Final answer:
The data supports the statements that CO32- decreased because pH decreased, and pH decreased because pCO2 increased. The statement CO32- increased because DIC increased is possible but not confirmed without additional information. DIC increased because pH increased can't be confirmed based solely on the data provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question involves understanding the relationships between the dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), carbonate ion (CO32-), pH, and partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in aqueous systems. We must analyze the impact of these variables on each other to deduce which statements are supported by the data provided.
- CO32- increased because DIC increased: When DIC increases, it suggests an increase in all forms of inorganic carbon, including CO32-. If there is no further information about pH shifts or specific forms of inorganic carbon, we cannot say this relationship is universally true.
- CO32- decreased because pH decreased: A decrease in pH indicates an increase in H+ ion concentration, which can convert CO32- to HCO3-, hence CO32- would decrease. This is supported by the data.
- pH decreased because pCO2 increased: An increase in pCO2 leads to more CO2 dissolved in water, forming carbonic acid, which disassociates into H+, causing pH to decrease. This is supported by the data.
- DIC increased because pH increased: If the pH increases, it indicates a decrease in H+ ion concentration, which could shift the equilibrium to form more HCO3- and CO2, potentially increasing DIC. However, without additional information, we cannot confirm this relationship.