Marine Polyphosphate: A Key Player in Geologic Phosphorus Sequestration
Abstract
The in situ or authigenic formation of calcium phosphate minerals in marine sediments is a major sink for the vital nutrient phosphorus. However, because typical sediment chemistry is not kinetically conducive to the precipitation of these minerals, the mechanism behind their formation has remained a fundamental mystery. Here, we present evidence from high-sensitivity x-ray and electrodialysis techniques to describe a mechanism by which abundant diatom-derived polyphosphates play a critical role in the formation of calcium phosphate minerals in marine sediments. This mechanism can explain the puzzlingly dispersed distribution of calcium phosphate minerals observed in marine sediments worldwide.
- Publication:
-
Science
- Pub Date:
- May 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1151751
- Bibcode:
- 2008Sci...320..652D
- Keywords:
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- OCEANS