Ocean acidification weakens the structural integrity of coralline algae
Federica Ragazzola1, Laura C Foster, Armin Form
1Department of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Wills Memorial Building, Queen's Road, BS8 1RJ, Bristol, UK; GEOMAR, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Wischhofstraße 1-3, 24148, Kiel, Germany.
Global Change Biology
|February 7, 2014
Summary
Ocean acidification impacts coralline algae growth and structure. Cold-water coralline algae (Lithothamnion glaciale) show reduced calcification and skeletal weakening under increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, threatening benthic ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Climate Change Science
Background:
- Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are causing ocean acidification, lowering pH and carbonate saturation.
- Marine calcifying organisms, like coralline algae, are vital to benthic ecosystems, especially in polar regions.
- Understanding their acclimatization to changing ocean conditions is crucial for predicting future survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of ocean acidification on the cold-water coralline alga, Lithothamnion glaciale.
- To assess the calcification rates and structural integrity of L. glaciale under elevated CO2 conditions.
- To model the mechanical consequences of structural changes on the alga's resilience.
Main Methods:
- A long-term perturbation experiment exposing L. glaciale to varying pCO2 levels.
- Analysis of calcification rates and ultra-structural changes.
- Finite element modeling to assess skeletal stress and strain energy.
Main Results:
- L. glaciale continued to calcify even in undersaturated conditions, but growth rates decreased with rising pCO2.
- Significant ultra-structural changes were observed by 589 μatm.
- Models revealed a nearly tenfold increase in strain energy and uneven stress distribution in the alga's skeleton.
Conclusions:
- Elevated CO2 levels weaken the skeletal structure of L. glaciale.
- This structural weakening may impair the alga's ability to withstand predation and wave action.
- Consequences for benthic community structure are anticipated within 50 years.
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