In: Biology
Diatoms (Diatomers) are microalgae found abundantly in water and semi-water bodies such as oceans. They fix majority of the Carbon dioxide in the form of photosythesis and are important component of marine ecosystem. Diatoms are adapted to survive in slightly (weak) basic environment and so, a little increase in acidity in the surrounding can pose a threat to the survival of diatoms. The main reason behind this is that diatoms are unable to take iron for their growth in acidic environment.
This can be explained in detail as follows:
Carbon dioxide in air react with water in the sea to form carbonic acid. This results in increase in acidity of the ocean. Because of this fewer carbonate molecules (negatively charged ions) are availlable for diatoms . Fewer carbonate molecules interfere with diatoms' ability to take up vital nutrient, especially iron, necessary for their growth and survival.