Iron fertilization: A tonic, but no cure for the greenhouse

Journal Article · Fri Feb 25 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.263.5150.1089· OSTI ID:6976645

Kerr, R A

One proposed solution to counteract greenhouse warming is the stimulation of phytoplankton growth in the oceans by the addition of iron. The excess phytoplankton would then absorb CO[sub 2] and sequester it in their bodies when they died. An experiment to test this hypothesis was carried out in the equatorial Pacific. Addition of Fe stimulated phytoplankton growth, but the technique may have limited value. The iron quickly forms particulates which sink and become unavailable to the phytoplankton.

• OSTI ID: 6976645
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Vol. 263:5150; ISSN 0036-8075
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
IRON
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
PHYTOPLANKTON
GROWTH
STIMULATION
PLANT GROWTH
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
CLIMATIC CHANGE
ELEMENTS
METALS
PLANKTON
PLANTS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
540310* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (1990-)