The pH of oceans plays a crucial role in regulating the health and survival of marine life. Ocean acidification, which is caused by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, lowers the pH of seawater. This decrease in pH can have detrimental effects on marine organisms, especially those that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells or skeletons, such as corals, shellfish, and some plankton. As the pH drops, it becomes more challenging for these organisms to maintain their calcium carbonate structures, leading to weakened shells, reduced growth rates, and decreased survival rates. Additionally, changes in pH can also impact the behavior, reproduction, and overall biodiversity of marine ecosystems.
