Biomonitoring acidification using marine gastropods

摘要: Abstract Ocean acidification is mainly being monitored using data loggers which currently offer limited coverage of marine ecosystems. Here, we trial the use gastropod shells to monitor on rocky shores. Animals living in areas with highly variable pH (8.6–5.9) were compared those from sites more stable (8.6–7.9). Differences site reflected size, shape and erosion patterns Nerita chamaeleon Planaxis sulcatus . Shells acidified shorter, globular eroded, both these species proving be good biomonitors. After an assessment baseline weathering, shell can used indicate level exposure organisms corrosive water, providing a tool for biomonitoring heterogeneous intertidal systems. A ranking system was found clearly discriminate between reference sites. Being spatially-extensive, this approach identify coastal greater or lesser acidification. Cost-effective simple amenable citizen science projects could serve as early-warning-signal natural anthropogenic waters.