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Double Trouble: Consequences of Ocean Acidification - Past, Present and Future - Physiologic impacts on marine calcifiers
Project leader: Prof. dr. J. Bijma
Researcher(s): MSc N. Keul
Starting date: 01-10-2010

Abstract
The impact of Ocean Acidification (OA) on the physiology of foraminifera is as yet unknown. The overall aim of this study is to quantify the impact of ongoing ocean acidification on the physiology of foraminifera. This individual project will use novel fluorescent pH and Ca probes to study the intracellular activities under increasing pH and pCO2 stress. In this way, the impact of OA on the physiology of foraminifera and their calcification mechanisms can be determined. The strategy of pH modification at the site of calcification by foraminifera is expected to be affected by ongoing ocean acidification. Focus will be on comparing the physiologic impact of ocean acidification on miliolid and rotalid species. Ultimately, the results, combined with those of the UU GEO PhD, will be used develop a physiological model that describes the impact of OA on calcification, trace metal incorporation and stable isotopic fractionation. Calcifying foraminifera are important contributors to the marine carbon cycle. Obtaining knowledge of their response to OA is crucial to predict future changes in the global carbon cycle.

Publications
Keul, N., G. Langer, et al. (2013). Effect of ocean acidification on the benthic foraminifera Ammonia sp. is caused by a decrease in carbonate ion concentration. Biogeosciences Discuss.10: 1147-1176.
Darwin Center authors: Keul N., Langer G.

Keul, N., G. Langer, et al. (2013). Incorporation of uranium in benthic foraminiferal calcite reflects seawater carbonate ion concentration. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems14: 102-111.
Darwin Center authors: Keul N., Langer G.