Weakening Mechanisms of the Serpulid Tube in a High-CO2 World

Many benthic marine organisms produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) 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 c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2014-12, Vol.48 (24), p.14158-14167
Main Authors: Li, Chaoyi, Chan, Vera B. S, He, Chong, Meng, Yuan, Yao, Haimin, Shih, Kaimin, Thiyagarajan, Vengatesen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Applied ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Biomechanical Phenomena
Calcification, Physiologic
Calcium Carbonate - chemistry
Calcium Carbonate - metabolism
Carbon Dioxide - metabolism
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
Effects of pollution and side effects of pesticides on protozoa and invertebrates
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Polychaeta - chemistry
Polychaeta - physiology
Polychaeta - ultrastructure
Seawater - chemistry
X-Ray Microtomography
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Summary:Many benthic marine organisms produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) 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 CaCO3 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.
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es501638h