Rising CO2 threatens plankton

Phytoplankton is at the base of many aquatic food webs, and its disappearance could have wide-reaching effects. Image: NOAA Changes in the ocean’s chemistry, as a result of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, threaten marine plankton to a greater extent than previously thought, according to new research.The research, published in Nature Climate Change, revealed around half the CO2 released through human activity dissolves in the ocean, where it forms carbonic acid leading to a decrease in seawater pH.Scientists found the changes in the pH levels, along with global warming, could lead to poor growth if not death of marine plankton.Professor John Beardall from the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University collaborated with international researchers from Swansea University’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Research, who led the study, the Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, the University of Dundee and the University of Technology in Sydney.Professor Beardall said the impact that ocean acidification-induced changes...

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