Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas that degrades ozone. Hypoxia and ocean acidification are becoming more intense as a result of climate change. The former stimulates N2O emissions, whereas the effects of the latter on N2O production vary by the ocean. Hypoxia and ocean acidification may play a critical role in the evolution of future oceanic N2O production. However, the interactive effects of hypoxia and ocean acidification on N2O production remain unclear. We conducted a research cruise in the Bohai Sea of China to assess the occurrence of ocean acidification in the seasonal oxygen minimum zone of the sea and further conducted laboratory incubation experiments to determine the effects of ocean acidification and hypoxia on N2O production. When pH decreased by 0.25, N2O production decreased by 50.77 and 72.38%, respectively. In contrast, hypoxia had a positive impact; when dissolved oxygen (DO) decreased to 3.7 and 2.4 mg L−1, N2O production increased by 49.72 and 278.68%, respectively. The incubation experiments demonstrated that the coupling of ocean acidification and hypoxia significantly increased N2O production, but, individually, there was an antagonistic relationship between the two. Structural equation modeling showed that the total effects of hypoxia treatment on N2O production changes weakened the effects of ocean acidification, with overall positive effects. Generally speaking, our results suggest that N2O production from the coastal waters of the Bohai Sea may increase under future climate change scenarios due to increasingly serious ocean acidification and hypoxia working in combination.
Continue reading ‘Hypoxia-enhanced N2O production under ocean acidification in the Bohai Sea’Archive Page 226
Hypoxia-enhanced N2O production under ocean acidification in the Bohai Sea
Published 26 July 2021 Science ClosedTags: chemistry, field, laboratory, modeling, North Pacific, regionalmodeling
Ocean warming and acidification modify top-down and bottom-up control in a tropical seagrass ecosystem
Published 26 July 2021 Science ClosedTags: biological response, BRcommunity, echinoderms, laboratory, morphology, multiple factors, performance, phanerogams, photosynthesis, physiology, respiration, temperature
Seagrass ecosystem is one of the most productive ecosystems in coastal waters providing numerous ecological functions and supporting a large biodiversity. However, various anthropogenic stressors including climate change are impacting these vulnerable habitats. Here, we investigated the independent and combined effects of ocean warming and ocean acidification on plant–herbivore interactions in a tropical seagrass community. Direct and indirect effects of high temperature and high pCO2 on the physiology of the tropical seagrass Thalassia hemprichii and sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla were evaluated. Productivity of seagrass was found to increase under high pCO2, while sea urchin physiology including feeding rate decreased particularly under high temperature. The present study indicated that future climate change will affect the bottom-up and top-down balance, which potentially can modify the ecosystem functions and services of tropical seagrass ecosystems.
Continue reading ‘Ocean warming and acidification modify top-down and bottom-up control in a tropical seagrass ecosystem’Massive shellfish farming might accelerate coastal acidification: a case study on carbonate system dynamics in a bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) farming area, North Yellow Sea
Published 26 July 2021 Science ClosedTags: biological response, calcification, chemistry, field, laboratory, mollusks, morphology, North Pacific, photosynthesis, physiology, respiration
Highlights
- The carbonate system and its controlling factors in a mariculture area were studied.
- Massive bay scallop farming was a potential factor for coastal acidification.
- Scallop calcification reduced 75.66 μmol kg−1 of total alkalinity in surface water.
- Biochemical and physical processes jointly controlled the other CO2 parameters.
Abstract
Seven cruises were carried out in a bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) farming area and its surrounding waters, North Yellow Sea, from March to November 2017 to study the dynamics of the carbonate system and its controlling factors. Results indicated that the studied parameters were highly variability over a range of spatiotemporal scales, comprehensively forced by various physical and biochemical processes. Mixing effect and scallop calcification played the most important role in the seasonal variation of total alkalinity (TAlk). For dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), in addition to mixing, air-sea exchange and microbial activity, e.g. photosynthesis and microbial respiration processes, had more important effects on its dynamics. Different from the former, the changes of water pHT, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and aragonite saturation state (ΩA) were mainly controlled by the combining of the temperature, air-sea exchange, microbial activity and scallop metabolic activities. In addition, our results suggested that massive scallop farming can significantly increase the DIC/TAlk ratio by reducing the TAlk concentration in seawater, thereby reducing the buffering capacity of seawater to the carbonate system especially for ΩA. Preliminary calculated, ~75.7 μmol kg−1 and ~45.5 μmol kg−1 of TAlk was removed from the surface and bottom water in one scallop cultivating cycle. If these carbonates cannot be replenished in time, it is likely to accelerate the acidification process of coastal waters. This study highlighted the control mechanism of the carbonate system under the influence of bay scallop farming, and provided useful information for revealing the potential link between human activities (shelled-mollusc mariculture) and coastal acidification.
