In recent years phytoplankton have been investigated as a potential source of energy for humans. Researchers have therefore been interested in whether these organisms could be ‘farmed’ to provide food or fuel. In terms of biomass, Gross Primary Production (GPP) in phytoplankton living in a layer just below the surface of a typical ocean area is 4102 g m−2 yr−1. If you assume the energy value of phytoplankton is 6 kJ g−1, calculate the GPP in terms of kJ m−2 yr−1.

Question

In recent years phytoplankton have been investigated as a potential source of energy for humans. Researchers have therefore been interested in whether these organisms could be ‘farmed’ to provide food or fuel. In terms of biomass, Gross Primary Production (GPP) in phytoplankton living in a layer just below the surface of a typical ocean area is 4102 g m−2 yr−1. If you assume the energy value of phytoplankton is 6 kJ g−1, calculate the GPP in terms of kJ m−2 yr−1.

Thanks Beccy

Answer 1

To calculate the Gross Primary Production (GPP) of phytoplankton in terms of kJ m^−2 yr^−1, we need to take into account both the biomass and the energy value of the phytoplankton.

Given:
GPP in terms of biomass = 4102 g m^−2 yr^−1
Energy value of phytoplankton = 6 kJ g^−1

To convert the GPP to kJ m^−2 yr^−1, we can multiply the biomass by the energy value:

GPP (kJ m^−2 yr^−1) = GPP (biomass) * Energy value

GPP (kJ m^−2 yr^−1) = 4102 g m^−2 yr^−1 * 6 kJ g^−1

To calculate the result, multiply 4102 by 6:

GPP (kJ m^−2 yr^−1) = 24,612 kJ m^−2 yr^−1

Therefore, the GPP of phytoplankton, in terms of kJ m^−2 yr^−1, is 24,612 kJ m^−2 yr^−1.