Ocean May Absorb Excess Carbon Dioxide Through Nanoparticles [Study]

An international study showed there might be a pressing need to enlist some of our planet's tiniest residents in the urgent effort to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Michael Hochella and his colleagues at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the Department of Energy looked at the scientific data to seed the seas with iron-rich synthetic fertilizer particles close to ocean plankton.

Feeding phytoplankton, tiny plants that constitute an important component of the ocean environment, is intended to promote growth and carbon dioxide absorption. The analysis is published in the Nature Nanotechnology journal.

SPACE, SPACE: This NASA Aqua Satellite image released 09 December, 2003 shows the turbid waters surrounding southern Florida and the Florida Keys. Clouds of milky blue, green, and tan sediments and microscopic marine organisms (like phytoplankton and algae) discolor the water in the Gulf of Mexico north of the Keys Upper-L), but end abruptly in the deeper water of the Straits of Florida (Bottom). The water north of the Keys is relatively shallow, so sediments are a likely cause of the discoloration - rough waters can churn up the mud from the sea floor, which then clouds the water. But in the deeper water south of the Keys, sediment on the sea floor is much harder to disturb, which keeps the water clearer. The Keys are a collection of islands, islets, and reefs stretching from Virginia Key to the Dry Tortugas, a distance of about 309 kilometers (192 miles). They're made mostly of limestone and coral, and are known for their variety of wildlife, subtropical vegetation, and spectacular diving. Most of the islands are connected to the mainland via the Overseas Highway, making this a popular and easily-accessible destination. NASA/AFP via Getty Images

Engineered Nanoparticles to Remove Extra CO2 from Ocean

In the natural world, rivers and dust storms carry nutrients from the land to the ocean, where they feed plankton. The study team suggests accelerating this natural process to help remove extra CO2 through the ocean. They looked at data that suggested fertilizing the oceans with certain mixtures of scientifically designed materials may successfully grow phytoplankton to serve as a carbon sink.

The creatures would absorb large amounts of carbon. The extra carbon would then be carried by them when they sank far into the water after passing away. According to scientists, the suggested fertilization would only hasten a natural process that currently sequesters carbon in a way that might keep it out of the atmosphere for a very long time.

The researchers contend that created nanoparticles have numerous appealing qualities in their examination. They could be tightly managed and tailored for various maritime settings. The particles' surface coats may facilitate their adsorption to plankton. Some particles may also absorb light, which enables plankton to utilize and absorb more CO2.

"The idea is to augment existing processes," said Hochella (per Newswise). "Humans have fertilized the land to grow crops for centuries, we can learn to fertilize the oceans responsibly," Hochella added.

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Plankton's role

Phys.org said the main strategy might be modified to accommodate the requirements of other ocean conditions. For instance, they claim that silicon-based particles may work best in some areas while iron-based particles may work best in others.

The review of 123 published studies by the researchers revealed that various non-toxic metal-oxygen compounds might secure plankton development. They contend that these substances are good candidates for use as plankton fertilizers because of their stability, Earth's abundance, and ease of manufacture.

The group also looked at the price of producing and distributing various particles. The procedure would cost far more than just adding non-engineered materials and be far more efficient.