Continue reading ‘Massive shellfish farming might accelerate coastal acidification: a case study on carbonate system dynamics in a bay scallop (Argopecten irradians) farming area, North Yellow Sea’Sub-lethal combined effects of illicit drug and decreased pH on marine mussels: A short-time exposure to crack cocaine in CO2 enrichment scenarios
Published 26 July 2021 Science ClosedTags: biological response, laboratory, molecular biology, mollusks, multiple factors, physiology, toxicants
Highlights
- Ocean acidification scenarios were assessed with mussel in presence of crack-cocaine.
- Lysosomal membrane stability, lipid peroxidation, and DNA strand breaks in Perna perna revealed toxicity increase.
- Adverse effects of acidification were detected for pH below 6.5.
- At pH 7.5–6.5 adverse effects are related to combined stressors (CO2 and cocaine).
Abstract
The increasing CO2-concentrations in the atmosphere promote ocean acidification. Seawater chemistry changes interact with contaminants, such as illicit drugs in the coastal zones. This work evaluates impacts of pH decrease and crack-cocaine exposure on the commercial mussel Perna perna through biomarker responses (lysosomal membrane stability, lipid peroxidation, and DNA strand breaks). The organisms were exposed to different crack-cocaine concentrations (0.5, 5.0, and 50 μg L−1) combined with different pH values (8.3, 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.5, and 6.0) for 96 h. Crack-cocaine in the different acidification scenarios triggered cyto-genotoxicity, which affected the overall health of mussels exposed to cocaine environmentally relevant concentration. This study produced the first data on biomarker responses associated with CO2-induced acidification and illicit drugs (crack-cocaine) in marine organisms.
Continue reading ‘Sub-lethal combined effects of illicit drug and decreased pH on marine mussels: A short-time exposure to crack cocaine in CO2 enrichment scenarios’Total dissolved inorganic carbon sensor based on amperometric CO2 microsensor and local acidification
Published 26 July 2021 Science ClosedTags: laboratory, methods, resource, sensor
We present a dipping probe total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) microsensor based on a localized acidic microenvironment in front of an amperometric CO2 microsensor. The acidic milieu facilitates conversion of bicarbonate and carbonate to CO2, which in turn is reduced at a silver cathode. Interfering oxygen is removed by an acidic CrCl2 oxygen trap. Theoretical simulations of microsensor functioning were performed to find a suitable compromise between response time and near-complete conversion of bicarbonate to CO2. The sensor exhibited a linear response over a wide range of 0–8 mM DIC, with a calculated LOD of 5 μM and a 90% response time of 150 s. The sensor was successfully tested in measuring DIC in bottled mineral water and seawater. This DIC microsensor holds the potential to become an important tool in environmental sensing and beyond for measurements of DIC at high spatial and temporal resolution.
Continue reading ‘Total dissolved inorganic carbon sensor based on amperometric CO2 microsensor and local acidification’Date: 4 August 2021
Time: 7 pm
Location: Brickworks
Entry: free
Title: “Marine heatwaves: what are we learning, what we can expect, and some talk about Hot Moms and Cool Dads.”
Biography:
Dr. Gretchen Hofmann is a marine biologist whose research focuses on the responses of marine species to future ocean change such as ocean acidification and ocean warming. Working in places as diverse as the coastal oceans of California and Antarctic waters, Hofmann and her lab group are trying to understand whether and how marine species can adapt to future changes in the ocean. Studies in the lab focus on how organisms work in the face of these changes, whether species have the physiological flexibility to respond to future oceans and whether adaption is possible.
Hofmann and her lab personnel are involved in research on ocean acidification – the gradual reduction in ocean pH by the seawater’s uptake of atmospheric CO2. Recent government reports project ocean acidification to increase over the next century and have significant impacts on shell-forming organisms as they build and maintain their hard structures. However, the overall physiological response that organisms will have under these “acidified” seawater conditions is still being determined. Studies by Hofmann and her collaborators are identifying key challenges for marine animals such as sensitive larval stages of marine species in acidified waters. She is also investigating the combined effects of temperature and acidity, in order to better understand how marine species will cope with the dual challenges of global warming and ocean acidification in the coming century. A major project in the Hofmann lab, funded both by funding from the UC and the U.S. National Science Foundation, is to understand the ocean acidification seascape on the coast of California and to predict the responses of ecologically and economically key species. This project involves the establishment of a pH sensor network at sites in coastal California and the “co-location” of these sensors with biological measurements. The research is revealing that patterns of natural variation may create refuges from future ocean acidification, something that is of great interest to managers in California that work within the NOAA Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary and the Channel Islands National Park. In addition, Hofmann and her lab group have an ongoing study on the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms from coastal regions of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica. Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, this project links oceanographic measurements of pH to the physiology of organisms that live in these subzero waters.
