Weakening Mechanisms of the Serpulid Tube in a High-CO^sub 2^ World

Many benthic marine organisms produce calcium carbonate (CaCO...) structures for mechanical protection through a biologically controlled calcification process. However, the oceans are becoming unfavorable for calcification because of the stress associated with ocean acidification (OA) and associated...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2014-12, Vol.48 (24), p.14158
Main Authors: Li, Chaoyi, Chan, Vera B S, He, Chong, Meng, Yuan, Yao, Haimin, Shih, Kaimin, Thiyagarajan, Vengatesen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acidification
Calcification
Carbon dioxide
Finite element analysis
Mechanical properties
Stress response
Worms
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Summary:Many benthic marine organisms produce calcium carbonate (CaCO...) structures for mechanical protection through a biologically controlled calcification process. However, the oceans are becoming unfavorable for calcification because of the stress associated with ocean acidification (OA) and associated chemical changes such as declining saturation state of CaCO... and decreasing seawater pH. This work studies the impacts of OA-driven decreased pH on the calcareous tubes produced by the serpulid tubeworm Hydroides elegans. Tubes grown under control and OA experimental conditions were measured for structural and mechanical properties, and their mechanical properties were further interpreted using finite element analysis (FEA). The near-future predicted pH value of 7.8 altered tube ultrastructure, volume, and density and decreased the mean tube hardness and elasticity by ~80 and ~70%, respectively. The crushing force required for breaking the tube was reduced by 64%. The FEA results demonstrated how a simulated predator attack may affect the structure with different structural and mechanical properties and consequently shift the stress development and distribution in the tubes, causing a more concentrated stress distribution and therefore leading to a lower ability to withstand attacks. (ProQuest: ... denotes formulae/symbols omitted.)
ISSN:0013-936X