Nature – Babakhani et al. (2022): Potential use of engineered nanoparticles in ocean fertilization for large-scale atmospheric carbon dioxide removal

Peyman Babakhani, Tanapon Phenrat, Mohammed Baalousha, Kullapa Soratana, Caroline L. Peacock, Benjamin S. Twining & Michael F. Hochella Jr. IN: Nat. Nanotechnol. (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41565-022-01226-w

Artificial ocean fertilization (AOF) aims to safely stimulate phytoplankton growth in the ocean and enhance carbon sequestration. AOF carbon sequestration efficiency appears lower than natural ocean fertilization processes due mainly to the low bioavailability of added nutrients, along with low export rates of AOF-produced biomass to the deep ocean. Here the authors explore the potential application of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) to overcome these issues. Data from 123 studies show that some ENPs may enhance phytoplankton growth at concentrations below those likely to be toxic in marine ecosystems.

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