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Continue reading ‘FHL’s Illg distinguished lecturer: Dr. Gretchen Hofmann’2021 Triennial Review – Draft Water Quality Standards project
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, website
DEQ is conducting a Triennial Review process to review Oregon water quality standards and determine priority projects for the next three years. During this process, DEQ took public input on a list of priority water quality standards review and revision needs. The result will be a report that outlines the projects that DEQ’s water quality standards program will complete or initiate between 2021 and 2023.
DEQ – Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, 4 May 2021. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: document/pdf
DEcreasing Seawater Acidification Removing atmospheric Carbon (DESARC-MARESANUS
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
The research project DESARC-MARESANUS addresses two environmental problems of great importance: the increase in atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and the consequent acidification of the oceans. The project aims at studying and assessing a process for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and simultaneously counteract ocean acidification.
DESARC-MARESANUS. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: document/pdf
UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme (UKOA)
Published 23 July 2021 Educational Materials , Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
The £12M, 5 year UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme (UKOA) is the UK’s response and is jointly funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). The programme will take advantage of international collaboration opportunities, primarily with the German ocean acidification programme (BIOACID), the European research programme (EPOCA), the Mediterranean programme (MedSeA) and potentially with the emerging US ocean acidification research programme.
UK Ocean Acidification Research Programme (UKOA), 31 December 2016. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
CARBOCHANGE was a Collaborative Project funded by the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013) under grant agreement number 264879. The project had started in March 2011 and ended in February 2015. CARBOCHANGE investigated the ocean’s quantitative role in the uptake of carbon under changing climate conditions, thereby using past and present data to infer on our ocean’s future.
CARBOCHANGE, 28 February 2015. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
IMBER – current endorsed projects
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
IMBeR aims to provide an open, flexible framework to encourage national, regional, and international participation in its scientific activities, to achieve its objectives as outlined in the IMBeR Science Plan and Implementation Strategy. Endorsement of marine research projects and activities is one way of becoming part of the IMBeR community.
IMBER. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
The acid test: ICES/OSPAR joint Study Group on Ocean Acidification (SGOA)
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
The Joint ICES/OSPAR Study Group on Ocean Acidification (SGOA) was formed in 2012 to develop an ocean acidification monitoring programme for the waters of the OSPAR area. SGOA brought together experts from the disciplines of chemistry, biology, and others to address the challenge of designing a long-term monitoring programme that examines both the biogeochemical changes associated with ocean acidification and the responses of potentially-sensitive marine life.
ICES/OSPAR, 16 March 2015. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
IMBER – completed endorsed projects
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
Here are the links to the completed projects and theirs descriptions in our archive.
IMBER. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
Ocean acidification projects
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
PacIOOS has partnered with NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) to provide real-time data from thirteen buoys across the Pacific Ocean. These buoys measure the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere and ocean which in turn provides valuable information to monitor ocean acidification.
PacIOOS. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
VOCAB – Ocean Acidification and Biogeochemistry: variability, trends and vulnerability
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
VOCAB is a 4 year project funded under the Marine Research Programme 2014-2020. This project aims to address some of the gaps in our current knowledge of the vulnerability of selected marine ecosystems in Irish waters to ocean acidification (OA), by exploring some of the complex biogeochemical processes occuring at fine scales in selected ecosystems, and by studying the larger scale biogeochemistry of ocean waters impinging on those ecosystems.
IMBER. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
Bocats2 is part of a larger project, coordinated by the Marine Research Institute (IIM, CSIC), and financed with 342,430 euros, of which 124,630 correspond to the subproject of the University of Vigo, within the framework of the Generation of Knowledge 2019 program of the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The main objective is to study the millennial and sub millennial variability of the deep currents through the channels that cross the Reykjanes ridge (Bight and Charlie-Gibbs fracture zones), in southwestern Iceland.
Universidade de Vigo, 28 April 2021. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
Mediterranean Sea Acidification (MedSeA) in a changing climate
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
The MedSeA project addresses ecologic and economic impacts from the combined influences of anthropogenic acidification and warming, while accounting for the unique characteristics of this key region.
MEdSea. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
Research notes from the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
This website has been developed to serve as a portal for information on active research on ocean acidification within the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington including work with partners at the University of Rhode Island, Jamestown Soklallam Tribe, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, and Northeastern University.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. Resource.
NOAA Ocean Acidification Program
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program seeks to better prepare society to respond to changing ocean conditions and resources by expanding understanding of ocean acidification, through interdisciplinary partnerships, nationally and internationally. Ocean acidification is occurring because our ocean is absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leading to lower pH and greater acidity. This is causing a fundamental change in the chemistry of the ocean from pole to pole.
NOAA OAP. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
NOAA Ocean Acidification Program projects
Published 23 July 2021 Projects ClosedTags: resource, webpage, website
The Ocean Acidification Program supports a wide variety of projects both within NOAA and cooperative and academic institutions. These research projects examine specific themes aimed to determine our nation’s vulnerability to ocean acidification.
NOAA OAP. Resource.
Resource type: website
Resource format: webpage
