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The melting of the Antarctic ice sheet affects ecological and biogeochemical processes in the Southern Ocean. One consequence is the input of iron, a micronutrient that has the potential to enhance plankton productivity and influence higher trophic levels. |
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The impact of ice sheet melting depends on the capability of microbes to acquire iron from this source. A large fraction of glacial iron is not directly available and needs to be transformed by processes that are in part carried out by bacteria. |
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What is the role of bacteria as engineers in rendering iron delivered by Antarctic ice sheet melting bioavailable? What are the consequences on the interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton? |
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PIANO is a research project that will tackle these issue. |
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Visit PIANO's web site to learn more on the multiple facets of the project .....
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