Ocean acidification, resulting from elevated CO2 levels in the atmosphere, has considerable effects on marine mollusks. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of the consequences of ocean acidification on marine mollusks, with a specific focus on gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods. Mollusks with CaCO3-deposited shells are especially susceptible to ocean acidification, as it disrupts their calcification process. The diminished pH of seawater impedes the capability of marine mollusks to create and uphold their calcium carbonate shells, resulting in a decline in shell growth and overall shell strength. The extent of the reduction in calcification varies depending on the polycrystalline structure of CaCO3 secreted by the mollusks, their acid–base regulation, and their local physicochemical surroundings. Ocean acidification affects the physiological processes and metabolic rates of marine mollusks, potentially impacting their ability to allocate resources for calcification. It also negatively impacts reproduction, as ocean acidification increases the energy cost of physiological processes, consequently affecting energy allocation and reproductive capacity. The sustainability of shellfish populations is under threat from the adverse impacts of ocean acidification on mollusk reproduction and shell durability.
Zhong Z. & Wang Y., 2024. Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks: From Molecule to Behavior. In: Wang Y. (Ed.), Chapter 1 – Overview: ocean acidification and marine mollusks, pp. 1-37. Elsevier: Academic Press. Chapter (restricted access).
