Graduation Date
5-2017
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Director of the Honors Program
Gigi Gokcek, PhD
First Reader
Diara Spain, PhD
Second Reader
Doreen Gurrola, MS
Abstract
Ocean acidification has emerged as an issue for marine organisms, due to increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. In particular, invertebrates with calcium carbonate exoskeletons seem to be at risk. Our research investigates the potential effect of decreased pH on the weight of Hemigrapsus nudus, a species of intertidal crab found in Northern California. Over a 6 week period, crabs were maintained in individual containers with recirculating chilled seawater at 12.7°C. The control aquaria was maintained at 8.1 pH, while the experimental aquaria averaged a pH of 7.5. Crabs were weighed at two week intervals, preliminary information shows the control crabs increased in weight, while experimental crabs lost weight. Our results suggest that the decreased pH is possibly affecting a component of calcification needed for strong exoskeleton.
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