Effects of carbon dioxide on the growth and morphology of wavy-edged swordplant (Aponogeton crispus)

Abstract

Aquatic plant life including Aponogeton crispus depends on CO2 in the water in order to survive. The availability of light, and of nutrients other than carbon, is probably a more significant abiotic factor limiting net primary productivity of aquatic plants than is the supply of inorganic carbon. However the mechanism by which inorganic carbon is acquired by aquatic plants may affect the need for photons or other nutrients for photosynthesis. This study was conducted to determine the CO2 concentration that is optimal from the commercial aquarium plant, Aponogeton crispus. CO2 was added at different concentrations (40, 20 and 5 bubbles/minute). Growth rate was determined from height of entire plant.