Tiny Ocean Ingredient Crucial for Our Breathing
An Overlooked Importance of Iron in Marine Ecosystems
The oxygen we breathe relies on a seemingly insignificant ingredient from our oceans: iron. New research from Rutgers University highlights how microscopic marine algae, known as phytoplankton, significantly contribute to Earth's oxygen production, but require iron to function effectively. When iron becomes scarce, photosynthesis struggles, and marine ecosystems may suffer severe consequences.
The Study and Recent Findings
The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows how iron plays a limiting role in phytoplankton's ability to produce oxygen. Phytoplankton, situated at the base of the oceanic food chain, depends on iron, which enters oceans through desert dust and melting icebergs. According to Professor Paul G. Falkowski, "Every breath you take includes oxygen from the ocean, released by phytoplankton."
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change affects ocean circulation and, consequently, the amount of iron delivered to the oceans. While low iron levels may not prevent people from breathing, the consequences for marine ecosystems could be severe. Phytoplankton is the primary food source for krill, which forms the basis of nourishment for many marine species, including fish, seals, and whales. Reduced iron levels could lead to declining populations of these majestic creatures.
The Study of Ocean Photosynthesis
Co-author Heshani Pupulewatte spent 37 days at sea, traversing the South Atlantic Ocean and the Southern Ocean, to study the photosynthesis process in natural environments. The research revealed that when iron is scarce, up to 25% of the proteins that capture light become "decoupled," which reduces phytoplankton's efficiency in utilizing light. Once iron becomes available again, the algae manage to reconnect these systems, thereby improving energy use and supporting their growth. This discovery could assist researchers in anticipating changes in ocean productivity and the global carbon cycle.
