The transfer rates of inorganic carbon and budgetary analysis in a simulated aquatic system

A detailed system analysis of the transfer rates and budget of inorganic carbon in a simulated aquatic system was conducted. We used the compartmental model of biogeochemical cycling and a mathematical model designed to calculate transfer rates through various processes. The major processes that account for the change in inorganic carbon in the system are: photosynthesis, respiration and decomposition. However, diffusion also plays a part in balancing the system and maintaining a dynamic equilibrium. The change in inorganic carbon was measured by the pH–alkalinity method [Culberson, C., Pytkowicz, R.M., Hawley, J.E., 1970. Sea water alkalinity determination by the pH method. J. Mar. Res. V. 17, 737–750] and the carbon speciation was calculated from pH and alkalinity by a program developed for the process. The results obtained were used to verify the mathematical model. The compartmental model shows a perfect balance of inorganic carbon maintained through dynamic equilibrium between the reservoir of inorganic carbon and the biota.