The organic complexation of iron in the marine environment: a review

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for marine organisms, and it is now well established that low Fe availability controls phytoplankton productivity, community structure, and ecosystem functioning in vast regions of the global ocean. The biogeochemical cycle of Fe involves complex interactions between lithogenic inputs (atmospheric, continental, or hydrothermal), dissolution, precipitation, scavenging, biological uptake, remineralization, and sedimentation processes. Each of these aspects of Fe biogeochemical cycling is likely influenced by organic Fe-binding ligands, which complex more than 99% of dissolved Fe. In this review we consider recent advances in our knowledge of Fe complexation in the marine…

• GU
  G. Unger Vetlesen Foundation
• SR
  Sight Research UK

  Award: NE/E013546/1
• NE
  Natural Environment Research Council

  Awards: NE/E013546/1, NE/E013546/1
• DO
  Division of Ocean Sciences