Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
A new experimental technique for validating exchange models of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and sea-water
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Abstract:
The mechanism of CO(2)-exchange between the atmosphere and sea-water was re-examined by simultaneously measuring pH and pO(2) in artificial sea-water exposed to CO(2) and air atmospheres. The data were fitted to an exchange model by using both the differential and integral forms of the diffusion equation. It was found that the pH and pO(2) data support the assumption that the exchange for these gases is driven by the gradient of the partial pressure of the gas across the imaginary solution-gas boundary layer (the z layer) and is not affected by chemical reaction or hydration rate under the experimental conditions used, viz. 1-100 meq l ., alkalinity, pH 4.5-8.3 and z-layer thickness 2-500 mum. It is concluded that the rate of hydration of CO(2) plays an insignificant role in the exchange mechanisms between the atmosphere and the oceans.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...
The Carbon Cycle
Carbon Dioxide Transport in the Blood
Forms of CO2 Transport
1. Dissolved in plasma: A small percentage (7-10%) of CO2 is transported and dissolved directly in the plasma.
2. Carbaminohemoglobin: Just over 20% of CO2 is chemically bound to...
Volatilization
Gas Exchange and Transport
Phase Diagrams

