Question

Encouraging the growth (via nutrient fertilization) of photosynthetic protists in marine environments may help reduce global warming because _____.

Answer 1

Photosynthetic protists help reduce global warming by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Encouraging their growth can enhance CO2 absorption, thus mitigating climate change. However, nutrient fertilization must be balanced to avoid harmful algal blooms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Encouraging the growth (via nutrient fertilization) of photosynthetic protists in marine environments may help reduce global warming because these organisms play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. Photosynthetic protists, like phytoplankton and other algae, are significant as they capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis and convert it into organic matter.

As primary producers, photosynthetic protists form the basis of the aquatic food web and are responsible for approximately 25% of the world's photosynthesis. This means they have a substantial impact on the global carbon cycle. By fertilizing these protists, we help increase their numbers, which in turn can enhance their capacity to absorb CO2, effectively pulling more of this greenhouse gas out of the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of global warming. Moreover, as these organisms die, they sink to the ocean floor, sequestering carbon in the deep ocean.

It's important to understand that while nutrient fertilization can promote the growth of beneficial photosynthetic organisms, there needs to be a balance. Over-fertilization can lead to algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in water and harm marine life, indicating that controlled and scientific approaches are necessary for such endeavours.

Answer 2

Nutrient fertilization of photosynthetic protists in marine environments can help reduce global warming by increasing the uptake of atmospheric CO2.

Step-by-step explanation:

Encouraging the growth (via nutrient fertilization) of photosynthetic protists in marine environments may help reduce global warming because these protists, through the process of photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This carbon sequestration could lead to lower atmospheric CO2 levels, which in turn could mitigate the effects of global warming.

Specifically, photosynthetic protists, such as phytoplankton and dinoflagellates, are key primary producers in marine ecosystems, contributing to about 25 percent of the world's photosynthesis. Adding nutrients like iron or nitrogen in areas where their availability limits protist growth can enhance the photosynthetic capacity of marine environments, thereby increasing the uptake of CO2.