Ocean acidification and temperature increase impact mussel shell shape and thickness: problematic for protection?

ABSTRACT: Ocean acidification threatens organisms that produce calcium carbonate shells by potentially generating an under-saturated carbonate environment. Resultant reduced calcification and growth, and subsequent dissolution of exoskeletons, would raise concerns over the ability of the shell to provide protection for the marine organism under ocean acidification and increased temperatures. We examined the impact of combined ocean acidification and temperature increase on shell formation of the economically important edible mussel Mytilus edulis. Shell growth and thickness along with a shell thickness index and shape analysis were determined. The ability of M. edulis to produce a functional protective shell after 9 months of experimental culture under ocean acidification and increasing temperatures

SUBMITTER: Fitzer SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4662322 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature