The BIIM project aims to evaluate the process which leads to particulate iron of sedimentary and hydrothermal origin dissolving, and the impact this has on marine biogeochemistry.

This is a key issue, because iron limits marine biological productivity and carbon sequestration in over 30% of the world’s oceans. Abiotic particulate iron has to date been considered to be a material which resists being dissolved in water. Recent observations call that theory into question, suggesting that this reservoir of iron may be soluble; however, few experiments have been undertaken as yet.

In the BIIM project, laboratory experiments will be designed around the needs identified by modelers: namely to use the various particles to assess their rates of dissolution in relation to environmental factors such as temperature and light levels.

Partner
Research center
  • - UBO-LEMAR, Brest  [Project Developer]
Funder
- Agence Nationale de la Recherche
Labelisation
19/10/2018
Overall budget
615 K€
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