Effects of Ocean Acidification on Limpet Shell Strength
Abstract
Calcium carbonate shells undergo dissolution in acidified conditions. As carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the ocean's pH is lowered. The limpet Lottia scutum
is used in this experiment to demonstrate the affect of ocean acidification on calcium
carbonate material, which many marine organisms possess. As a limpet's shell becomes
brittle its life expectancy may become threatened by environmental conditions such as
desiccation, sun and temperature exposure, as well as predation. Peak force from
crushing limpet shells is used in this experiment to measure shell strength and show how
strength is diminished in acidified water over time.