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A Simplified Model To Predict the Effect of Increasing Atmospheric CO2 on Carbonate Chemistry in the Ocean

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Brian J. Bozlee and Maria Janebo

Department of Chemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI 96744-5297

Ginger Jahn

Department of Chemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742

J. Chem. Educ., 2008, 85 (2), p 213

DOI: 10.1021/ed085p213

Publication Date (Web): February 1, 2008

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The chemistry of dissolved inorganic carbon in seawater is reviewed and used to predict the potential effect of rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In agreement with more detailed treatments, we find that calcium carbonate (aragonite) may become unsaturated in cold surface seawater by the year 2100 C.E., resulting in the destruction of calcifying organisms such as coral. Our analysis is intended for the environmental chemistry classroom and illustrates the importance of gas solubility, buffers, acid–base chemistry, and the effect of temperature on equilibrium. Calculations are adapted to spreadsheets and are intended to be accessible to upper-level chemistry students.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Computer-Based Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Carbon Footprint Calculations: An Application of Chemical Principles
Richard S. Treptow
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (2), 168-171
- Carbon Footprint Calculations: An Application of Chemical Principles
  Richard S. Treptow
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (2), 168-171
  Topics commonly taught in a general chemistry course can be used to calculate the quantity of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by various human activities. Each calculation begins with the balanced chemical equation for the reaction that ...
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