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Metallic iron rises from the depths of the sea

29.03.2009

Iron is to the ocean what saltpeter is to the soil: a valuable fertilizer that increases its bioproductivity.

Some scientists even suggest "feeding" the ocean with iron, but this is prohibited by international conventions. Moreover, microorganisms that are at the beginning of the food chain better absorb metallic iron, and not its oxide.

However, where can one get this pure iron if it instantly oxidizes in salt water? The answer suddenly came from deep within. Scientists at several American institutes, led by Katrina Edwards of the University of Southern California, have studied life around underwater hydrothermal vents, in particular, iron-oxidizing bacteria.

They discovered that specific organic substances envelop the microparticles of pure iron contained in the waters of these sources and protect them from rusting. In this form, metallic iron floats to the surface.

"Finding sparkling iron in the ocean is like taking a dry sponge out of a bathtub. Perhaps this mechanism can be used to produce iron fertilizer. How much of this iron now reaches surface waters, we do not know. But any particle greatly contributes to the development of life," - says Katrina Edwards.

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