What is the impact of nitrogen on oceanic systems and phytoplankton growth?
Understand the Problem
The notes in the image discuss nitrogen in oceanic systems, specifically how nitrogen affects phytoplankton growth and the potential downside of algal blooms due to excessive nutrients.
Answer
Nitrogen boosts phytoplankton growth but can cause harmful algal blooms.
Nitrogen in oceanic systems can boost phytoplankton growth by providing essential nutrients. However, excessive nitrogen can lead to harmful algal blooms, dominated by species such as cyanobacteria, causing ecological imbalances like eutrophication and hypoxia.
Answer for screen readers
Nitrogen in oceanic systems can boost phytoplankton growth by providing essential nutrients. However, excessive nitrogen can lead to harmful algal blooms, dominated by species such as cyanobacteria, causing ecological imbalances like eutrophication and hypoxia.
More Information
Nitrogen is a crucial nutrient but its excess can disrupt marine ecosystems by fostering algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.
Tips
Common mistakes include assuming all nitrogen additions are beneficial without considering potential for over-enrichment and ecological harm.
Sources
- Effects of Nitrogen Availability and Form on Phytoplankton Growth in ... - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Impact of intensifying nitrogen limitation on ocean net primary ... - nature.com
- Effects of Nitrogen Limitation on Phytoplankton Physiology in the ... - agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
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