photosynthesis vs. res ph

I learned something today during my walk down the endless learning curve of hydroponics. Maybe you guys will find this interesting.. it was news to me!

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Photosynthesis uses light energy to synthesize carbohydrate from carbon dioxide. The equation is below.

6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy ® C6H12O6 + 6O2

This process requires light for some of the reactions.

It is also necessary to understand that the plant is constantly undergoing cellular respiration according to the equation below.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 ® 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy

Notice that these two equations appear to be opposites.

When plants are exposed to light, photosynthesis and cellular respiration both occur. In the dark, only cellular respiration occurs.

We will study photosynthesis in an aquatic plant (Elodea) We can measure the rate of photosynthesis and cellular respiration by measuring the amount of CO2 given off or taken up by the plant.

Carbon dioxide combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3) which dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). The pH drops due to the presence of hydrogen ions.

CO2 + H2O H2CO3 H+ + HCO3-

Respiring plants release CO2 into the water, causing the pH to decline. During photosynthesis, plants take up CO2 and the pH increases.
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Now I think they are talking about plants growing in (under) water but Iâ??m sure it has to have something to do with us right? I know ph loves to drift up. Also I understand that our plants undergo heavy respiration and that therefore there is extra CO2 given off into the reservoir raising ph, while the "+energy" part of the reaction is the reason they can be spotted out in a field by flying over with an IR camera..

Anyone disagree with this assessment?

The upshot of this is you don't want photosynthesis taking place in your reservoir.
No algae. No Elodea :). Keep the cover on it.

Thanks for the post Aaron.

One question, do you understand what you posted and how it applies to this plant?

Just checking :)