The role of iron in nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis in changing polar oceans

About the project

Iron is essential for marine primary production due to its enzymatic requirement in key metabolic functions such as photosynthesis, respiration and the acquisition of macronutrients such as nitrogen fixation [1]. Oceanic photosynthesis powers life in the oceans and is fundamental to the carbon-cycle and hence the climate [2]. In many parts of the ocean, particularly the Southern Ocean, iron availably limits the growth of phytoplankton.

As the Arctic Ocean warms and becomes ice free, primary productivity, which underpins the entire Arctic ecosystem, has already increased, but the future trend is unclear due to the ongoing debate on Arctic micro-nutrient limitation and the imbalance in the Arctic nitrogen budget [3]. Nitrogen fixation, which has a large iron requirement may therefore be a critical source of nitrogen to sustain contemporary and future ocean productivity.

We aim to carryout shipboard bioassays to investigate the role of iron for nitrogen fixation in the Arctic and to understand how iron, nutrients and light control photosynthesis in the iron-limited Southern Ocean. This project will provide important new insights into the role of iron in both nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis in a time when the climate is changing rapidly.

For full project details visit the Inspire project page .

Supervisors

• Professor Maeve Lohan (University of Southampton)
• Professor Tom Bibby (University of Southampton)
• Doctor Amber Annett (University of Southampton)

Lead supervisor

• Lead supervisor: Professor Maeve Lohan Professor of Marine Chemistry

Professor Maeve Lohan

• Professor Maeve Lohan: Professor of Marine Chemistry

Professor Tom Bibby

• (1) The role of photosynthetic microbes in global biogeochemical cycles(2) The use of photosynthetic microbes for sustainable products

Dr Amber Annett

• Oceanography
• Marine biogeochemistry
• Trace elements

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in one of these subjects:

• any Earth or environmental science discipline
• chemistry
• oceanography or marine science

How to apply

Find out how to make an application by visiting the National Oceanography Centre's Graduate School apply pages .

Contact us

For questions about the project, email Professor Maeve Lohan:

For questions about the application process, email the graduate school office:

• m.lohan@soton.ac.uk
• gsnocs@soton.ac.uk

Research areas