Sea snail shells dissolve in increasingly acidified oceans

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba (Japan) and the University of Plymouth (United Kingdom) have evaluated the impact of rising carbon dioxide levels on the large predatory "triton shell" gastropod (Lampas Charonia).

They found those who lived in areas with the expected future levels of CO₂ were on average about a third smaller than their counterparts living in conditions observed in the world's oceans.

However, there was also a noticeable negative impact on the thickness, density and structure of their shells, resulting in visible deterioration of the shell surface.

Write in Frontiers in Marine ScienceScientists say the effects are due to increased strain on species in lower pH waters, which reduces their ability to control the calcification process.

They also warned that other shellfish would likely be affected in the same way, threatening their survival and that of other species that depend on it for food.

Ben Harvey, assistant professor at the Shimoda Marine Research Center at the University of Tsukuba, said: "The acidification of the oceans is an obvious threat to marine life, acting as a stressor for many animals We have found here that the ability of the newt shells to produce ocean acidification has hindered the maintenance of their shells, corrosive seawater has made them smoother, thinner and less dense.The long dissolution of their shells has profound consequences for calcified animals in the future as it can not be biologically controlled, as some calcified species might not be able to adapt to it. acidified seawater if carbon dioxide emissions continued to increase in an uncontrolled manner. "

The research was conducted in a marine volcanic infiltration zone off the coast of Shikine-jima in Japan, where carbon dioxide bubbling through the seabed lowers the pH of the seawater from the sea. current levels to expected future levels.

Using CT scans, scientists measured the thickness, density and shell structure, with the hull thickness halved in the raised CO zones.₂ while the average length of the shells has been reduced from 178 mm in the current level sites to 112 mm.

In some cases, these negative effects have left the body tissues exposed and the casing of the hull dissolved, the corrosive effects of acidification being much more pronounced around the older parts of the hull.

Jason Hall-Spencer, professor of marine biology at the University of Plymouth, added, "Our study clearly shows that increasing carbon dioxide levels leads to corrosion of seawater for Shellfish are a fundamental component of coastal marine communities, and ocean acidification is expected to have an impact on shellfish harvesting. "

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