Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
12
Carbon
Forms of Carbon
Inorganic Carbon
Organic Carbon
Transformations of Carbon
Oxidation of Organic Carbon with Inorganic Electron Acceptors
Other than O
2
Fermentation
Methanotrophy
Methanogenesis
A General Introduction to Nutrient Cycling and the Carbon Cycle
Summary
Questions for Thought
Carbon is the currency of energy exchange in aquatic ecosystems. Un-
derstanding carbon cycling is central to understanding food webs and how
aquatic communities are structured and supported. Inorganic carbon in
water is involved in the bicarbonate equilibrium, which is connected inti-
mately to pH control and responses to acid precipitation. Methane pro-
duction in wetlands is one example of the direct impact of freshwater
ecosystems on global biogeochemistry and the greenhouse effect. In this
chapter, forms of organic and inorganic carbon and fluxes of carbon in the
environment (including the carbon cycle) are discussed.
FORMS OF CARBON
Inorganic Carbon
Inorganic carbon is found in the atmosphere, primarily in the form of
carbon dioxide (CO
2
), where the concentration is approximately 350 ppm.
The concentration has been constantly increasing since the industrial rev-
olution, leading to the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect (increases
in atmospheric CO
2
, other gasses, temperature, and associated climate
231
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