Hydrothermal iron nanoparticles

Unraveling the impact of iron nanoparticles on ocean biogeochemistry (I-NANO)

When many of us hear the word ‘nanomaterials’ they think of high-tech industry. However, nanomaterials are critical components in the Earth system’s past, present and future characteristics and behaviour. Nanomaterials have been present since the origin of our planet. One of the major contributors of nanomaterials to our oceans are hydrothermal vents systems. Within the I-NANO project, Peter Kraal (NIOZ) and Oliver Plümper(UU) will step into uncharted territory and explore the world of vent nanomaterials, their role on supplying key trace metals to oceans and whether or not these nanomaterials have unique catalytic capabilities that may have a major influence on biogeochemical processes.

		The synergy from combining sea-going facilities and chemical laboratories at NIOZ with the microspectroscopic equipment at UU will enable us to make a giant leap in our understanding of chemical ocean functioning
		Oliver Plümper, Peter Kraal