Coastal acidification impacts on shell mineral structure of bivalve molluscs

Ocean acidification is occurring globally through increasing CO2 absorption into the oceans creating particular concern for calcifying species. In addition to ocean acidification, near shore marine habitats are exposed to the deleterious effects of runoff from acid sulphate soils which also decreases environmental pH. This coastal acidification is being exacerbated by climate change driven sea-level rise and catchment-driven flooding. In response to reduction in habitat pH by ocean and coastal acidification molluscs are predicted to produce thinner shells of lower structural integrity and reduced mechanical properties threatening mollusc aquaculture. Here we present the first study to examine oyster biomineralisation under acid sulphate soil acidification in a region where growth of commercial bivalve species has declined in recent decades. Examination of the crystallography of the shells of the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, by electron back scatter diffraction analyses rev...