Aragonite and calcite are important nutrients for bivalves who biomineralize calcium carbonate in the water to form their outer shells. Ocean acidification can lead to a decrease in carbonate ions making forming these shells difficult. When the saturation state falls below a certain threshold (Ω < 1), it can cause oyster shells to dissolve. Therefore, measuring the Aragonite Saturation State yields crucial insight into the suitability of habitats to support oyster growth and productivity. Physiochemical water quality parameters were monitored from May to October 2020-2023. Using Seacarb, the aragonite-calcite saturation state was calculated using the following water quality parameters: temperature, salinity, alkalinity, and pH as inputs. Calcium hardness and dissolved oxygen was also measured to determine whether values were at a recommended threshold for shellfish hatcheries. There were fluctuations in the saturation states at each site, and oftentimes the values were undersaturated, especially during the cooling months. Spearman heatmaps demonstrate significant positive correlations between temperature and salinity (p = 0.46); pH and aragonite (p = 0.72); and alkalinity and aragonite (p = 0.51). This project aimed to determine the feasibility of different sites in supporting the establishment of oyster farms and oyster restoration efforts based on water quality conditions.
Attarwala T., Boukari A., Boukari F. & Ozbay G., 2025. Aragonite saturation state as an indicator for oyster habitat health in the Delaware Inland Bays. Preprints.org. Article.
