Ocean Acidification: Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

Ocean acidification, driven primarily by increased atmospheric CO₂ absorption, is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This paper examines the chemical mechanisms underlying acidification, its historical trends, and the widespread implications for marine organisms and ecosystems. It examines physiological and ecological effects on species ranging from microscopic plankton to coral reefs and addresses broader ecosystem-level disruptions and their cascading impacts. The socioeconomic implications, particularly for coastal communities and fisheries, are evaluated alongside mitigation strategies and the importance of long-term research and monitoring. The study underscores the urgency of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and combating ocean acidification as part of the global climate agenda. Keywords: Ocean acidification, carbon dioxide, marine biodiversity, carbonate chemistry, ecosystem services, calcifying organisms.