Update on Ocean Fertilization to Absorb Carbon Dioxide

Eugene S. Takle
© 2003

Iron fertilization of the polar oceans has been discussed and debated in the scientific literature as a controversial means of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The idea first proposed by Martin et al. (1994) is to sprinkle iron dust on the polar oceans to stimulate growth of phytoplankton (which have limited growth in these regions due to lack of iron) that, in turn, will use large amounts of atmospheric CO2 in the photosynthesis process.

Numerous environmental concerns have been raised about this proposed solution. Some proponents argue that recent criticisms can be met. Buesseler and Boyd (2003) review recent experiments on this topic and conclude that this technique "Smay not be a cheap and attractive option if impacts on carbon export and sequestration are as low as observed to date." They assert that some basic questions on the method and its impact need to be addressed before it could be considered for large-scale implementation.


References

Buesseler, K. O., and P. W. Boyd, 2003: Will ocean fertilization work? Science 300, 67-68.

Martin, J. H., et al, 1994: Nature 371, 123.