Influence of ocean warming and acidification on trace metal biogeochemistry

• Published in: Marine Ecology Progress Series
• Main Authors: Hoffmann, Linn J., Breitbarth, Eike, Boyd, P. W., Hunter, K. A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Inter Research 2012
• Subjects: Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/16444/; https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/16444/1/m470p191.pdf; https://doi.org/10.3354/meps10082

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations will have profound effects on atmospheric and hydrographic processes, which will ultimately modify the supply and chemistry of trace metals in the ocean. In addition to an increase in sea surface temperatures, higher CO2 also results in a decrease of seawater pH, known as ocean acidification, with implications for inorganic trace metal chemistry. Furthermore, direct or indirect effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming on marine biota will also affect trace metal biogeochemistry via alteration of biological trace metal uptake rates and metal binding to organic ligands. Currently, we still lack a holistic understanding of the impacts of decreasing seawater pH and rinsing temperatures on different trace metals and marine biota, which complicates projections into the future. Here, we outline how ocean acidification and ocean warming will influence the inputs and cycling of Fe and other biologically relevant trace metals globally, and regionally in high and low latitudes of the future ocean, discuss uncertainties, and highlight essential future research fields.