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Ocean photosynthesis removes CO2 from water, using the carbon as a fundamental building block of life.

Photosynthesis removes CO2 from the air and water, using the carbon as a fundamental building block of life. It releases oxygen as a byproduct, contributing to the oxygenation of both the atmosphere and aquatic environments. This process is crucial for sustaining life on Earth, although maintaining stable oxygen levels involves a balance between photosynthesis and other processes like respiration and decomposition. [^1]

Photosynthesis is an essential biological process performed by plants, phytoplankton, and other photosynthesizing organisms. Utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O), these organisms produce glucose for their energy and growth while releasing oxygen (O2) as a byproduct. This process plays a pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth by removing CO2 from the environment and supplying oxygen, which is vital for aerobic organisms, including humans. Through photosynthesis, carbon is used as a basic building block of life, and stable levels of oxygen are maintained in the atmosphere and the world's waters.[^2]

Process of Photosynthesis​

On land, plants absorb CO2 from the air and water from the ground. In aquatic environments, phytoplankton and other photosynthetic organisms take in CO2 dissolved in the water, which enters from the atmosphere and other sources. Photosynthesis in the ocean primarily occurs in the euphotic zone, near the surface where sunlight penetrates.

The general reaction for photosynthesis can be represented as follows:

Ingredients:

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
  • Water (H2O)
  • Sunlight (energy source)

Products:

  • Glucose (C6H12O6)
  • Oxygen (O2)

Simplified, the balanced chemical equation is:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂[^3]

The Importance of Photosynthesis​

Oxygen Production​

Phytoplankton and terrestrial plants are crucial contributors to the Earth's oxygen supply. Phytoplankton, despite their microscopic size, produce a significant portion of the world’s oxygen. This oxygen is vital for the survival of most marine life and terrestrial animals, including humans.[^4]

Carbon Dioxide Removal​

Photosynthetic organisms are fundamental in sequestering carbon dioxide from the water and atmosphere. By incorporating CO2 into glucose molecules, they help regulate global carbon levels. This process is integral to combating climate change and maintaining the Earth's carbon cycle.[^5]

Foundation of the Food Web​

Phytoplankton form the base of the aquatic food web. They are consumed by tiny zooplankton, which are then eaten by progressively larger marine animals. This makes phytoplankton indispensable for the marine ecosystem's health and stability.[^4]

Sources​

[^1] Bryant, D. A., & Frigaard, N.-U. (2006). Prokaryotic photosynthesis and phototrophy illuminated. Trends in Microbiology, 14(11), 488-496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2006.09.001

[^2] Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Jackson, R. B., & Campbell, N. A. (2011). Biology (International ed.). Pearson Education.

[^3] Whitmarsh, J., & Govindjee. (1999). Chapter 2: The photosynthetic process. In G. S. Singhal, G. Renger, S. K. Sopory, K. D. Irrgang, & Govindjee (Eds.), Concepts in photobiology: Photosynthesis and photomorphogenesis (pp. 11-51). Kluwer Academic Publishers.

[^4] Raven, P. H., Evert, R. F., & Eichhorn, S. E. (2005). Biology of plants. Macmillan.

[^5] Falkowski, P. G., & Raven, J. A. (2013). Aquatic photosynthesis. Princeton University Press.