Scientists from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) have published in the journal Scientific Reports a study that shows the change and evolution experienced in the chemical properties of seawater and describes the acidification and fertilization processes that were generated due to the emissions of the volcano.

A new study, published in the journal Scientific Reports and carried out by scientists from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) points out the evolution that the chemical properties of seawater have undergone, thanks to the acidification and fertilization processes generated by the volcano’s emissions.

Since the submarine eruption in October 2011, the changes in the properties of the water surrounding the volcano have been studied, which are now reflected in this new study.

The publication shows that the calcium carbonate in the waters was affected by the acidification produced by magma emissions. In addition, compounds such as iron or sulphur, emitted by the volcano, have produced a reduction in oxygen, while other nutrients are being key in the regeneration of water, recovering

“The same volcano that was responsible for the creation of a highly corrosive environment and that affected the marine organisms in the area, has also provided the necessary nutrient conditions for the recovery of the marine ecosystem in El Mar de Las Calmas,” explains Magdalena Santana-Casiano, researcher at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and lead author of the work.