The Effect of Ocean Acidification Topic: The ocean acidity level is increasing. It is increasing because of the rise in carbon dioxide. The higher the level of carbon dioxide exposed to the ocean, the acidity level of the water rises. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, the carbon and H2O molecules bind together to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid then breaks down in the water, releasing hydrogen ions and bicarbonates.
Experimental Question: How does carbon dioxide affect salt water? We'll try to figure this out by dissolving carbon dioxide into a beaker of salt water demonstrating the gas exchange that occurs between atmosphere and ocean. The results of changing pH in the water will be tracked during the lab.
Pre-Lab Questions- Bubbles Protocol:
1. What gas are you blowing in the water?
$: We are blowing carbon dioxide into the water.
2. What happens to the gas when you blow it into the water?
$: The gas dissolves into the water. And becomes Carbonic Acid.
3. How are you measuring change in the pH of the water during this lab?
$: A universal indicator.
4. What does measuring the pH of the water tell us?
$: Measuring the pH of the water tells us the change of acidity in the water with the change in CO2 level.
5. After studying the reactions above, how do you think carbonic acid will affect the pH of salt water?
$: The carbonic acid will affect the pH of salt water by changing the acidity of the water.
Hypothesis: When we dissolve CO2 into the water, the pH of the water will become more acidic.
Protocol: We had 4 different protocols to follow. Three were the experimental and the last one was the control. The experimental protocols were room temperature tap water, cold salt water, and hot salt water. The control protocol was room temperature salt water.
Protocol A- 1. Add 100 mL tap water to a 500mL beaker.
2. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
3. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color, using the table on the data sheet.
4. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
5. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
6. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
7. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
8. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
Protocol B- 1. Add 100 mL saltwater to a 500mL beaker.
2. Place beaker on ice for about 3 minutes.
3. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
4. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color, using the table on the data sheet.
5. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
6. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
7. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins
blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
8. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
9. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
Protocol C- 1. Add 100 mL saltwater to a 500mL beaker.
2. Place beaker on the hot plate for about 3 minutes.
3. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
4. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color, using the table on the data sheet.
5. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
6. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
7. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins
blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins
timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
8. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
9. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
Protocol D- 1. Add 100 mL saltwater to a 500mL beaker.
2. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
3. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color using the table on the data sheet.
4. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
5. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
6. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
7. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
8. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
9. Decide on how you want to experiment by changing the variables.
Experimental Question: How does carbon dioxide affect salt water? We'll try to figure this out by dissolving carbon dioxide into a beaker of salt water demonstrating the gas exchange that occurs between atmosphere and ocean. The results of changing pH in the water will be tracked during the lab.
Pre-Lab Questions- Bubbles Protocol:
1. What gas are you blowing in the water?
$: We are blowing carbon dioxide into the water.
2. What happens to the gas when you blow it into the water?
$: The gas dissolves into the water. And becomes Carbonic Acid.
3. How are you measuring change in the pH of the water during this lab?
$: A universal indicator.
4. What does measuring the pH of the water tell us?
$: Measuring the pH of the water tells us the change of acidity in the water with the change in CO2 level.
5. After studying the reactions above, how do you think carbonic acid will affect the pH of salt water?
$: The carbonic acid will affect the pH of salt water by changing the acidity of the water.
Hypothesis: When we dissolve CO2 into the water, the pH of the water will become more acidic.
Protocol: We had 4 different protocols to follow. Three were the experimental and the last one was the control. The experimental protocols were room temperature tap water, cold salt water, and hot salt water. The control protocol was room temperature salt water.
Protocol A- 1. Add 100 mL tap water to a 500mL beaker.
2. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
3. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color, using the table on the data sheet.
4. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
5. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
6. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
7. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
8. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
Protocol B- 1. Add 100 mL saltwater to a 500mL beaker.
2. Place beaker on ice for about 3 minutes.
3. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
4. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color, using the table on the data sheet.
5. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
6. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
7. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins
blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
8. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
9. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
Protocol C- 1. Add 100 mL saltwater to a 500mL beaker.
2. Place beaker on the hot plate for about 3 minutes.
3. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
4. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color, using the table on the data sheet.
5. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
6. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
7. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins
blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins
timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
8. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
9. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
Protocol D- 1. Add 100 mL saltwater to a 500mL beaker.
2. Using your transfer pipet, add 4 drops of universal indicator. (Save your pipet for your next experiment!)
3. Place a white sheet of paper under the beaker and record the initial color using the table on the data sheet.
4. Stretch the piece of parafilm to completely cover the top of the beaker- then insert the straw by poking a hole through the parafilm.
5. Get the data sheet and prepare to record the color of the solution every 30 seconds, using the colors listed on the Universal Indicator Color Chart.
6. Get timer ready to record for 120 seconds- Begin timing AT THE SAME TIME as the breather begins blowing. Begin blowing through the straw into the water at exactly the same time as the timer begins timing. Breathe at a steady rate, exhaling only through straw. (Be careful to not inhale or suck on the straw!)
7. Call out 30 seconds intervals. As the timer calls out each 30 second interval, record the color at that time using the same color descriptions as the Universal Indicator Color Chart. Blow at steady breathing rate for two full minutes.
8. Using the table on your data sheet and the Universal Indicator Color Chart, convert your color data to numbers, plot your data on the graph provided, and draw a line connecting the points to create a line graph.
9. Decide on how you want to experiment by changing the variables.
Data Analysis- Post Lab Questions:
1. As you blew through the straw, what were you adding to the water and how did that change the pH?
$: We were adding carbon dioxide to the water and that changed the pH by making the water more acidic.
2. What did the universal indicator tell us about the water?
$: The more carbon dioxide is added to the water, it starts to change the pH.
