I know the use of these reforms in science, but what is the difference between them in terms of vocabulary and why can't they be used interchangeably?
Secuestro de carbono: Este término se refiere al proceso de capturar y almacenar dióxido de carbono (CO₂) de la atmósfera a largo plazo. El objetivo es reducir la cantidad de CO₂ en la atmósfera para mitigar el cambio climático, los métodos incluyen la captura de CO₂ en plantas industriales y su almacenamiento en formaciones geológicas subterráneas, océanos profundos o en compuestos minerales12. Fijación de carbono: Este proceso se refiere a la conversión del CO₂ atmosférico en compuestos orgánicos por medio de la fotosíntesis en plantas, algas y algunas bacterias. La fijación de carbono es una parte natural del ciclo del carbono y es esencial para la producción de biomasa en los ecosistemas. .En resumen, mientras que la fijación de carbono es un proceso natural que convierte el CO₂ en materia orgánica, el secuestro de carbono implica la captura y almacenamiento del CO₂ para reducir su concentración en la atmósfera.
Carbon fixation and carbon sequestration are related but distinct processes. Carbon fixation is the biological conversion of inorganic carbon into organic compounds, primarily through photosynthesis, for immediate use by organisms. In contrast, carbon sequestration is the long-term storage of fixed carbon in oceans, soils, vegetation, and geological formations to mitigate climate change. While carbon fixation is a crucial first step, the two terms cannot be used interchangeably because carbon fixation alone does not guarantee long-term storage of carbon, as much of the fixed carbon can be released back into the atmosphere upon decomposition. For carbon to be effectively sequestered, it must be stored in a form and location that prevents it from re-entering the atmosphere for an extended period.
- Carbon fixation is the process of transforming carbon (e.g inorganic CO₂) into other forms (mainly organic) through biological processes ( photosynthesis), and some chemical transformations.
- Carbon sequestration is related to the long-term storage of carbon (which can be fixed carbon or not) in different forms.
Their main difference lies in the process, mechanism, and form of carbon involved. Even the timescale for each process is quite different. Carbon can be fixed very quickly (imagine the Calvin cycle during photosynthesis). If we fix 1 mole of carbon within a minute, we call it fixed carbon. However, we cannot consider carbon stored for 1 minute as sequestered carbon, as sequestration is a long-term process of keeping the fixed carbon.
Abdelhak Maghchiche's answer also explains it very well.
Both carbon fixation and sequestration are essential for managing carbon in the environment, they operate on different principles and timescales, contributing uniquely to the global carbon cycle.
Carbon sequestration: The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to mitigate the effects of climate change. This can occur naturally or through human intervention. Carbon fixation: The specific biological process in which carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds by living organisms, especially plants, algae, and some bacteria.
“Zooplankton are unsung heroes of carbon sequestration.”
The seasonal migration of tiny ocean creatures from the surface to the depths of the Southern Ocean transports nearly 65 million tonnes of carbon, says marine ecologist Guang Yang...
https://earth.org/why-are-plankton-so-crucial-for-life-on-earth-and-how-is-climate-change-affecting-them/
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Enzymes