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Plankton have major impact in acidic waters

The smallest species of plankton will increase in numbers to the detriment of other species when C02 levels rise and ocean acidity increases.

The study, conducted by a team of international scientists, also found the rise in small plankton will affect the oceans’ ability to absorb C02 and regulate the global climate.

The pico and nano plankton will consume nutrients normally consumed by larger plankton, who play an important role in transferring carbon to the depths of the ocean.

The smaller numbers of larger plankton will result in less carbon being transferred from the surface waters and more escaping into the atmosphere.

Read more at Biogeosciences

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