Iron enrichment stimulates toxic diatom production in high-nitrate, low-chlorophyll areas
Trick, C.G.; Bill, B.D.; Cochlan, W.P.; Wells, M.L.; Trainer, V.L.; Pickell, L.D. (2010). Iron enrichment stimulates toxic diatom production in high-nitrate, low-chlorophyll areas. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107(13): 5887-5892. https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0910579107
In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. The Academy: Washington, D.C.. ISSN 0027-8424; e-ISSN 1091-6490, more
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| Keywords |
Properties > Biological properties > Toxicity
Pseudonitzschia Yamaguti, 1965 [WoRMS]
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| Author keywords |
carbon sequestering, domoic acid, ocean iron fertilization |
| Authors | | Top |
- Trick, C.G.
- Bill, B.D.
- Cochlan, W.P.
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- Wells, M.L.
- Trainer, V.L.
- Pickell, L.D.
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| Abstract |
Oceanic high-nitrate, low-chlorophyll environments have been highlighted for potential large-scale iron fertilizations to help mitigate global climate change. Controversy surrounds these initiatives, both in the degree of carbon removal and magnitude of ecosystem impacts. Previous open ocean enrichment experiments have shown that iron additions stimulate growth of the toxigenic diatom genus Pseudonitzschia. Most Pseudonitzschia species in coastal waters produce the neurotoxin domoic acid (DA), with their blooms causing detrimental marine ecosystem impacts, but oceanic Pseudonitzschia species are considered nontoxic. Here we demonstrate that the sparse oceanic Pseudonitzschia community at the high-nitrate, low-chlorophyll Ocean Station PAPA (50° N, 145° W) produces approximately 200 pg DA L−1 in response to iron addition, that DA alters phytoplankton community structure to benefit Pseudonitzschia, and that oceanic cell isolates are toxic. Given the negative effects of DA in coastal food webs, these findings raise serious concern over the net benefit and sustainability of large-scale iron fertilizations. |
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