This was the question I had- How is nutrient buil-up in the aquatic system affect the pH? What other factors in the aquatic system affect the pH?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "aquatic system pH" to get these possible sources:
http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:F7hNCzsBe9EJ:www3.uakron.edu/education/OLN/lessons/smith/Aquatics.pdf+aquatic+system+pH&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1&client=safari
http://water.usgs.gov/wid/FS_216-95/FS_216-95.html
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:MOsmrVjivIQJ:envsci.rutgers.edu/~reinfelder/cpesnotes/carb.pdf+aquatic+system+pH&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=42&client=safari
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Nutrient buildup in an aquatic system can affect the pH through a process called eutrophication. Eutrophication occurs when excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are present in the water. These nutrients can come from sources like agricultural runoff, sewage, or industrial waste.
When there is an excess of nutrients in the water, it leads to the rapid growth of algae and other aquatic plants. As these plants photosynthesize and grow, they consume dissolved carbon dioxide from the water, causing a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. This decrease in carbon dioxide can lead to an increase in the pH of the water, making it more alkaline.
Additionally, the excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants can lead to oxygen depletion in the water. During the night or when sunlight is limited, plants and algae respire and consume oxygen. If there is a large biomass of plants, this can deplete the dissolved oxygen levels in the water, leading to an increase in pH due to anaerobic conditions.
Other factors that can affect the pH in an aquatic system include:
1. Dissolved carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide in water can react with water molecules to form carbonic acid, lowering the pH. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the water depends on factors like respiration, photosynthesis, and exchange with the atmosphere.
2. Acidic inputs: Acidic substances, such as acid rain or industrial pollutants, can directly lower the pH of the water.
3. Alkaline inputs: Alkaline substances, such as limestone or carbonate minerals, can increase the pH of the water.
4. Buffering capacity: The ability of water to resist changes in pH is influenced by its buffering capacity. Waters with high levels of alkalinity and bicarbonate ions tend to have a higher buffering capacity, making them more resistant to pH changes.
These are just a few of the factors that can influence the pH in an aquatic system. It is important to note that pH is a dynamic parameter and can vary naturally throughout the day due to biological and physical processes. Monitoring and managing pH levels in aquatic systems is crucial for maintaining the health and balance of the ecosystem.