Isotopic tracers, particularly carbon-14 (¹⁴C) and boron isotopes, are instrumental in tracking the uptake of carbon dioxide by the ocean and its subsequent impact on marine organisms. ¹⁴C, a radioactive isotope of carbon, allows researchers to trace the movement of carbon from the atmosphere into the ocean and through the marine food web. By measuring the ¹⁴C content of seawater and marine organisms, scientists can quantify the rate of carbon uptake and assess its effects on calcifying organisms, such as corals and shellfish.
Boron isotopes, specifically boron-11 (¹¹B) and boron-10 (¹⁰B), are used to reconstruct past ocean pH levels. The ratio of ¹¹B to ¹⁰B in the shells of marine organisms, such as foraminifera, reflects the pH of the seawater in which they lived. By analyzing the boron isotope composition of fossil shells, scientists can reconstruct past ocean acidification events and understand how marine ecosystems have responded to changes in ocean pH.
These nuclear techniques provide critical insights into the rate and extent of ocean acidification, as well as its impact on marine ecosystems. This information is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification and protect vulnerable marine species. The precision of isotopic analysis allows for the detection of subtle changes in ocean chemistry, providing a more detailed understanding of the complex processes involved in ocean acidification.
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/using-nuclear-techniques-understand-ocean-acidification