Research project: Iron Isotopes in seawater samples
Photosynthesis in the world's upper ocean relies on the availability of iron (Fe), which is a limiting factor in extended oceanic regions due to its low concentrations. Given that marine photosynthesis is responsible for ~40% of the global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake, oceanic Fe availability plays a major role in the global climate. The measurement of Fe isotopes is a promising tool to estimate the flux strengths of Fe delivered from different sources to the ocean (atmospheric, continental, hydrothermal). Fe isotopes also provide information about the internal cycling of Fe in the ocean, as the isotopic composition of Fe is subject to alteration during several processes, such as biological uptake, bacterial remineralisation, organic complexation, redox reactions, etc.
