Effect of surface ocean acidification on coral calcification

2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23510029
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Environmental impact assessment/Environmental policy
• Research Institution: University of the Ryukyus
• Principal Investigator: OHDE SHIGERU 琉球大学, 理学部, 教授 (20117568)
• Project Period (FY): 2011 – 2013
• Keywords: 海洋酸性化 / 二酸化炭素 / サンゴ / 石灰化 / pH / アラゴナイト

Research Abstract

Due to fossil fuel burning, atmospheric carbon dioxide is predicted to be double of pre-industrial period in 2065. Such an increase is reducing surface oceanic pH and carbonate ion in seawater. We evaluated the effects of seawater pH and carbonate on coral calcification associated with elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide. From the culture experimental data obtained in the field and laboratory, coral calcification is possibly controlled by an precipitation law, R = k(D-1), where R is the precipitation rate, k is the rate constant and D is the saturation state with respect to aragonite. Using the model equation, coral calcification is predicted to decline about 20% and over 40% by 2014 and 2065, respectively.
We also determined F/Ca in coral skeletons to evaluate as a proxy of seawater pH. The F/Ca in corals showed a strong relationship with carbonate ion in seawater where the corals grew. The F/Ca in coral might be one of the proxies of seawater pH.

Research Products

• [Journal Article] Metal contents in Porites coral from Khang Khao Island, Gulf of Thailand : Anthropogenic input of river runoff into a coral reef from urbanized areas, Bangkok (2013)
  • Author(s): Tanaka, K., Ohde, S., Cohen, M.D., Snidvongs, A., Ganmanee, M., McLeod, C.W.
  • Journal Title: Applied Geochemistry Volume: 37 Pages: 79-86
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2013.07.005
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Evaluation of heavy metal contents and Pb isotopic compositions in the Chao Phraya River sediments : Implication for anthropogenic inputs from urbanized areas, Bankok (2013)
  • Author(s): Wijaya, A.R., Oouchi, A.K., Tanaka, K., Cohen, M.D., Sirirattanachai, S., Shinjo, R., Ohde, S.
  • Journal Title: Jour. Geochem. Exploration Volume: 126-127 Pages: 45-54
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2012.12.009
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Fluoride in non-symbiotic coral associated with seawater carbonate (2013)
  • Author(s): Tanaka, K., Ono, T., Fujioka, Y., Ohde, S.
  • Journal Title: Marine Chemistry Volume: 149 Pages: 45-50
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.marchem.2012.12.004
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Metal contents and Pb isotopes in road-side dust and sediment of Japan (2012)
  • Author(s): Wijaya, A.R., Oouchi, A.K., Tanaka, K., Shinjo, R., Ohde, S.
  • Journal Title: Jour. Geochem. Exploration Volume: 118 Pages: 68-76
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2012.04.009
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] Boron in coral skeletons determined by prompt gamma-ray analysis (2011)
  • Author(s): Ohde, S., Tanaka, K., Snidvongs, A., Matsue, H.
  • Journal Title: Jour. Radioanal. Nuclear Chem. Volume: 289 Pages: 401-406
  • DOI: 10.1007/s10967-011-1102-2
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Journal Article] 沖縄県玉泉洞地下水中の平衡二酸化炭素分圧 (2011)
  • Author(s): 田中健太郎, 小野朋典, 棚原朗, 大出茂
  • Journal Title: 洞窟学雑誌 Volume: 36 Pages: 25-37
  • URL: http://www.speleology.jp/publish/journal.html
  • Peer Reviewed
• [Book] Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs (Funafuti. In Hopley, D. (ed.))(査読有) (2011)
  • Author(s): Ohde, S.
  • Total Pages: 446-449
  • Publisher: Springer