| Aquatic Plant Control Research Program: Effects of Water Chemistry on Submersed Aquatic Plants: A Synthesis. (1998) | |||||||||
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| Submersed aquatic plants require a continual supply of inorganic carbon to fuel photosynthesis. However, the aquatic environment imposes limits on both the supply and availability of inorganic carbon. Several factors, including alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and pH, affect the availability of inorganic carbon. These factors are among the most important water chemistry parameters with respect to their potential effects on the growth and distribution of submersed aquatic plants. Many submersed plants exhibit adaptations enabling them to more readily acquire inorganic carbon from the aquatic environment. A common adaptation is the ability to use bicarbonate (usually the predominant form of DIC) in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis in bicarbonate users, typified by Eurasian watermilfoil, is roughly proportional to DIC concentration. While photosynthesis is directly related to DIC, the relationship between plant biomass production and DIC is less clear. Factors other than DIC (such as nutrient limitation) also affect biomass production. Although inorganic carbon supply may limit growth rate, peak biomass attainment may be more likely limited by nitrogen availability. While water chemistry influences species distribution, it is unlikely that this factor is involved in limitations on biomass production. | |||||||||
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