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How sulphur affects the carbon cycle of subtropical seagrass meadows: New findings from Florida Bay

Marine chemist Mary Zeller taking samples in the study area of the seagrass study in Florida Bay together with her colleague and co-author Chris Lopes
Marine chemist Mary Zeller taking samples in the seagrass study area in Florida Bay together with her colleague and co-author Chris Lopes. (Photo: Bryce van Dam)

Seagrass meadows have an important climate protection function due to their long-term carbon storage potential. An international research team led by the IOW has now been able to show that seagrass beds have a stronger influence on the carbon and sulphur cycling in subtropical coastal areas than previously thought. Of particular interest is the important role of sulphur, which stabilises organic carbon, regardless of whether it is sequestered in the calcareous sediments of subtropical seagrass meadows or remains in dissolved form. The results of the study were recently published in Communications Earth & Environment. (doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01832-7)

 

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