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The drastic change in climate due to the increase in carbon dioxide causes acidification of the ocean when carbon dioxide dissolves in water by forming carbonic acid. The water of the ocean is slightly basic, and acidic nature is harmful to marine organisms.

Air pollution, increased hydrogen ions concentration, and waste disposal are major reasons for ocean acidification.

The dominant species of the ocean found in the Southern Ocean are krills. They are crustaceans and food for many ocean organisms.

They consume primary producers of the ocean, such as phytoplankton. Krill is one of the abundant species present on the earth in terms of biomass. Copepods and amphipods are also the food of krill.

The decrease in krill numbers also decreases their dependents. The organisms that are at risk include carnivores’ plankton, birds, fish, squids, baleen whales, and crabeater seals. The producers, such as phytoplankton, might increase.

Ocean acidification affects all marine organisms.The acid content dissolves the shells of marine organisms.

The acidification of water affects the growth of the body and skeleton of the organisms. It slows downs the regrowth of new skeletons and organisms that possess impaired organs. It directly affects the food chain of the marine ecosystem.