Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Seany on 06/01/2009 16:21:31

Title: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: Seany on 06/01/2009 16:21:31

I read in the newspaper that scientists have figured out another way to trap CO2 under the sea from the atmosphere.

The research goes that as the ice caps are melting, there seems to be tiny iron particles in the ice which are melted back into the ocean.
The algae then "eats" the iron particles and blooms, resulting in them rising to the surface of the sea.
The risen algae photosynthesises and takes in Carbon Dioxide.
The algae then sinks to the ground, and stays there for a couple of hundred years!

Well, it seems that the Earth is trying to help itself, and that the CO2 which is taken in from the algae is actually a large proportion.

However, scientists and researchers are figuring out whether they should place tons of iron into the sea, making the algae bloom and thrive to the surface of the sea. Good idea it seems.
But they are worried that the placing of iron in the sea will destroy the natural ecosystem. More iron particles means more algae, which means more fishies that thrive on algae.. and etc etc...

What shall we do?!
Seems a pretty good idea.. but the ecosystem!

Title: Re: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 06/01/2009 18:07:35

Quite a dilema, on one hand you might damage the ecosystem of the part of the ocean you fertilize, but if it is effective at reducing global warming it may save other ecosystems

Title: Re: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: Seany on 07/01/2009 14:17:30

But is global warming an immediate risk on our lives? Or are the newspapers and media just making a big fuss out of it?

Title: Re: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: BenV on 07/01/2009 14:31:40

Quote

New way to trap CO2 from the atmosphere and into the sea!

I keep reading that as "New way to trap CO2 from the atmosphere and into the seal", and thinking poor seal.

Title: Re: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 07/01/2009 14:56:29

lol

Title: Re: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: elmejor on 09/01/2009 05:02:38

wow! this is indeed a great find.

Quote

I keep reading that as "New way to trap CO2 from the atmosphere and into the seal", and thinking poor seal.

ha ha! poor seal!

Title: Re: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 09/01/2009 05:30:52

I think that's the drastic action we will eventually be forced to take to tackle climate change, forcing CO2 into seals. Elephant seals are the largest species of seal, so they're probably our best bet.

Title: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: lyner on 09/01/2009 10:13:31

I read that as "best pet"
Imagine taking an elephant seal for a walk - or a swim - every morning.

Title: How could CO2 be sequestered underwater?
Post by: dentstudent on 09/01/2009 10:23:42

But we have to make sure that the CO2 is well sealed. When that's done, we can take some time off, and go clubbing!