First observations of gaseous urea in the atmosphere

June 15 () –

Scientists from the University of Manchester have observed that the main source of ureaa compound rich in nitrogen, vital for the development of living organisms, comes from the ocean.

This finding reveals an important but unknown source of reduced nitrogen and offers the first observations of gaseous urea in air, revealing profound consequences for the climate.

The research, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it also reveals that urea can be transported long distances through the atmosphere to benefit other environments that may be nutrient deficient.

The results could have far-reaching consequences for marine productivity and climate stability.

Emily Matthews, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Manchester, said it’s a statement: “Our observations provide new insights into the complex interactions between the atmosphere, ocean, and ecosystems. Understanding the behavior and impact of urea in the atmosphere is vital to advancing our understanding of how chemicals and substances are transferred to through our environment and can help us inform strategies to address climate change.”

Observations of gas phase urea in the atmosphere were collected over the North Atlantic Ocean using the FAAM Airborne Laboratory, a UK airborne research facility managed by the UK’s National Center for Atmospheric Sciences (NCAS).

Measurements made during these flights provide detailed data on the composition and properties of aerosols and gases in the atmosphere. Scientists from the University of Manchester and NCAS have identified unique species important to the marine reduced nitrogen cycle, including the first observations of urea in the gas phase in the atmosphere.

The researchers say the findings have significant implications for our understanding of the nitrogen cycle and call for a revision of current models.

Emily Matthews added: “The ocean plays an important role in maintaining a stable climate through biological activity that occurs near the surface of the water. and contributes to ocean uptake of carbon dioxide“.

“We now know that it is also a major source of urea in the atmosphere for most of the year, which means that we must modify the processes and factors involved in the nitrogen cycle to account for the new importance of urea.”

The nitrogen cycle is the process during which nitrogen moves through living organisms and physical environments, including the atmosphere, soil, water, plants, animals, and bacteria. It is critical to the composition of the Earth System and changes in the natural environment through interactions such as aerosol formation, ozone production, and as a supply of essential nutrients for living organisms.

The explanation of the observations of urea in the gas phase remains a mystery and more research is needed to fully understand the biogeochemical coupling of nitrogen between the ocean and the atmosphere.

The research findings represent an important pathway for long-distance transport of nitrogen to fertilize nitrogen-poor regions of the ocean surface. Better reviewing this knowledge helps to understand how the ocean biosphere will respond to future changes.