Question

Of the compounds dissolved in ocean water, which is most needed by organisms that live there?

Answer 1

Dissolved CO₂, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen are the most needed compounds by organisms in the ocean, with CO₂ being crucial for shell-forming organisms and iron stimulating the growth of phytoplankton where it is scarce.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the compounds dissolved in ocean water, the most needed by organisms that live there are dissolved CO₂, various nutrients, and dissolved oxygen. Dissolved CO₂ is crucial for shell-building animals, such as shellfish and corals, which rely on it for the creation of calcium carbonate structures through chemical reactions in the ocean. Iron and molybdenum are micro-nutrients essential for life on Earth and can significantly affect the growth of phytoplankton, a primary producer in the marine food web. Additionally, dissolved oxygen is vital for the respiration of aquatic organisms, particularly at the ocean surface where it is more abundant due to interactions with the atmosphere.

For instance, increasing iron concentrations in oceanic regions where it is limited, like the Pacific Ocean, could stimulate phytoplankton growth, enhancing the ocean's capability to absorb carbon dioxide and potentially mitigating some impacts of climate change. However, increasing oceanic acidification is a concern, as it can dissolve the calcium carbonate structures essential to many marine organisms and disrupt the marine ecosystem balance.

Answer 2

Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important components for the ocean and aquatic life in it.