scholarly journals Impact of carbonate saturation on large Caribbean benthic foraminifera assemblages

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Martinez ◽  
Laura Hernández-Terrones ◽  
Mario Rebolledo-Vieyra ◽  
Adina Paytan
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Relative Distribution ◽  
Submarine Springs ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Calcite Saturation

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and its dissolution in seawater have reduced ocean pH and carbonate ion concentration with potential implications to calcifying organisms. To assess the response of Caribbean benthic foraminifera to low carbonate saturation conditions, we analyzed benthic foraminifera abundance and relative distribution in proximity to low carbonate saturation submarine springs and at adjacent control sites. Our results show that the total abundance of benthic foraminifera is significantly lower at the low pH low calcite saturation submarine springs than at control sites, despite higher concentrations of inorganic carbon at the spring sites. The relative abundance of symbiont-bearing foraminifera and agglutinated foraminifera was higher at the low pH low calcite saturation submarine springs compared to control sites. These differences indicate that non-symbiont bearing heterotrophic calcareous foraminifera are more sensitive to the effects of ocean acidification than non-calcifying and symbiont bearing foraminifera, suggesting that future ocean acidification may impact natural benthic foraminifera populations.

scholarly journals Impact of carbonate saturation on large Caribbean benthic foraminifera assemblages

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (22) ◽  
pp. 6819-6832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Martinez ◽  
Laura Hernández-Terrones ◽  
Mario Rebolledo-Vieyra ◽  
Adina Paytan
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
Relative Distribution ◽  
Submarine Springs ◽  
Large Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Calcite Saturation ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and its dissolution in seawater have reduced ocean pH and carbonate ion concentrations, with potential implications on calcifying organisms. To assess the response of large Caribbean benthic foraminifera to low carbonate saturation conditions, we analyzed benthic foraminifers' abundance and relative distribution in surface sediments in proximity to low-carbonate-saturation submarine springs and at adjacent control sites. Our results show that the total abundance of large benthic foraminifera was significantly lower at the low-pH submarine springs than at control sites, although responses were species specific. The relative abundance of high-magnesium, porcelaneous foraminifera was higher than that of hyaline foraminifera at the low-pH springs due to the abundant Archaias angulatus, a chlorophyte-bearing foraminifer, which secretes a large and robust test that is more resilient to dissolution at low-calcite saturation. The different assemblages found at the submarine springs indicate that calcareous symbiont-barren foraminifera are more sensitive to the effects of ocean acidification than agglutinated and symbiont-bearing foraminifera, suggesting that future ocean acidification will likely impact natural benthic foraminifera populations.

The coral reef-dwelling Peneroplis spp. shows calcification resilience to ocean acidification conditions - results from culture experiments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie Charrieau ◽  
Katsunori Kimoto ◽  
Delphine Dissard ◽  
Beatrice Below ◽  
Kazuhiko Fujita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Sea Water ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Large Benthic Foraminifera ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Short Period

<p>Ocean acidification is a consequence of current anthropogenic climate changes. The concomitant decrease in pH and carbonate ion concentration in sea water may have severe impacts on calcifying organisms. Coral reefs are among the first ecosystems recognized vulnerable to ocean acidification. Within coral reefs, large benthic foraminifera (LBF) are major calcium carbonate producers.</p><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of varying pH on survival and calcification of the symbiont-bearing LBF species <em>Peneroplis</em> spp. We performed culture experiments to study their resistance to ocean acidification conditions, as well as their resilience once placed back under open ocean pH (7.9).</p><p>After three days, small signs of test decalcification were observed on specimens kept at pH 7.4, and severe test decalcification was observed on specimens kept at pH 6.9, with the inner organic lining clearly appearing. After 32 days under pH 7.4, similar strongly decalcified specimens were observed. All the specimens were alive at the end of the experiment. This result demonstrates the resistance of <em>Peneroplis </em>spp. to an acidified pH, at least on a short period of time.</p><p>After being partially decalcified, some of the living specimens were placed back at pH 7.9. After one month, the majority of the specimens showed recalcification features, mostly by addition of new chambers. The trace elements concentrations of the newly formed chambers were analysed by LA-ICPMS. Interestingly, more chambers were added when food was given, which highlights the crucial role of energy source in the recalcification process. Moreover, the newly formed chambers were most of the time abnormal, and the general structure of the tests was altered, with potential impacts on reproduction and in situ survival. In conclusion, if symbiont-bearing LBF show some resistance and resilience to lowered pH conditions, they will remain strongly affected by ocean acidification.</p>

scholarly journals Contrasting responses of DMS and DMSP to ocean acidification in Arctic waters

