A tiny marine microbe which could turn out to be a ‘secret weapon’ in the battle against climate change has been discovered.
The single-celled microbe has potential to absorb carbon naturally, even as oceans become warmer and more acidic, say scientists.
It is abundant around the world and can photosynthesize as well as hunt and eat prey.
The tiny organism, discovered by researchers in Sydney, Australia, secretes a carbon-rich exopolymer that attracts and immobilizes other microbes.
Then it eats some of the prey trapped inside before emitting the mucus-like, carbon-rich substance.
Once other microbes are trapped inside it, it becomes heavier and sinks, pumping carbon back into the oceans.
Marine microbes govern the natural environment through a range of processes, including the vertical export and sequestration of carbon, which ultimately regulates the world’s climate.
While the role of plankton in helping store carbon dioxide is well understood, the role of other microbes in this process is less well known about, the scientists say.
This is especially true for organisms that can photosynthesize and eat other organisms.
They say their findings are hugely significant for how we see the ocean balancing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
It is estimated that the species, christened prorocentrum cf. balticum, has the potential to sink 0.02-0.15 gigatons of carbon each year.
Experts believe that, to meet climate goals, 10 gigatons of carbon dioxide will need to be removed from the atmosphere every year from now until 2050.
The findings imply there is more potential for carbon sinking in the oceans than it was previously believed, and that the seas could capture carbon in unexpected places.
The process could form part of a nature-based way of enhancing carbon capture in the ocean.
Lead study author Dr Michaela Larsson said, “Most terrestrial plants use nutrients from the soil to grow, but some, like the Venus flytrap, gain additional nutrients by catching and consuming insects.
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