Ocean Acidification

Buck, Eugene H. ; Folger, Peter

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Air pollution;    Carbon dioxide;    Water pollution;    Acid pollution of rivers, lakes, etc.;    Marine resources;   

RP-ID  :  R40143
RP-ID  :  R40143_2009Jul02

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

With increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, the extent of effects on the ocean and marine resources is an increasing concern. One aspect of this issue is theongoing process whereby seawater becomes acidified (i.e., ocean acidification) as more CO2 dissolves in it, causing hydrogen ion concentration in seawater to increase. While not yet fullyunderstood, the ecological and economic consequences of ocean acidification could be substantial. Congress is beginning to focus attention on better understanding ocean acidification and determining how this concern might be addressed.