In their experiments, Australian and Swedish scientists found that increased acidity slowed the speed of sea urchin sperm and reduced their fertilisation success by as much as 25%, Scientists already knew that lower pH levels weaken the shells of crustaceans such as sea urchins and lobsters.
With an anticipated change in pH levels in the oceans from a normal 8.1 to 7.7 by 2100, the viability of many marine species’ fertilisation may be threatened.
The oceans are becoming more acidic because they absorb 30% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. The carbon dioxide forms a weak acid, which lowers pH levels.Some parts of the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the United States already have a pH level of 7.7.
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