Benthic microalgae are microscopic algae that live on the bottom of aquatic environments, playing a crucial role in primary production and nutrient cycling. They form the base of the benthic food web, supporting a diverse range of aquatic organisms and contributing significantly to the carbon and nitrogen cycles in aquatic ecosystems.

Benthic Microalgae

Microscopic algae

Aquatic Environments

Primary production is the process by which autotrophic organisms, such as plants and algae, convert inorganic carbon (usually in the form of CO2) into organic compounds using energy from sunlight or chemical reactions. This process forms the base of the food web, supporting all other life forms by producing the organic matter that fuels ecosystems.

Primary Production

Nutrient cycling is the continuous movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter, ensuring ecosystem sustainability. This process involves the transformation of nutrients through various forms and pathways, connecting biological, geological, and chemical aspects of the environment.

Nutrient Cycling

Benthic Food Web

Aquatic organisms

The carbon cycle is a fundamental Earth system process that regulates the flow of carbon among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, playing a critical role in maintaining climate stability. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly altered this cycle, contributing to global climate change.

Carbon Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is a biogeochemical process that transforms nitrogen into various chemical forms, making it accessible to living organisms and maintaining ecosystem balance. It involves multiple stages, including nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation, ammonification, and denitrification, each mediated by specific microorganisms and environmental conditions.

Nitrogen Cycle

Aquatic ecosystems are dynamic environments where water is the primary medium, supporting a diverse array of organisms and complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors. These ecosystems are crucial for global biodiversity, climate regulation, and provide essential resources and services for human survival and economic activities.

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