The role of humic-type ligands in the bioavailability and stabilization of dissolved iron in the Western Tropical South Pacific Ocean

The high N-2 fixation rate observed in the Lau Basin of the western tropical South Pacific Ocean (WTSP) is fueled by iron (Fe) released from shallow hydrothermal systems. Understanding Fe bioavailability is crucial but the controls on the stability and bioavailability of hydrothermal Fe inputs are still poorly understood. Here, we provide new data on the spatial and vertical distribution of the soluble ubiquitous humic-like ligands (L-FeHS) and their associated dissolved Fe (DFe) in the WTSP, including in samples near hydrothermal vents. Our data show that L-FeHS are heterogenous ligands with binding sites of both strong and intermediate strengths. These ligands are primarily produced in surface waters and partially mineralized in mesopelagic waters. A substantial fraction of DFe was complexed by L-FeHS (mean similar to 30%). The DFe complexed by L-FeHS is likely bioavailable to phytoplankton and L-FeHS stabilized Fe released by the mineralization of sinking biomass. However, unsaturation of L-FeHS by Fe suggest that part of DFe is not available for complexation with L-FeHS. Possible reasons are competition between DFe and other metals, such as dissolved copper, or the inability of L-FeHS to access colloidal DFe. The study of two volcanic sites indicates that L-FeHS were not produced in these hydrothermal systems. At the active site (DFe similar to 50 nmol L-1), L-FeHS can only partially solubilize the hydrothermal DFe released in this area (1 similar to 5.5% of the total DFe). We performed controlled laboratory experiments which show that the observed low solubilization yield result from the inability of L-FeHS to solubilize aged Fe oxyhydroxides (FeOx - a kinetically mediated process) and to form stable complexes with Fe(II) species. Our study provides new understanding of the role of L-FeHS on the bioavailability and stabilization of hydrothermal DFe.

Automated summary

The high N-2 fixation rate in the Lau Basin of the western tropical South Pacific Ocean is fueled by iron released from shallow hydrothermal systems. This study provides new data on the distribution and bioavailability of soluble ubiquitous humic-like ligands (L-FeHS) and their associated dissolved iron (DFe) in the area. The results show that L-FeHS are heterogenous ligands with both strong and intermediate binding sites.