Effect of dissolved iron (II) and temperature on growth of the Southern Ocean phytoplankton species Fragilariopsis cylindrus and Phaeocystis antarctica

Low bioavailability of the vital element iron (Fe) limits primary production in large regions of the Southern Ocean, thus impacting phytoplankton community structures. Primary productivity seems to be particularly sensitive to the reduced form of iron (Fe(II)), which is thought to be the most readily bioavailable redox form of Fe in the ocean. Here, we investigated the impact of temperature (3 degrees C, 5 degrees C and 7 degrees C) and Fe(II) additions (+ 5 nM) on growth of two Southern Ocean phytoplankton species Fragilariopsis cylindrus and Phaeocystis antarctica in coastal and open ocean water. At all tested temperatures, growth rates of P. antarctica were significantly higher with added iron, compared to the treatments without added iron in both waters. Temperature only had a significant effect on the growth rate of this species when it was raised to 7 degrees C in all treatments. For F. cylindrus, growth rates only significantly increased with iron addition at 7 degrees C in both water types. Temperature did not affect the growth rate of F. cylindrus except for a significant reduction without iron addition at 7 degrees C in coastal water. These results highlight the complex interactions between Fe bioavailability and temperature on Southern Ocean phytoplankton growth. Thus, certain Southern Ocean phytoplankton species may have higher growth rates in regions of the ocean that will warm the most and possibly experience greater Fe supply under future climate conditions, such as coastal regions. This may result in changes in phytoplankton community structures with implications for carbon sequestration efficiency under future climate conditions.

Automated summary

Low bioavailability of iron limits primary production in the Southern Ocean, and the growth of phytoplankton species in this region is influenced by the interaction between iron bioavailability and temperature. Future climate conditions may lead to changes in phytoplankton community structures and carbon sequestration efficiency in certain regions of the ocean that experience higher temperature and greater iron supply.