Question

Some calcifiers can use bicarbonate (HCO3-) to make their shells.

How will they be affected by the decrease in pH?

Answer 1

The removal of this ion from water by the calcifiers will definitely decrease the pH of water.

What is the bicarbonate ion?

The bicarbonate ion is the ion that is designated as HCO3-. We must notice that this ion is present in abundant amounts in the sea. This amount definitely make the sea slightly alkaline.

Now we must note that the removal of this ion from water by the calcifiers that require it to make their shell will definitely decrease the pH of water.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

In more acidic conditions, bicarbonate ions tend to convert into carbonic acid and release hydrogen ions (H+). This reduces the availability of bicarbonate ions for the organisms to use in the formation of their shells.

The solubility of calcium carbonate increases with decreasing pH. This means that the formed shells may become more prone to dissolution in more acidic conditions. The acidification of the water can lead to the breakdown of the calcium carbonate structure, potentially impacting the structural integrity of the shells.

Some organisms may also experience direct physiological effects due to the changes in pH. For example, the acidification of the water can affect metabolic processes, enzyme activities, and other physiological functions in these organisms.