* Arrhenius Base: An Arrhenius base is a substance that produces hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. In the reaction you provided, the carbonate ion (CO3^2-) reacts with water to produce bicarbonate (HCO3-) and hydroxide (OH-).

* Brønsted-Lowry Base: A Brønsted-Lowry base is a substance that accepts a proton (H+). While the carbonate ion does accept a proton in this reaction (forming bicarbonate), the Arrhenius definition is more directly applicable because it specifically focuses on the production of hydroxide ions.

Let's break down the reaction:

CO3^2- (aq) + H2O (l) ⇌ HCO3- (aq) + OH- (aq)

* CO3^2- acts as an Arrhenius base by accepting a proton from water and producing OH-.

* H2O acts as a Brønsted-Lowry acid by donating a proton.

Therefore, the carbonate ion is acting as an Arrhenius base in this reaction.