The effects of elevated CO2 on bog chemistry, the carnivorous bladderwort Utricularia geminiscapa and its associated epiphytes.

Abstract

In this research, I will test a model bog system to examine the impacts of doubling atmospheric CO2 on both water chemistry and on Utricularia geminiscapa. The effects of elevated CO2 on the nitrogen levels, phosphorus levels, pH, and alkalinity (used as a measure of bicarbonate in the water) will be determined as will the effect of elevated CO2 on bladder number, plant biomass and length, and community structure of epiphytic periphyton associated with Utricularia. I predict that the amount of CO2 in the water will increase in proportion to the amount of CO2 added in the air until the saturation point is reached. Also, the pH of the water may decrease assuming that the temperature remains relatively constant. I also predict that the number of bladders on each plant will increase because, as CO2 increases, nitrogen will become even more limiting. The plant may compensate for this by forming more bladders which will aid in the capture of food and thereby increase the available nutrients. In addition, I expect that the periphyton community structure will decrease in both species diversity and number caused mainly because of decreased nutrient availability and decreasing pH.