Impacts of ocean acidification on intertidal benthic foraminiferal growth and calcification

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220046
• Publication Date: 2019-08-21T20:02:46Z
• Authors: Fabricio Guamán-G...; Heather Austin; Natalie Hicks; Richard Streeter; William E. N. Austin
• Keywords: Ocean Acidification

Foraminifera are expected to be particularly susceptible future changes in ocean carbonate chemistry as a function of increased atmospheric CO2. Studies an experimental recirculating seawater system were performed with dominant benthic foraminiferal species collected from intertidal mudflats. We investigated the impacts acidification on survival, growth/calcification, morphology and biometric features calcareous Elphidium williamsoni. exposed for 6 weeks four different pH treatments that replicated scenarios high CO2 atmosphere resulting lower pH. Results revealed declining caused decline survival rate growth/calcification (mainly through test weight reduction). Scanning electron microscopy image analysis live specimens at end period show clear signs corrosion cracking surface, septal bridges, sutures feeding structures lowest conditions. These findings suggest morphological observed shell may serve alter: (1) efficiency their long-term ecological competitiveness, (2) energy transferred within food web subsequent shift community (3) carbon cycling total CaCO3 production, both highly significant processes coastal waters. results open-up possibility modelling calcification dissolution foraminifera mid-latitude environments, potential implications understanding changing marine cycle.