Likely Effects of the Increasing Alkalinity of Inland Waters on Aquaculture

The rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentration is increasing the solubility of limestone, calcium silicate, and feldspars, resulting in greater total alkalinity concentration in inland waters. This phenomenon will result in inland waters having slightly greater alkalinity concentration (and buffering capacity), higher pH when at equilibrium with atmospheric CO 2 , and more available carbon for photosynthesis. However, the changes in water quality will be small. Fluctuations in CO 2 concentration resulting from CO 2 use in photosynthesis by aquatic plants and release of CO 2 by respiration, acidity resulting from nitrification of ammonia nitrogen from feeding waste and fertilizer, and application of liming materials to ponds will continue to be the dominant factors affecting pH and alkalinity in waters of inland aquaculture systems.