Phytoplankton represent a diverse assemblage of microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that inhabit aquatic ecosystems, including marine, brackish, and freshwater environments. They function as primary producers at the base of the aquatic food web, synthesizing organic compounds through photosynthesis, which sustain a wide array of trophic levels. Phytoplankton play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycles, particularly in the global carbon cycle, where they contribute to primary production and carbon sequestration, significantly influencing atmospheric oxygen levels and carbon dioxide dynamics.
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Microphytobenthos forms biofilms on sediment surfaces in aquatic ecosystems, encompassing marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. These biofilms, organize into cohesive layers of microscopic photosynthetic organisms, play a crucial role in sedimentary environments. Through photosynthesis, they serve as primary producers within benthic habitats, supporting diverse trophic levels in benthic food webs. Additionally, microphytobenthic biofilms significantly contribute to local nutrient cycling and sediment stability, underscoring their ecological importance in benthic ecosystems.
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Bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle play crucial roles in nutrient dynamics within ecosystems. These microorganisms collectively regulate nitrogen levels, significantly influencing ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycling. They facilitate processes such as denitrification and nitrogen fixation, essential for converting nitrogen compounds into usable forms or inert forms like nitrogen gas (N2). Understanding their roles and the factors that impact them is essential for managing nutrient dynamics and developing strategies for sustainable water quality and ecosystem services management.
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EPS are complex molecules secreted by microorganisms into their surrounding environment. EPS play pivotal roles in various ecological processes, including the formation, structural integrity, and stability of biofilms, nutrient cycling, and environmental protection in diverse habitats including sediment and aquatic environments. Additionally, EPS can sequester contaminants, regulate water retention in sediments, and influence coastal erosion dynamics. Understanding the production, functions, dynamics, and ecological impacts of EPS is essential for comprehending microbial dynamics and ensuring effective ecosystem functioning.
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