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Epipelagic nitrous oxide production offsets carbon sequestration by the biological pump

Environmental Studies and Forestry

Epipelagic nitrous oxide production offsets carbon sequestration by the biological pump

X. S. Wan, H. Sheng, et al.

This compelling study reveals how the marine biological pump's carbon sequestration efforts are challenged by the ocean's production of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Conducted by Xianhui S. Wan and collaborators, the research highlights how enhanced biological activity in the epipelagic zone increases nitrogen recycling and contributes significantly to nitrous oxide emissions, possibly offsetting climate benefits of carbon export.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
The marine biological pump removes atmospheric carbon dioxide, but the ocean also releases nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. This study shows that epipelagic N2O production, linked to remineralization processes, counteracts the climate benefits of carbon sequestration by the biological pump. Experiments and isotopic data indicate enhanced biological activity promotes nitrogen recycling, leading to significant N2O production via oxidative and reductive pathways. Shallow-water N2O sources account for nearly half of the air-sea flux, offsetting 6–27% (median 9%) of the carbon export's climate mitigation effect.
Publisher
Nature Geoscience
Published On
Jan 19, 2023
Authors
Xianhui S. Wan, Hua-Xia Sheng, Minhan Dai, Karen L. Casciotti, Matthew J. Church, Wenbin Zou, Li Liu, Hui Shen, Kuanbo Zhou, Bess B. Ward, Shuh-Ji Kao
Tags
marine biological pump
nitrous oxide
greenhouse gas
carbon sequestration
biological activity
nitrogen recycling
climate mitigation

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