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Analytical challenges and the development of biomarkers to measure and to monitor the effects of ocean acidification

Hardege, J.D.; Rotchell, J.M.; Terschak, J.; Greenway, G.M.

Authors

J.D. Hardege

J. Terschak

G.M. Greenway



Abstract

Changing ocean-carbonate chemistry caused by oceanic uptake of anthropogenic atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to the formation of carbonic acid, thus lowering the pH of the sea with predictions of a decrease from current levels at 8.15 to 7.82 by the end of the century. The exact measurement of subtle pH changes in seawater over time presents significant analytical challenges, as the equilibrium constants are governed by water temperature and pressure, salinity effects, and the existence of other ionic species in seawater.

Here, we review these challenges and how pH also affects dissolved inorganic and organic chemicals that affect biological systems. This includes toxic compounds (xenobiotics) as well as chemicals that are beneficial for marine organisms, such as the chemical signals (i.e. pheromones) that are utilized to coordinate animal behavior. We review how combining analytical, molecular and biochemical tools can lead to the development of biosensors to detect pH effects to enable predictive modeling of the ecological consequences of ocean acidification.

Citation

Hardege, J., Rotchell, J., Terschak, J., & Greenway, G. (2011). Analytical challenges and the development of biomarkers to measure and to monitor the effects of ocean acidification. Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 30(8), 1320-1326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2011.07.004

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 1, 2011
Online Publication Date Jul 29, 2011
Publication Date 2011-09
Journal TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry
Print ISSN 0165-9936
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 30
Issue 8
Pages 1320-1326
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2011.07.004
Keywords Biomarkers, Biosensors, marine organisms, ocean acidification, Pheromone, Sea pH, toxicity
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/405343
Publisher URL https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016599361100207X?via%3Dihub