Journal
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Volume 149, Issue -, Pages 90-99Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.06.010
Keywords
Ocean acidification; pH; Benthos; Shell; SEM; Nanoindentation; Vickers; Adamussium colbecki; Antarctica
Funding
- Erasmus Plus Program 2016-2017
- [PNRA 2013/AZ1.03]
- [PNRA16_00105]
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Atmospheric pCO(2) has increased since the industrial revolution leading to a lowering of the ocean surface water pH, a phenomenon called ocean acidification (OA). OA is claimed to be a major threat for marine organisms and ecosystems and, particularly, for Polar regions. We explored the impact of OA on the shell mechanical properties of the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki exposed for one month to acidified (pH 7.6) and natural conditions (unmanipulated littoral water), by performing Scanning Electron Microscopy, nanoindentation and Vickers indentation on the scallop shell. No effect of pH could be detected either in crystal deposition or in the mechanical properties. A. colbecki shell was found to be resistant to OA, which suggests this species to be able to face a climate change scenario that may threat the persistence of the endemic Antarctic species. Further investigation should be carried out in order to elucidate the destiny of this key species in light of global change.
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