What is the importance of balancing the pH level in seawater?

Balancing the pH level in seawater is crucial for supporting the shells of marine organisms. Many marine species, including mollusks and some coral species, rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells and skeletons. When the pH level of seawater becomes more acidic—often as a result of increased CO2 emissions—it can lead to decreased availability of carbonate ions, which are essential for these organisms to build and maintain their shells. A stable and balanced pH helps ensure that these marine life forms can thrive, grow, and reproduce effectively, contributing to the overall health of marine ecosystems.

Maintaining an appropriate pH level is vital for the survival of these organisms, as well as for the biodiversity they support within ecological communities in the ocean. Consequently, the overall health of marine ecosystems is tied to the balance of pH in seawater, making it a fundamental aspect of ocean environmental health.