Question

if the ocean PH declines, will CaCO3 dissolve or precipitate??

Answer 1

If the ocean pH declines, it is likely that CaCO₃ will dissolve. This occurs through a process called ocean acidification which is characterised by lowering of the pH values of the ocean. This is triggered by the dissolution of CO₂ in the sea water which further leads to the reduction of the carbonate ion which is an important form of inorganic carbon. Inorganic carbon is important for marine life in the way that all crustaceans depend on this form of carbon to form their shells by the process known as calcification. Decline in the ocean pH causes the carbonate ions to dissolve which in turn corrodes the sea water rendering it harmful for other marine organisms to survive and thus disturbing the ecological balance.