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1893-1908 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D. Archer ◽  
S. A. Kimmance ◽  
J. A. Stephens ◽  
F. E. Hopkins ◽  
R. G. J. Bellerby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Inorganic Carbon ◽  
Carbon Fixation ◽  
Hydrogen Ion ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Specific Rate ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Empirical Relationships ◽  
Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric CO2 is decreasing ocean pH most rapidly in colder regions such as the Arctic. As a component of the EPOCA (European Project on Ocean Acidification) pelagic mesocosm experiment off Spitzbergen in 2010, we examined the consequences of decreased pH and increased pCO2 on the concentrations of dimethylsulphide (DMS). DMS is an important reactant and contributor to aerosol formation and growth in the Arctic troposphere. In the nine mesocosms with initial pHT 8.3 to 7.5, equivalent to pCO2 of 180 to 1420 μatm, highly significant but inverse responses to acidity (hydrogen ion concentration [H+]) occurred following nutrient addition. Compared to ambient [H+], average concentrations of DMS during the mid-phase of the 30 d experiment, when the influence of altered acidity was unambiguous, were reduced by approximately 60% at the highest [H+] and by 35% at [H+] equivalent to 750 μatm pCO2, as projected for 2100. In contrast, concentrations of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP), the precursor of DMS, were elevated by approximately 50% at the highest [H+] and by 30% at [H+] corresponding to 750 μatm pCO2. Measurements of the specific rate of synthesis of DMSP by phytoplankton indicate increased production at high [H+], in parallel to rates of inorganic carbon fixation. The elevated DMSP production at high [H+] was largely a consequence of increased dinoflagellate biomass and in particular, the increased abundance of the species Heterocapsa rotundata. We discuss both phytoplankton and bacterial processes that may explain the reduced ratios of DMS:DMSPt (total dimethylsulphoniopropionate) at higher [H+]. The experimental design of eight treatment levels provides comparatively robust empirical relationships of DMS and DMSP concentration, DMSP production and dinoflagellate biomass versus [H+] in Arctic waters.

scholarly journals Effect of carbonate ion concentration and irradiance on calcification in planktonic foraminifera

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Lombard ◽  
R. E. da Rocha ◽  
J. Bijma ◽  
J.-P. Gattuso
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Planktonic Foraminifera ◽  
High Light ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Calcification Rate ◽  
Shell Size ◽  
Shell Weight ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Orbulina Universa

Abstract. The effect of carbonate ion concentration ([CO32−]) on calcification rates estimated from shell size and weight was investigated in the planktonic foraminifera Orbulina universa and Globigerinoides sacculifer. Experiments on G. sacculifer were conducted under two irradiance levels (35 and 335 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Calcification was ca. 30% lower under low light than under high light, irrespective of the [CO32−]. Both O. universa and G. sacculifer exhibited reduced final shell weight and calcification rate under low [CO32−]. For the [CO32−] expected at the end of the century, the calcification rates of these two species are projected to be 6 to 13% lower than the present conditions, while the final shell weights are reduced by 20 to 27% for O. universa and by 4 to 6% for G. sacculifer. These results indicate that ocean acidification would impact on calcite production by foraminifera and may decrease the calcite flux contribution from these organisms.

scholarly journals Effect of carbonate ion concentration and irradiance on calcification in foraminifera

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (5) ◽  
pp. 8589-8608 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Lombard ◽  
R. E. da Rocha ◽  
J. Bijma ◽  
J.-P. Gattuso
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Planktonic Foraminifera ◽  
High Light ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Calcification Rate ◽  
Shell Size ◽  
Shell Weight ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Orbulina Universa

Abstract. The effect of carbonate ion concentration ([CO32−]) on calcification rates estimated from shell size and weight was investigated in the planktonic foraminifera Orbulina universa and Globigerinoides sacculifer. Experiments on G. sacculifer were conducted under two irradiance levels (35 and 335 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Calcification was ca. 30% lower under low light than under high light, irrespective of the [CO32−]. Both O. universa and G. sacculifer exhibited reduced final shell weight and calcification rate under low [CO32−]. At the [CO32−] expected for the end of the century, the calcification rates of these two species are projected to be 6 to 13% lower than at present conditions, while the final shell weights are reduced by 20 to 27% for O. universa and by 4 to 6% for G. sacculifer. These results indicate that ocean acidification would impact calcite production by foraminifera and may decrease the calcite flux contribution from these organisms.

scholarly journals Effect of ocean acidification on the benthic foraminifera <i>Ammonia</i> sp. is caused by a decrease in carbonate ion concentration

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1147-1176 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Keul ◽  
G. Langer ◽  
L. J. de Nooijer ◽  
J. Bijma
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Benthic Foraminifer ◽  
Carbonate System ◽  
Surface Ocean ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Carbonate Ions ◽  
Ca 50

