Assessing the Influence of Ocean Acidification on Calcification Patterns in Non-Coral Marine Invertebrates

Ocean acidification, which consists in the changes in carbonate chemistry of the seawater and in the reduction of calcium carbonate availability, is defined as one of the major challenges facing marine species nowadays. Although the topic of coral calcification received a lot of attention from scientists, it is necessary to conduct the comparative study of how other non-coral marine invertebrates, such as molluscs, echinoderms, crustaceans and bryozoans, respond to the changes in the chemical composition of the seawater. This necessity is associated with the increase in the quantity of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and potential consequences for marine biodiversity and the process of the shell and skeleton development in marine organisms. The distinctive feature of the proposed research is the attempt to find the approach to establish the correlation between the seawater carbonate parameters and the species-specific patterns of calcification and organism reactions to it. It implies laboratory exposures, assessment of the physicochemical parameters of seawater, shell and skeletal assessment and comparative biological analysis. The research is focused on the difference in the calcification process in various conditions of acidification. The results expected from this research are to understand better the impact of ocean acidification on the formation and structure of calcium carbonate in marine invertebrates that do not include coral reefs. This research shall bring out the significance of marine invertebrates that are not corals in maintaining the stability of the marine ecosystem. The changes in the organism growth rate, formation of the skeleton, and physiological tolerances due to the changes in the carbonates shall be emphasized. Such information could assist in determining which organisms are more susceptible and resistant to acidification. In addition, the research results shall form an important scientific base for the future monitoring programs for marine ecosystems.