Marine scientists are concerned about recent coral bleaching in the Bahamas. What is the MOST likely cause of this event?
A. decreased pH of the water due to an increase in CO2
B. pesticides entering the ocean from the island’s agricultural fields
C. sewage water being released into the ocean
D. an oil spill that has caused water levels to become toxic
A. decreased pH of the water due to an increase in CO2
Coral bleaching is often driven by stressors such as increased ocean temperatures and changes in water chemistry, including a decrease in pH due to increased CO2 levels. This is a common cause of coral bleaching events worldwide.