Chasing iron bioavailability in the Southern Ocean: Insights from Phaeocystis antarctica and iron speciation

Dissolved iron (dFe) availability limits the uptake of atmospheric CO2 by the Southern Ocean (SO) biological pump. Hence, any change in bioavailable dFe in this region can directly influence climate. On the basis of Fe uptake experiments with Phaeocystis antarctica, we show that the range of dFe bioavailability in natural samples is wider (<1 to similar to 200% compared to free inorganic Fe') than previously thought, with higher bioavailability found near glacial sources. The degree of bioavailability varied regardless of in situ dFe concentration and depth, challenging the consensus that sole dFe concentrations can be used to predict Fe uptake in modeling studies. Further, our data suggest a disproportionately major role of biologically mediated ligands and encourage revisiting the role of humic substances in influencing marine Fe biogeochemical cycling in the SO. Last, we describe a linkage between in situ dFe bioavailability and isotopic signatures that, we anticipate, will stimulate future research.

Automated summary

The availability of dissolved iron (dFe) in the Southern Ocean (SO) affects the uptake of atmospheric CO2 by the SO biological pump and has a direct impact on climate. Fe uptake experiments with Phaeocystis antarctica reveal that the range of dFe bioavailability in natural samples is wider than previously thought, with higher bioavailability near glacial sources. The degree of bioavailability is not solely dependent on in situ dFe concentration and depth, challenging the assumption used in modeling studies.