The Benefits of Iron: Exploring its Role in the Ocean Ecosystem
As climate change continues to increase the global temperature, the need for understanding the importance of minerals in the ocean is becoming increasingly important. A recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience has highlighted the role of iron in regulating ocean productivity. Iron is an essential nutrient for phytoplankton, microorganisms that form the base of the oceanic food web. The study found that the availability of iron in the ocean has a direct impact on the growth rate of phytoplankton, which consequently affects the amount of carbon dioxide that is absorbed by the ocean. This research has important implications for understanding the role of the ocean in regulating climate change.
source: Phys.org