Neha Ashwin

Efficiency of ocean iron fertilization compared to current and potential CO2 levels

Started Apr. 11, 2022

Abstract or project description

Global carbon dioxide levels reached 412.5 parts per million(ppm) in 2020 and continues to grow. Global CO2 levels are expected to be 43.08 billion metric tons by 2050. Iron fertilization is the process of increasing plankton in the ocean by sprinkling iron in ocean waters. Plankton is capable of absorbing 37 billion metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere, and is a natural source of carbon absorption. For every ton of iron added to the ocean, 30,000 to 110,000 tons of carbon would be removed.