Ocean Acidification Formal Lab Report

Ocean Acidification Formal Laboratory Write-Up
Background:
Around the coast of Ischia Island, the water is being saturated with carbon dioxide. Chalk at the bottom of these waters is being boiled by nearby volcano, Mount Vesuvious, thus creating streams of bubbles coming u to the surface. With the chalk coming up to the surface, it is acidifying the water around it. This ocean acidification can cause tiny sea creatures, which normally absorb carbon dioxide, to be exposed to too much carbon dioxide that will in turn have a chain reaction effect in the food chain.
In the Bubbles experiments, the gas carbon dioxide will be blown into the water. When carbon dioxide is blown into water, it dissolves within the water to form carbonic acid. In this lab

By observing and measuring the effects of acidic environments on shells, we will better understand the effects and risks of mussel shells in oceans. Hypotheses:
If carbon dioxide is added to the system, then the pH of the room temperature salt water will become acidic because when carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, carbon and oxygen molecules bind together to form carbonic acid.
If carbon dioxide is added to the system, then the pH of the cold salt water will decrease because when carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, carbon and oxygen molecules bind together to form carbonic acid.
If shells are placed within an acidic environment, then the mass of the shells will decrease because increased acidity causes shells to dissolve.
If shells are placed within an acidic environment, then shells will become weaker in strength because acidity reduces the availability of carbonate ions which organisms use to build their shells.
Materials:
Bubbles Experiment
• • 100 mL Salt Water
• (2) 500 mL Beakers
• (2) Straws
• (1) Timer
• (1)