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Protozoa and Their Role in Marine Processes pp 417–429Cite as

Protozoans as Agents in Planktonic Nutrient Cycling

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Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((ASIG,volume 25))

Abstract

It is becoming evident that, at least from the ecosystem point of view, a major ‘raison d’etre’ for planktonic protozoans is their function as agents of nutrient transfer and recycling. The term ‘nutrients’ is used here in the broadest sense and applies to carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and perhaps to other elements despite their different potential pathways. As yet we know almost nothing about the biological cycling in aquatic systems of micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, zinc, cobalt or growth factors such as vitamins (Phillips, 1984). This paper first addresses the important role bacteria play in converting dissolved nutrients to particulates before discussing remineralization by protists and priorities for further research.

“I find” said ’e, “things very much as ‘ow I’ve always found, For mostly they goes up or down or else goes round and round”

(Roundabouts and Swings — PR Chalmers)

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Yigal Allon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory (IOLR), PO Box 345, Tiberias, 14102, Israel

    Tom Berman

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  1. Tom Berman
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2PB, UK

    P. C. Reid  & C. M. Turley  & 

  2. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, West Hoe, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 3DH, UK

    P. H. Burkill

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© 1991 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Berman, T. (1991). Protozoans as Agents in Planktonic Nutrient Cycling. In: Reid, P.C., Turley, C.M., Burkill, P.H. (eds) Protozoa and Their Role in Marine Processes. NATO ASI Series, vol 25. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73181-5_24

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-73181-5_24

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-73183-9

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