Acidification. The increasing levels of carbon dioxide CO₂ in the atmosphere are leading to ocean acidification, and this is altering the chemical content of marine water and is endangering life in the oceans. The examples of marine zooplankton, including Copepods, Pteropods, krill, and larvae of invertebrates are essential to the pelagic food webs and carbon cycles, even though they differ in their tolerance to low PH concentration and high pCO₂ levels. Early developmental phases are particularly vulnerable, with them showing retardation in developmental stages, reduced hatch rates, physical deformities as well as a lack of calcification. Higher carbon dioxide CO₂ levels interfere with the acid-base balance, increase oxidative stress and alter the allocation of metabolism, leading to trade-offs that lower growth, reproduction and survival rates. Calcifying organisms such as the pteropods are highly susceptible whereas some of the non-calcifying copepods exhibit a level of physiological resilience. Negative effects of other stressors may be affected by increased temperature, oxygen depletion, and nutrient enrichment which may further compound negative effects. There is some evidence that there is some possible acclimation in the short term and that there might be transgenerational plasticity but we do not understand adaptive capacity in the long term. Knowledge gaps exist in regard to multigenerational response, non-calcifying and gelatinous species and how physiological plasticity occurs. Species-specific responses are an important aspect of predictive models to estimate the impact of the ecosystem and guide conservation efforts. To ensure marine ecosystems remain stable as ocean acidification continues, vulnerable zooplankton should be safeguarded to preserve tropic structure, nutrient cycling, and nutrient stability.
Mahmood, S., Iqbal, R., Azam, M., Javed, F., & Ali, S. R. M. (2026). Impacts of ocean acidification on marine zooplankton: a review of physiological, developmental, and reproductive responses. Spectrum of Engineering Sciences 4(1): 1127-1140. Article.
0 Responses to “Impacts of ocean acidification on marine zooplankton: a review of physiological, developmental, and reproductive responses”