Global analysis of ocean phytoplankton nutrient limitation reveals high prevalence of co-limitation.

ABSTRACT: Nutrient availability limits phytoplankton growth throughout much of the global ocean. Here we synthesize available experimental data to identify three dominant nutrient limitation regimes: nitrogen is limiting in the stratified subtropical gyres and in the summertime Arctic Ocean, iron is most commonly limiting in upwelling regions, and both nutrients are frequently co-limiting in regions in between the nitrogen and iron limited systems. Manganese can be co-limiting with iron in parts of the Southern Ocean, whilst phosphate and cobalt can be co-/serially limiting in some settings. Overall, an analysis of experimental responses showed that phytoplankton net growth can be significantly enhanced through increasing the number of different nutrients supplied, regardless of latitude, temperatur

SUBMITTER: Browning TJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10435517 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature