Abstract
Deck incubation experiments were conducted to investigate how the addition of atmospheric dust aerosols and ocean acidification (OA) affect phytoplankton growth and the production of dimethylsulfide (DMS), its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in the oligotrophic western Pacific Ocean. The incubation experiment showed that the deposition of simulated dust aerosols greatly influenced phytoplankton growth and the release of biogenic sulfur compounds (BSCs). Furthermore, it altered the N:P ratios in seawater and phytoplankton community composition, elevating the proportions of strong DMSP and DMSO producers (mainly haptophytes). The average Chl-a and DMS/P/O concentrations in the acidified treatment (pH 7.9) were 86.76%, 82.53%, 84.17%, and 231.06% higher, respectively, than in the control. The results indicated that lower pH promoted the growth of diatoms and, to a certain extent, the release of the three BSCs.
Plain Language Summary
About 500 Mt of dust are deposited in the ocean each year. Atmospheric dust deposition can supply enough nutrients to the ocean to enhance marine primary productivity and affect the subsequent concentrations of the climate-gas dimethylsulfide (DMS) and related biogenic sulfur compounds (BSCs). Besides, ocean acidification is increasingly severe and low pH can affect the growth of phytoplankton. Therefore, we carried out deck incubation experiments to determine how the deposition of atmospheric dust aerosols and ocean acidification (OA) alter the production of BSCs. We found that the addition of dust aerosols elevated the abundance of strong DMSP and DMSO producers (Phaeocystis sp. and Gephyrocapsa oceanica) and increased the concentrations of sulfur compounds. The lower pH accelerated the growth of diatoms in the early and mid-late stages of treatments and promoted the production of BSCs.
Gao X.-X., Zhang H.-H., Mao S.-H. & Yang G.-P., 2021. Responses of biogenic sulfur compounds concentrations to dust aerosol enrichment and ocean acidification in the western Pacific Ocean. Geophysical Research Letters: e2021GL095527. doi: 10.1029/2021GL095527. Article (subscription required).
