Marine Science Faculty Publications

Biological Impacts of Deep-sea Carbon Dioxide Injection Inferred from Indices of Physiological Performance

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2003

Keywords

carbon dioxide, global warming, deep sea, hypercapnia, acid—base balance, sequestration, cephalopoda, metabolism

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.00141

Abstract

A recent proposal to store anthropogenic carbon dioxide in the deep ocean is assessed here with regard to the impacts on deep-living fauna. The stability of the deep-sea has allowed the evolution of species ill-equipped to withstand rapid environmental changes. Low metabolic rates of most deep-sea species are correlated with low capacities for pH buffering and low concentrations of ion-transport proteins. Changes in seawater carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2) may thus lead to large cellular PCO2 and pH changes. Oxygen transport proteins of deep-sea animals are also highly sensitive to changes in pH. Acidosis leads to metabolic suppression, reduced protein synthesis,respiratory stress, reduced metabolic scope and, ultimately, death. Deep-sea CO2 injection as a means of controlling atmospheric CO2levels should be assessed with careful consideration of potential biological impacts. In order to properly evaluate the risks within a relevant timeframe,a much more aggressive approach to research is warranted.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Experimental Biology, v. 206, issue 4, p. 641-650

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