Ocean Acidification Carryover Effects from Oyster Broodstock to Larvae
Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by approximately 40% since preindustrial times from 280 ppm (parts per million) to 400 ppm. The rise in Pco₂ is causing the ocean to become more acidic due to the uptake of carbon dioxide by the water, termed “ocean acidification”. As the Pco₂ in the ocean in...
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Other Authors: | , |
Format: | Thesis |
Language: | English unknown |
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Oregon State University
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Online Access: | https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/honors_college_theses/3x816p356 |
Summary: | Atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by approximately 40% since preindustrial times from 280 ppm (parts per million) to 400 ppm. The rise in Pco₂ is causing the ocean to become more acidic due to the uptake of carbon dioxide by the water, termed “ocean acidification”. As the Pco₂ in the ocean increases, the pH and the saturation state, Ω, of calcium carbonate decrease. Increased Pco₂ in the ocean has been shown to negatively affect calcifying organisms like the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). The effects of elevated Pco₂ on egg size and 24-hour old, D-hinge larval size and development were examined in this study. Adult Pacific oysters were conditioned in low and high levels of Pco₂. From these groups, two treatment groups were made for larval rearing, high and low Pco₂. Significant decreases in egg size and normal larval development were found due to the adult treatment. Larval size differed significantly between adult exposure treatments. These results suggest the negative effects of ocean acidification can be carried over from adult to offspring, with egg size acting as a mechanism. The evidence of carryover effects supports the study of ocean acidification across multiple life history stages rather than a single phase. |
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