Phys.org November 27, 2024 Ocean-emitted dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a major source of climate-cooling aerosols. However, most of the marine biogenic sulfur cycling is not routed to DMS but to methanethiol (MeSH), another volatile whose reactivity has hitherto hampered measurements. An international team of researchers (Spain, Argentina, China, USA – Old Dominion University, France) compiled a database of seawater MeSH concentrations, identified their statistical predictors, and produced monthly fields of global marine MeSH emissions adding to DMS emissions. Implemented into a global chemistry-climate model, MeSH emissions increased the sulfate aerosol burden by 30 to 70% over the Southern Ocean and […]
Tag Archives: Ocean
Seeding the oceans with iron-rich fertilizer nanoparticles to store excess carbon dioxide
Nanowerk November 29, 2022 Artificial ocean fertilization (AOF) carbon sequestration efficiency appears lower than natural ocean fertilization processes due mainly to the low bioavailability of added nutrients, along with low export rates of AOF-produced biomass to the deep ocean. An international team of researchers (UK, Thailand, USA – University of South Carolina, industry, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) explored the potential application of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) to overcome these issues. Data from 123 studies showed that some ENPs may enhance phytoplankton growth at concentrations below those likely to be toxic in marine ecosystems. ENPs may also increase bloom lifetime, boost phytoplankton […]