ORCID
- JM Hall-Spencer: 0000-0002-6915-2518
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA) is the decline in seawater pH and saturation levels of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals that has led to concerns for calcifying organisms such as corals, oysters and mussels because of the adverse effects of OA on their biomineralisation, shells and skeletons. A range of cellular biology, geochemistry and materials science approaches have been used to explore biomineralisation. These techniques have revealed that responses to seawater acidification can be highly variable among species, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unresolved. To assess the impacts of global OA, researchers will need to apply a range of tools developed across disciplines, many of which are emerging and have not yet been used in this context. This review outlines techniques that could be applied to study OA-induced alterations in the mechanisms of biomineralisation and their ultimate effects on shells and skeletons. We illustrate how to characterise, quantify and monitor the process of biomineralisation in the context of global climate change and OA. We highlight the basic principles, as well as the advantages and disadvantages, of established, emerging and future techniques for OA researchers. A combination of these techniques will enable a holistic approach and better understanding of the potential impact of OA on biomineralisation and its consequences for marine calcifiers and associated ecosystems.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2019-08-02
Publication Title
Oceanography and Marine Biology: An annual review. Volume 57
Volume
57
ISBN
9780429026379
Acceptance Date
2019-06-10
Deposit Date
2024-06-04
Additional Links
First Page
89
Last Page
125
Recommended Citation
Fitzer, S., Chan, V., Meng, Y., Rajan, K., Suzuki, M., Not, C., Toyofuku, T., Falkenberg, L., Byrne, M., Harvey, B., de, W., Cusack, M., Gao, K., Taylor, P., Dupont, S., Hall-Spencer, J., & Thiyagarajan, V. (2019) 'Established and Emerging Techniques for Characterising the Formation, Structure and Performance of Calcified Structures under Ocean Acidification', Oceanography and Marine Biology: An annual review. Volume 57, 57, pp. 89-125. Available at: 10.1201/9780429026379-2
