Identification of Ocean Acidification Hotspots in Palk Strait, Bay of Bengal:

Ocean acidification poses a growing global threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity, with significant implications for ecological balance and human livelihoods. The Palk Strait, a vital ecological corridor between India and Sri Lanka, is particularly vulnerable to acidification due to anthropogenic influences and its unique hydrography. This study employs CO2sys and the R package Seacarb to predict acidification trends in the Palk Strait by analyzing key carbonate system parameters, including partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), pH, total alkalinity, temperature, and salinity. Using the Seacarb function “pgas”, projected trends in pH, aragonite saturation state (ΩAr), and calcite saturation state (ΩCa) were evaluated. The findings reveal critical insights, indicating that the Bay of Bengal region is nearing undersaturation for both aragonite and calcite, signaling a concerning trajectory if mitigation efforts are not implemented. This research identifies potential acidification hotspots and underscores the urgency for targeted conservation and sustainable management strategies to safeguard the fragile marine ecosystem of the Palk Strait.