Carbon Speciation in a Closed System

In a closed system, we can more specifically analyze the relative concentration of each species. Since a closed system cannot lose molecules from solution, the total concentration of all species of a molecule (CT) must remain constant, even if relative amounts of species differ.

total concentration of carbon species

Since equation 15 must remain a constant value in a closed system, we can consider the percent relationship between the three concentrations. For carbonic acid, this relationship is

percent of total of carbonic acid

By substituting equations 12-14 into equation 16, we can further simplify it:

substitution of equations 12-14 into equation 16
further simplification of the carbonic acid percent equation
further simplification of the carbonic acid percent equation
further simplification of the carbonic acid percent equation
simplified carbonic acid percent of total equation

Ocean Acidification - Background
page 6/8

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