What occurs to the pH level when carbon dioxide is removed from a pond?

When carbon dioxide is removed from a pond, the pH level increases. This happens because carbon dioxide, when dissolved in water, forms carbonic acid which can lower the pH, making the water more acidic. By removing carbon dioxide, the concentration of this acid decreases, leading to a rise in pH.

This process can be observed in natural bodies of water and is significant for the health of aquatic ecosystems. A higher pH often favors certain types of microorganisms and aquatic plants that are suited to less acidic conditions. In contrast, if carbon dioxide were to be added rather than removed, the pH would decrease, leading to a more acidic environment. Therefore, the increase in pH upon the removal of carbon dioxide highlights the role of this gas in maintaining the acid-base balance in aquatic systems.