Inquiry into 'acid oceans' effect

SCIENTISTS are to investigate the threat to the world's oceans which risk becoming too acidic due to pollution from greenhouse gases.

The Royal Society is to study the potentially catastrophic impact on marine life of the carbon dioxide overload.

Oceans "mop up" the gas which, in turn, increases the acidity of the water.

An American study published last year suggested this may alter ocean pH values.

There are fears it could affect corals and sea creatures with hard shells.

Increased acidity may also directly affect the growth and reproduction rates of fish.

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