The role of colloid chemistry in providing a source of iron to phytoplankton

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Abstract
Culture experiments with the coastal marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (WHOI clone 3H) demonstrate that, as an Fe source, freshly prepared colloidal Fe(OH)3 can produce better cell yield than the more crystalline goethite or hematite. Aging or heating of the prepared Fe(OH)3 stock causes a reduction in cell yield. This reduction appears to be related to increased thermodynamic stability of the colloid as suggested by thermogravimetric analysis and relative dissolution rates. The reduction in cell yield can be prevented by the addition of the chelating agent EDTA prior to, but not after, aging or heating of the Fe(OH)3 stock. The ability of colloidal Fe to provide a source of metal for phytoplankton is related to the thermodynamic stability of the colloid.

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