3. What does this tell us about the effects of carbonic acid in ocean water?
$: Carbonic acid in ocean water can make the water more acidic.
4. Based on the results of your experimental protocol, which factor affects the pH of the water most, temperature or salt?
$: The salt affects it the most.
Conclusion: After doing this lab, I realized that my hypothesis was correct. . I learned that carbon dioxide could change the pH of the ocean water by a lot.
Pre-Lab Questions- Shells Protocol:
1. How do organisms make their shells? What are shells made of?
$: Organism grow their shells with calcium carbonate.
2. What do you expect to happen to the shell in an acidic solution such as vinegar?
$: I expect it to start dissolving.
3. What are sources of carbon dioxide and which of these sources are most likely to affect ocean pH?
$: Some sources are emissions from cars, fossil fuels, breathing, and bacteria.
Hypothesis: If I put shells into an acidic environment, then the shells will start to break down.
Protocol: 1. Remove your two untreated shells from their bags.
2. With a sharpie, label one shell "E" for experimental and one shell "C" for control.
3. Using your data table record your group's initial observations of the control and experimental shell characteristics.
4. Find the mass of each of the shells.
5. Record the starting masses of both shells on your data table.
6. Pour 150 mL of vinegar into a 500mL beaker and 150 mL of salt water into a second 500mL beaker.
7. Set the timer for 30 minutes
8. At the same time: add the untreated, control shell "C" shell to salt water and the untreated, experimental shell "E" to the beaker of vinegar and start the timer.
9. In your data table, observe and record your group's observations of what is happening to the shell while exposed to the vinegar over time. (at 0 minutes and 15 minutes)
10. Between observations of your shell in acid (vinegar), spend time observing and recording observations of shell characteristics for the pretreated ("Low Exposure" and "High Exposure") shells.
11. After 30 minutes use the tweezers to remove the shell from the vinegar and place on a paper towel. Dry the shell with a paper towel as best as you can.
12. Find the mass of both the control and the experimental shells.
13. Record the final masses and observations of the experimental and control shells after treatment.
14. Break the shell with text books to see how easily the shells break.
Data Analysis- Post Lab Questions:
1. When you immersed the shells in vinegar, how did you know that a reaction was happening?
$: I knew a reaction was happening because when we immersed the shell in vinegar, the shell started bubbling.
2. How did observing the shells in vinegar relate to how animals are affected by a lower pH of ocean water?
$: They probably can't live in an acidic area.
3. How would shelled organisms be affected by a lower pH of ocean water?
$: They wouldn't be able to live from having their shell dissolved and broken down.
4. What are the primary functions of shell for these animals?
$: The primary functions are protection and a home.
5. Does it cost the animal energy to rebuild or repair their shell?
$: It doesn't cost them anything, they can't regrow their shell.
1. As you blew through the straw, what were you adding to the water and how did that change the pH?
$: We were adding carbon dioxide to the water and that changed the pH by making the water more acidic.
2. What did the universal indicator tell us about the water?
$: The more carbon dioxide is added to the water, it starts to change the pH.
3. What does this tell us about the effects of carbonic acid in ocean water?
$: Carbonic acid in ocean water can make the water more acidic.
4. Based on the results of your experimental protocol, which factor affects the pH of the water most, temperature or salt?
$: The salt affects it the most.
Conclusion: After doing this lab, I realized that my hypothesis was correct. . I learned that carbon dioxide could change the pH of the ocean water by a lot.
Pre-Lab Questions- Shells Protocol:
1. How do organisms make their shells? What are shells made of?
$: Organism grow their shells with calcium carbonate.
2. What do you expect to happen to the shell in an acidic solution such as vinegar?
$: I expect it to start dissolving.
3. What are sources of carbon dioxide and which of these sources are most likely to affect ocean pH?
$: Some sources are emissions from cars, fossil fuels, breathing, and bacteria.
Hypothesis: If I put shells into an acidic environment, then the shells will start to break down.
Protocol: 1. Remove your two untreated shells from their bags.
2. With a sharpie, label one shell "E" for experimental and one shell "C" for control.
3. Using your data table record your group's initial observations of the control and experimental shell characteristics.
4. Find the mass of each of the shells.
5. Record the starting masses of both shells on your data table.
6. Pour 150 mL of vinegar into a 500mL beaker and 150 mL of salt water into a second 500mL beaker.
7. Set the timer for 30 minutes
8. At the same time: add the untreated, control shell "C" shell to salt water and the untreated, experimental shell "E" to the beaker of vinegar and start the timer.
9. In your data table, observe and record your group's observations of what is happening to the shell while exposed to the vinegar over time. (at 0 minutes and 15 minutes)
10. Between observations of your shell in acid (vinegar), spend time observing and recording observations of shell characteristics for the pretreated ("Low Exposure" and "High Exposure") shells.
11. After 30 minutes use the tweezers to remove the shell from the vinegar and place on a paper towel. Dry the shell with a paper towel as best as you can.
12. Find the mass of both the control and the experimental shells.
13. Record the final masses and observations of the experimental and control shells after treatment.
14. Break the shell with text books to see how easily the shells break.
Data Analysis- Post Lab Questions:
1. When you immersed the shells in vinegar, how did you know that a reaction was happening?
$: I knew a reaction was happening because when we immersed the shell in vinegar, the shell started bubbling.
2. How did observing the shells in vinegar relate to how animals are affected by a lower pH of ocean water?
$: They probably can't live in an acidic area.
3. How would shelled organisms be affected by a lower pH of ocean water?
$: They wouldn't be able to live from having their shell dissolved and broken down.
4. What are the primary functions of shell for these animals?
$: The primary functions are protection and a home.
5. Does it cost the animal energy to rebuild or repair their shell?
$: It doesn't cost them anything, they can't regrow their shell.