Ecological impacts of photosynthetic light harvesting in changing aquatic environments: A systematic literature map

Abstract

Underwater light is spatially as well as temporally variable and directly affects phytoplankton growth and competition. Here we systematically (following the guidelines of PRISMA‐EcoEvo) searched and screened the published literature resulting in 640 individual articles. We mapped the conducted research for the objectives of (1) phytoplankton fundamental responses to light, (2) effects of light on the competition between phytoplankton species, and (3) effects of climate‐change‐induced changes in the light availability in aquatic ecosystems. Among the fundamental responses of phytoplankton to light, the effects of light intensity (quantity, as measure of total photon or energy flux) were investigated in most identified studies. The effects of the light spectrum (quality) that via species‐specific light absorbance result in direct consequences on species competition emerged more recently. Complexity in competition arises due to variability and fluctuations in light which effects are sparsely investigated on community level. Predictions regarding future climate change scenarios included changes in in stratification and mixing, lake and coastal ocean darkening, UV radiation, ice melting as well as light pollution which affect the underwater light‐climate. Generalization of consequences is difficult due to a high variability, interactions of consequences as well as a lack in sustained timeseries and holistic approaches. Nevertheless, our systematic literature map, and the identified articles within, provide a comprehensive overview and shall guide prospective research.

Multi-Interacting Natural and Anthropogenic Stressors on Freshwater Ecosystems: Their Current Status and Future Prospects for 21st Century

“…The impact of UVR on habitats has been greatly increasing eutrophication and browning of water bodies [36,37]. Rising nutrient and organic matter inputs derived from human activities and extreme climate events (i.e., rainfall and wind) are, in many cases, reducing water transparency [38]. Increased water turbidity exerts negative feedback on primary producers because it can limit [39] and inhibit photosynthesis [40].…”

Browning, nutrient inputs, and fast vertical mixing from simulated extreme rainfall and wind stress alter estuarine phytoplankton productivity

“…browning and nutrient inputs; Fong et al ., 2020) and winds (i.e. changes in light intensity/variability; Hintz et al ., 2022), triggered an uncoupling between energy supply (e.g. NCP and ETR max ) and demand (i.e.…”

Investigating the Plankton Diversity and Physicochemical Properties in a Temple Pond in Tamil Nadu, India: Taxonomic Composition, Seasonal Variations, and Ecological Implications

“…Light availability is essential for photosynthetic processes in phytoplankton, the primary producers at the base of the aquatic food web. Any variations in turbidity can influence the growth and distribution of phytoplankton, subsequently affecting the abundance and composition of zooplankton [30]. Furthermore, the pH values, another critical physicochemical parameter, also exhibit some degree of fluctuation within the narrow range of 5.7 to 6.5.…”