Abstract. About 30% of the anthropogenically released CO2 is taken up by the oceans, which causes surface ocean pH to decrease and is commonly referred to as Ocean Acidification (OA). Foraminifera are one of the most abundant groups of marine calcifiers, estimated to precipitate ca. 50% of biogenic calcium carbonate in the open oceans. We have compiled the state of the art of OA effects on foraminifera, because the majority of OA research on this group was published within the last 3 yr. Disparate responses of this important group of marine calcifiers to OA were reported, highlighting the importance of a process based understanding of OA effects on foraminifera. The benthic foraminifer Ammonia sp. was cultured using two carbonate chemistry manipulation approaches: While pH and carbonate ions where varied in one, pH was kept constant in the other while carbonate ion concentration varied. This allows the identification of teh parameter of the parameter of the carbonate system causing observed effects. This parameter identification is the first step towards a process based understanding. We argue that [CO32−] is the parameter affecting foraminiferal size normalized weights (SNW) and growth rates and based on the presented data we can confirm the strong potential of foraminiferal SNW as a [CO32−] proxy.

scholarly journals Effect of ocean acidification on the benthic foraminifera <i>Ammonia</i> sp. is caused by a decrease in carbonate ion concentration

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 6185-6198 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Keul ◽  
G. Langer ◽  
L. J. de Nooijer ◽  
J. Bijma
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Benthic Foraminifer ◽  
Carbonate Chemistry ◽  
Carbonate System ◽  
Surface Ocean ◽  
Important Group ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Ca 50

Abstract. About 30% of the anthropogenically released CO2 is taken up by the oceans; such uptake causes surface ocean pH to decrease and is commonly referred to as ocean acidification (OA). Foraminifera are one of the most abundant groups of marine calcifiers, estimated to precipitate ca. 50 % of biogenic calcium carbonate in the open oceans. We have compiled the state of the art literature on OA effects on foraminifera, because the majority of OA research on this group was published within the last three years. Disparate responses of this important group of marine calcifiers to OA were reported, highlighting the importance of a process-based understanding of OA effects on foraminifera. We cultured the benthic foraminifer Ammonia sp. under a range of carbonate chemistry manipulation treatments to identify the parameter of the carbonate system causing the observed effects. This parameter identification is the first step towards a process-based understanding. We argue that [CO32−] is the parameter affecting foraminiferal size-normalized weights (SNWs) and growth rates. Based on the presented data, we can confirm the strong potential of Ammonia sp. foraminiferal SNW as a [CO32−] proxy.

scholarly journals Ocean acidification affects coral growth by reducing skeletal density

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (8) ◽  
pp. 1754-1759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel R. Mollica ◽  
Weifu Guo ◽  
Anne L. Cohen ◽  
Kuo-Fang Huang ◽  
Gavin L. Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Skeletal Growth ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Skeletal Density ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Carbonate Ions ◽  
Coral Reef Ecosystems ◽  
Upward Growth ◽  
Seawater Environment ◽  
The Impact

Ocean acidification (OA) is considered an important threat to coral reef ecosystems, because it reduces the availability of carbonate ions that reef-building corals need to produce their skeletons. However, while theory predicts that coral calcification rates decline as carbonate ion concentrations decrease, this prediction is not consistently borne out in laboratory manipulation experiments or in studies of corals inhabiting naturally low-pH reefs today. The skeletal growth of corals consists of two distinct processes: extension (upward growth) and densification (lateral thickening). Here, we show that skeletal density is directly sensitive to changes in seawater carbonate ion concentration and thus, to OA, whereas extension is not. We present a numerical model of Porites skeletal growth that links skeletal density with the external seawater environment via its influence on the chemistry of coral calcifying fluid. We validate the model using existing coral skeletal datasets from six Porites species collected across five reef sites and use this framework to project the impact of 21st century OA on Porites skeletal density across the global tropics. Our model predicts that OA alone will drive up to 20.3 ± 5.4% decline in the skeletal density of reef-building Porites corals.

scholarly journals Calcification, a physiological process to be considered in the context of the whole organism

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2267-2284 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. S. Findlay ◽  
H. L. Wood ◽  
M. A. Kendall ◽  
J. I. Spicer ◽  
R. J. Twitchett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Carbonate Production ◽  
Carbonate Ion ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Seawater Carbonate Chemistry ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2 ◽  
High Carbon Dioxide

Abstract. Marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate structures are predicted to be most vulnerable to a decline in oceanic pH (ocean acidification) based on the understanding that calcification rates will decrease as a result of changes in the seawater carbonate chemistry thereby reducing carbonate ion concentration (and associated saturation states). Coastal seas are critical components of the global carbon cycle yet little research has been conducted on acidification impacts on coastal benthic organisms. Here, a critical appraisal of calcification in six benthic species showed, contrary to popular predictions, calcification can increase, and not decrease, in acidified seawater. Measuring the changes in calcium in isolated calcium carbonate structure as well as structures from live animals exposed to acidified seawater allowed a comparison between a species' ability to calcify and the dissolution affects across decreasing levels of pH. Calcium carbonate production is dependant on the ability to increase calcification thus counteracting an increase in dissolution. Comparison with paleoecological studies of past high carbon dioxide (CO2) events presents a similar picture. This conclusion implies that calcification may not be the critical process impacted by ocean acidification; particularly as all species investigated displayed physiological trade offs including reduced metabolism, health, and behavioural responses, in association with this calcification upregulation, which possess as great a threat to survival as an inability to calcify.

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