The effect of analytical error on the evaluation of the components of the aquatic carbon-dioxide system

A study has been made of the effect of error in the measurement of the determinable parameters of the marine CO₂ system on the calculation of the remaining parameters from equations such as those of Park (1969). This approach can be used either to assess and compare experimental data, or to aid in the choice of suitable combinations of determinable parameters for solving any particular problem. Now that the total alkalinity and total inorganic carbon (C_T) can be determined extremely accurately by titration, a combination of carbonate alkalinity and C_T is the most satisfactory combination for the majority of applications. If, however, P_CO2 is required it should be measured directly.