Measuring the Carbon Dioxide Metabolism of Aquatic Organisms

Abstract

A method of measuring the carbon dioxide metabolism of aquatic organisms based on the relationship of acidity and carbon dioxide concentration in water is presented. This method is suitable for use in any high school biology laboratory possessing a modern pH meter. Experimental examples of the metabolism of a fish and an aquarium are shown, and three tables of constants are given to aid in the calculations necessary to this method. Additional experiments using the method are suggested.