Calcification and P dynamics in lake plants

Calcification can support photosynthesis by a close coupling between carbon assimilation and carbonate precipitation using bicarbonate and preventing pH rise. However, the process also leads to massive loss of bicarbonate and P-coprecipitation with calcium carbonate. We suggest that some plants can reuse precipitated P and, thereby, obtain a competitive advantage.

Chemical sampling and continuously monitoring sensors can measure precipitation and dissolution of carbonate on a plant bed and whole-system scale. Analyses of P, Ca and C in plants collected and tested in experiments will tell us how photosynthesis, calcification and P are coupled.

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