Shocking Acidic Levels in Oceans
Ocean Acidification Tests in the Lab
Hannah in Year 12 is currently working on a Report as part of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Hannah’s title is: The implications of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity. Having completed a huge amount of research, reading through lots of articles and books on theories behind ocean acidification, Hannah designed an experiment that could be conducted in the school lab to replicate the impacts of ocean acidification.
We are grateful for the help of Mrs Walker, who arranged the equipment needed for the experiment and also Dr Bune, for her guidance and support – thank you. The first stage of the experiment was carried out on Tuesday 14th July to investigate the impacts of increased hydrogen ion concentrations on the shells of calcifying organisms. As pH decreases (becomes more acidic), it is expected that the shells will begin to dissolve, as dissolution exceeds calcification rates, and the shells will reduce in mass. Six beakers with water of different pH values containing shells have been left in a dark cupboard in the science lab for the next three days! The second stage will be to weigh the shells again to calculate the percentage decrease in mass due to the effects of increased acidification. Dr Bune has kindly agreed to weigh the shells again on Friday – thank you.
Hannah will analyse and interpret the results of this experiment and compare them with the scientific theories on the impacts of increased acidification on our oceans. You can hear more about this at Hannah’s EPQ presentation in the Autumn term.