Acidificação oceânica: uma questão negligenciada

Abstract

Oceans play a crucial role in many natural processes, such as oxygen production and climate regulation. Ocean acidification (OA) is a phenomenon caused, among other factors, by the dissolution of certain gases in water, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). It is estimated that by 2100, the partial atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) will double from pre-industrial levels, aggravating this process. The negative consequences of OA are not yet fully understood, in part due to the limitations of laboratory experiments. However, it is known that they include increased concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere, structural and functional modifications of ecosystems, changes in richness, diversity and geographic distribution of species, impairment of ecosystem goods and services, and commercial activities, such as fishing and aquaculture, as well as global warming. OA, in principle, is considered irreversible, as it depends on the reduction of emissions of the gases involved in the process, especially CO2, and the slow natural process of neutralization. However, some mitigation measures, allied with adaptation measures, can mitigate the effects of OA. These and other issues related to ocean vulnerability caused by climate change will be raised in this review.