Deep-Sea Bacteria Release Excess Carbon into the Ocean and Atmosphere
Written by AZoCleantechApr 13 2021
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota has found that deep-sea bacteria dissolve carbon-containing rocks and discharge surplus carbon into the air and ocean.
CSE researchers collected samples of carbonate rocks from the Del Mar East methane seep using a submersible watercraft. They discovered that deep-sea bacteria are dissolving these rocks, releasing excess carbon into the ocean and atmosphere. Image Credit: Leprich, et al., Bailey Geobiology Research Group, University of Minnesota.
The study results will enable researchers to better evaluate the amount of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere, which is a principal driver of global warming.
Ocean Bacteria Release Carbon Into the Atmosphere Details
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A team led by University of Minnesota researchers has discovered that deep-sea bacteria dissolve carbon-containing rocks, releasing excess carbon into the ocean and atmosphere.
A team led by University of Minnesota researchers has discovered that deep-sea bacteria dissolve carbon-containing rocks, releasing excess carbon into the ocean and atmosphere. The findings will allow scientists to better estimate the amount of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere, a main driver of global warming.
The study is published in The ISME Journal: Multidisciplinary Journal of Microbial Ecology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal that is part of the Nature family of publications and the official journal of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME).