Ecosystem services provided by marine and freshwater phytoplankton

Phytoplankton, the ecological group of microalgae adapted to live in apparent suspension in water masses, is much more than an ecosystem’s engineer. In this opinion paper, we use our experience as phytoplankton ecologists to list and highlight the services provided by phytoplankton, trying to demons...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia 2023-07, Vol.850 (12-13), p.2691-2706
Main Authors: Naselli-Flores, Luigi, Padisák, Judit
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic Ecosystem Services
Aquatic ecosystems
Biogeochemical cycle
Biogeochemical cycles
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biosphere
Ecologists
Ecology
Ecosystem services
Ecosystems
Engineers
Environmental aspects
Fishes
Fresh water
Freshwater
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
Freshwater ecology
Freshwater ecosystems
Genetic resources
Inland water environment
Life Sciences
Marine ecosystems
Nutrient cycles
Oxygen production
Photosynthesis
Phytoplankton
Plankton
Provisioning
Water masses
Zoology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Phytoplankton, the ecological group of microalgae adapted to live in apparent suspension in water masses, is much more than an ecosystem’s engineer. In this opinion paper, we use our experience as phytoplankton ecologists to list and highlight the services provided by phytoplankton, trying to demonstrate how their activity is fundamental to regulate and sustain Life on our Planet. Although the number of services produced by phytoplankton can be considered less numerous than that produced by other photosynthetic organisms, the ubiquity of this group of organisms, and their thriving across oceanic ecosystems make it one of the biological engines moving our biosphere. Supporting services provided by phytoplankton include almost half of the global primary and oxygen production. In addition, phytoplankton greatly pushes biogeochemical cycles and nutrient (re)cycling, not only in aquatic ecosystems but also in terrestrial ones. In addition, it significantly contributes to climate regulation (regulating services), supplies food, fuels, active ingredients and drugs, and genetic resources (provisioning services), has inspired artistic and craft works, mythology, and, of course, science (cultural services), and much more. Therefore, phytoplankton should be considered in all respects a true biosphere’s engineer.
ISSN:0018-8158
1573-5117
DOI:10.1007/s10750-022-04795-y