Mussel Populations Being Wiped Out by 'Acidic' Oceans

Climate change is threatening the world's mussels and the seafood is getting brittle due to the increased acidity of the oceans, reveal scientists.

A study from Glasgow University suggests that the world's oceans are becoming more acidic because they absorb some of the atmospheric carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change, the Daily Express reported.

Climate Change can Affect Forests in a Much Greater Way
Forests around the world are affected by man-made climate change, suggesting that degradation of woods cannot be ruled out for the future, a new study has revealed.

Rising acidity reduces the number of bicarbonate ions in the sea, which are vital for the creation of mussels' two-layer shells, which could make them more vulnerable to attack from predators.

Dr Susan Fitzer said that they worked with colleagues in their School of Engineering to examine the toughness of the shells in the more acidic water against those in control conditions and the calcite outer shells of the mussels past a certain threshold of acidity was stiffer and harder, making it more brittle and prone to fracture under pressure and the aragonite inner shell became softer.

The study was published in the Royal Society's journal Interface.

Quiz on Global Warming
The International Conference on Global Warming (GCGW-2012) will be held in Istanbul, Turkey on July 8-12, 2012. Take this quiz to learn what causes global warming, how it can affect your health, and what can be your contribution to contain it.

Source-ANI

Health Effects of Global Warming/What is Global Warming?
Greenhouse effect causes excessive heat to build up in the earth’s atmosphere causing global warming and affects the environment and health.

Simple Global Warming Solutions
Concerned about global warming? Look no further; we’ve decoded some of the best solutions you can adopt to help create a better environment at the individual level.