News Climate

Ocean acidification may hamper food web’s nitrogen-fixing heroes

Earlier experimental glitches rearing Trichodesmium microbes may explain past conflicting results

aerial view of Trichodesmium microbes

SEA CHANGE  A rethink of earlier studies suggests trouble ahead for a major player in ocean nutrient cycles, the nitrogen-fixing Trichodesmium microbes, which can grow in abundance as seen is this image (pale streaks).

texaus1/flickr (CC BY 2.0)

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

A hard look at experimental setups may start to explain dueling predictions on whether ocean acidification will boost, or choke, vital marine nitrogen fixers.