Science Daily - Sulfur, Nitrogen Boost Effects Of Ocean Acification In Shallow Waters

[hatrack]

The release of sulfur and nitrogen into the atmosphere by power plants and agricultural activities plays a minor role in making the ocean more acidic on a global scale, but the impact is greatly amplified in the shallower waters of the coastal ocean, according to new research by atmospheric and marine chemists.

Ocean “acidification” occurs when chemical compounds such as carbon dioxide, sulfur, or nitrogen mix with seawater, a process which lowers the pH and reduces the storage of carbon.

Ocean acidification hampers the ability of marine organisms—such as sea urchins, corals, and certain types of plankton—to harness calcium carbonate for making hard outer shells or “exoskeletons.” These organisms provide essential food and habitat to other species, so their demise could affect entire ocean ecosystems.

“Acid rain isn’t just a problem of the land; it’s also affecting the ocean,” said Scott Doney, lead author of the study and a senior scientist in the Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). “That effect is most pronounced near the coasts, which are already some of the most heavily affected and vulnerable parts of the ocean due to pollution, over-fishing, and climate change.”

EDIT

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070907175147.htm

[NNadir]

1. That's not really surprising. The other thing acidifying the oceans is the other part of

dangerous fossil fuel waste, carbon dioxide.

[kestrel91316]

2. Oh, wow. MORE good news.

My only question is: Should I drink myself to death now or wait five years?

[hatrack]

3. My advice would be to wait

That'll allow you to use the intervening years to to save up to buy the really good stuff, which will make drinking yourself to death just that much more enjoyable!

:beer:

[kestrel91316]

4. Hey, sounds like a plan!