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A model of inorganic carbon limitation in natural waters

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Abstract

A mathematical model based on the chain rule for partial derivatives was developed in order to predict the situations in which inorganic carbon limits algal productivity. Given data on gross primary productivity, algal-bacterial respiration rates, CO2 gas transfer rates, temperature, alkalinity, initial pH, and the depth of the epilimnion, the model calculates the theoretical magnitude of dpH/dt in the water body during the photosynthetic period.

Based on sample calculations under various chemical, physical, and biological conditions, it appears that a dpH/dt of something greater that 2.0 units is necessary for inorganic C limitation to occur. Although this value has not been confirmed, the results suggest that C limitation of total planktonic algal growth would be rare in most natural waters. It is possible that C limitation could occur in low alkalinity water which would influence the species of algae present.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Environmental Science, University of Texas-Dallas, 75080, Richardson, Tex., USA

    Daniel H. James & G. Fred Lee

Authors
  1. Daniel H. James
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  2. G. Fred Lee
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James, D.H., Fred Lee, G. A model of inorganic carbon limitation in natural waters. Water Air Soil Pollut 3, 315–320 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226461

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00226461

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