’s ecosystem. For instance, the calcium carbonate skeletons and shells of creatures like coral and shellfish are impacted. Their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons disintegrate in increasingly acidic environments, endangering entire ecosystems which depend on these organisms. As ocean acidification continues, it will affect human society. There will be insufficient food, increased health risks, poverty, and displacement, as well as environmental damage, which will contribute to the downfall of human society as we know it.
Background Research
Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the Earth's oceans become more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. When CO₂ is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). This acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻), increasing the acidity (lowering the pH) of the water.The ocean absorbs about 30% of the CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere, which leads to a decrease in the ocean’s pH level. Since the start of the Industrial Revolution, the pH of ocean surface waters has fallen by approximately 0.1 units, which is a 30% increase in acidity.Ocean acidification is a global problem because it affects all oceans, though some regions are more vulnerable due to local conditions. Areas where cold waters exist may absorb more CO₂, and coastal ecosystems are also sensitive because of their shallow waters. Mollusks (like clams, oysters, and mussels) rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells. without these shells they are more vulnerable to predators. When the ocean becomes more acidic, these organisms may experience slower growth, thinner shells, or even death. This affects not only marine food webs but also the world’s industries that depend on shellfish.
Hypothesis
I think that the carbonate outer layers of the mussel shells will disintegrate and make the shell thinner because the acidic water around the mussel damages the shell and weakens the organism (mussel shell). I also think that there may be some holes and other damages to the organism (mussel shell) .
Materials
PH meter strips
PH meter
Mussel shells 16 oz
Filtered tap water
Instant Ocean® salt
spoon
Dry measuring cup
Sealable sandwich baggies
Hammer
Digital scale
Paper towels
Permanent marker
Glass jars with lids
Labels
White distilled vinegar
Eye dropper
Sieve, fine mesh
Procedure
1.Prepare the shells. Remove and discard any flesh. Wash the shells in tap water and dry them thoroughly. Set them aside.
2.Following the instructions on the side of the Instant Ocean box, mix the recommended amount of Instant Ocean salt and filtered tap water in the bucket. Mix vigorously with the wooden spoon until all of the salt has dissolved into the liquid.
3.This mixture is your seawater. Make enough seawater to fill the six jars up to the rim, but do not fill the jars just yet. Measure the pH of the seawater with the pH strips. Place a paper towel on the digital scale. Measure 1 oz. of shells on the scale.
4.Place the shells into a sealable bag. Using the hammer, lightly crush the shells. Empty the shell fragments back onto the scale and reweigh.
5.Place the shell fragments into one of the clean glass jars. Cover the shells with seawater. Fill the jar until it is full to the rim. Close the jar with the lid. Label the jar with the date, the pH of the solution, and the weight of the shell fragments. This jar is a control sample. Make sure that the jar is full and that there is no space between the solution level and the lid. Repeat 2 more times
6. Place a paper towel on the digital scale. Measure 1 oz. of shells on the scale. Place the shells into a baggie and put on your safety goggles. Using the hammer, lightly crush the shells. Empty the shell fragments back onto the scale and reweigh.
7.Place the shell fragments into one of the clean glass jars. Cover the shells with seawater, as in the previous section, but only fill the jar until it is almost full. Using the eyedropper, put three drops of vinegar into the jar and mix. Wait for a few minutes and then measure the pH of the solution with the pH strips. If the pH is not 7.5, add more vinegar (if the solution is not acidic enough) or more seawater (if the solution is too acidic).
Procedure
8.Place the shell fragments into one of the clean glass jars. Cover the shells with seawater, as in the previous section, but only fill the jar until it is almost full. Using the eyedropper, put three drops of vinegar into the jar and mix. Wait for a few minutes and then measure the pH of the solution with the pH strips. If the pH is not 7.1, add more vinegar (if the solution is not acidic enough) or more seawater (if the solution is too acidic).
9.Make sure that the jar is full and that there is no space between the solution level and the lid. If there is space, then CO2 could escape out of the solution and the experiment will be inconclusive.Place the lid on the jar and label the jar with the date, the pH of the solution, and the weight of the shell fragments. Repeat for the remaining jars
10.Place the six jars in a spot where they will not be disturbed. Leave them in this location for 1 month. Do not open the jars during the month or the pH of the solutions will change.
11.Open the jars at the end of one month. Open and drain the jars, one at a time, by carefully emptying them through a sieve a sink. Rinse the shell fragments from each jar in filtered tap water and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.Place a paper towel on the scale and turn it on. Weigh the shell fragments from each jar. Repeat for the remaining jars.
My first Jar
Results - Data/Observations
The mussel shell in the acidic water started to smell, sewage-like, like it had been spoiled or was garbage. The once sturdy shells appeared noticeably altered, with their color becoming much lighter than before. They also lost their rigid structure, becoming more fragile and flimsy in texture. The shells in the jar without acidic water had darker coloring and had more of a salty or briney smell. The acidic water does indeed damage the mussel shells. The shells, composed primarily of calcium carbonate, have become weakened, and their once durable structure is no longer as resilient, rendering them vulnerable and less effective at providing protection against predators. The acidity appears to be slowly eroding the shells, causing them to lose both strength and function.
Discussion
My data shows us that we can’t ignore the danger that is coming from our ocean. As I have said before we need to find a solution that will help stop bot ocean acidification and global warming alike. One promising step in the right direction is adopting to use mostly renewable energy. Unfortunately, 85 percent of the energy used all over the world is non-renewable energy endangering our planet. This reliance on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy is continuing to push our planet further into environmental peril, and helping climate change and ocean acidification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my science fair project has highlighted the significant impact of ocean acidification on marine life, particularly on organisms with calcium carbonate shells like mussels. Through my experiment and model, I showed how exposure to acidic water weakened the mussel shells, making them more fragile and prone to damage. This demonstrates the harmful effects of rising CO2 levels on our oceans, which not only threatens marine ecosystem but also human livelihoods. The findings emphasize the urgent need for solutions to address both ocean acidification and global warming. Transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing our carbon footprint are crucial steps toward protecting our oceans and mitigating the damage we have already caused. By understanding the consequences of ocean acidification, we can take action to safeguard marine life and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.
Reflection/Application
I learned about how ocean acidification not only affected marine wildlife and ecosystem but also affected the whole planet and humans. I would like to try putting the jar in separate locations that would represent their ecosystems like make 2 jar cold for the polar regions, putting 2 jars directly in the sun for tropical regions, and putting 2 jars in a completely dark space for deep-sea conditions. I learned about environmental changes that can and have impacted human industries as the effects of ocean acidification ripple through the planety.This experiment would expand into how the acidity of the water changes based on the temperature, light exposure, and overall environmental factors of different ecosystems.
References Cited
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/ocean-coasts/ocean-acidification
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/ocean-acidification-what-you-need-know
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/OceanSci_p013/ocean-sciences/ocean-acidification
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