Identifying ideal locations for marine phytoplankton to enhance carbon sequestration

Abstract

Marine phytoplankton play a central role in the global carbon cycle by capturing atmospheric CO2 through photosynthesis and driving the ocean’s biological carbon pump. This study focuses on Prochlorococcus, the most abundant photosynthetic organism on Earth, to identify ideal ocean regions for natural carbon sequestration based on sea surface temperature (SST) trends. Using NOAA global SST data (1854–2025) and known biological constraints for Prochlorococcus growth (optimal range: 17–30°C), I mapped present-day and projected suitable habitats. Analysis shows that tropical and subtropical regions, particularly the North and South Pacific Gyres, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea, provide the most favorable conditions due to their warm, stable, and nutrient-poor waters. Climate-driven SST increases are expanding some mid-latitude regions into the optimal range, suggesting potential new habitats but also risks if temperatures exceed physiological limits. By integrating biological and climate data, this research identifies potential natural carbon sink regions where Prochlorococcus could play an outsized role in CO2 fixation and long-term sequestration. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring ocean warming and highlight Prochlorococcus as a key species for future carbon sequestration research and climate mitigation strategies.