Ocean acidification can best be described as a decrease in pH levels in Earth's oceans. When the pH decreases, the acidity of the ocean increases. One of the main reasons this happens is due to carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and as carbon dioxide dissolves with salt water, carbon molecules bond with oxygen molecules to form a compound known as carbonic acid (CO2 + H2O→H2CO3 ). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay When carbonic acid is produced, the acid breaks down in water and releases harmful components such as hydrogen ions. Too much hydrogen ions are harmful to marine life. Plants such as photosynthetic algae require CO2 so can benefit from excessive amounts of CO2. However, shelled organisms are at risk and this affects not only them, but the entire food chain. In the two experiments conducted we tested how the ocean's pH level could be influenced by different factors and ecosystem effects. To be specific, in the first experiments we will test how carbon dioxide affects pH levels and in the second experiments we will test how the pH levels of the water itself affect the shells. In the "Bubbles Protocol" lab, we will blow water into it, so we can add carbon dioxide into the water. When we blow it, the carbon dioxide gas reacts with the water and makes the water more acidic. Using a universal indicator, we measure any changes in the water every 30 seconds. Measuring the pH levels of water indicates acidity. Carbon dioxide reacting with water will produce an acidic pH of the water. My group's hypothesis was that if carbon dioxide is put into the water, the acidity of the water will increase. The independent variable is the type of water. In the controlled experiment, the water will be salty. In the experimental experiment, the water will be tap water. The dependent variable is the pH level of the water, which will change based on the type of water. The constants will be the quantity of water. They will both be 100ml. Additionally, both glasses of water will be covered with plastic wrap and a straw will be inserted into both. When our group's blower blew through the straw, carbon dioxide was added to the water. Although this significantly affected the pH level during the first 30 seconds of the experiment, the pH level remained constant thereafter. The pH has decreased, so the acidity has increased. The salt in the salt water in the control group likely contributed to the acidity being higher than in tap water. Our initial hypothesis that carbon dioxide made water more acidic was correct. The water became acidic as the pH levels of both waters decreased. This was due to the hydrogen ions of carbonic acid. I learned that ocean acidification is a serious concept that affects several species and is primarily caused by humans releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which ends up turning into hydrogen ions in the ocean. Organisms build their shells using calcium carbonate. I expect a solution like vinegar which is very acidic to dissolve the shells. Carbon dioxide reaches the oceans through the ocean by absorbing it from the environment. Humans are another source of carbon dioxide as we release it through the process of respiration. My group's hypothesis was that if the shells were placed in an acidic solution, they would begin to dissolve. My group has.