Ocean algae play a vital role in cooling the Earth’s climate at a time when oceans are experiencing unprecedented rises in temperature and global warming. New research has revealed that blooming Pelagophyceae algae produce a compound that helps marine organisms cope with environmental stress and directly influences the Earth’s climate.
These algae are a major producer of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), a key biological compound that supports marine life and contributes to climate cooling.
This study was conducted by the University of East Anglia (UEA) in collaboration with the Ocean University of China (OUC) and published in the scientific journal Science Daily.
Professor Jonathan Todd, a co-author of the study, stated that Pelagophyceae are among the most abundant algae on Earth and are an important source of DMSP — a stress-protective compound that also serves as food for microorganisms and as a precursor of gases that help cool the climate.
But how was this phenomenon discovered, and how do they contribute to cooling the planet?
Dr. Jinyan Wang, the study’s lead author, added that understanding the role of these algae in producing this compound means we need to reconsider how much of it is being generated and how it influences our climate.
How Does DMSP Help Cool the Earth?
Ocean algae produce billions of tons of DMSP each year, which is later converted into dimethyl sulfide (DMS) — the compound responsible for the distinctive smell of the seaside. DMS helps guide marine life toward food sources and repel predators.
When released into the atmosphere, the oxidation products of dimethyl sulfide form clouds that reflect sunlight away from the Earth, helping regulate the planet’s temperature. The study highlights the crucial role of marine microorganisms in controlling the global climate.
How Were Pelagophyceae Algae Discovered?
Researchers identified new enzymes responsible for producing the compound in algae and bacteria, which led to the discovery of Pelagophyceae algae as a major source of DMSP.
Professor Xiaohua Zhang from the University of Oklahoma explained:
“Understanding the enzymes involved allows us to predict the behavior of algae and their impact on climate change, and raises questions about other unknown pathways of DMSP production.”
Algae and Carbon Dioxide Absorption
Marine algae also indirectly affect the carbon cycle, as they absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) during photosynthesis. Large amounts of carbon stored in algae sink to the deep ocean when the algae die, reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels and helping mitigate global warming.
The researchers emphasized the need to continue studying Pelagophyceae in their natural environments and to improve measurements of DMSP production and breakdown rates to better understand its ecological and climatic role.
This significant study was the result of an international collaboration involving universities from China, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, highlighting the importance of joint research in marine and climate sciences.
