Phosphorus limitation during a phytoplankton spring bloom in the western Dutch Wadden Sea

Phosphorus (P) was the primary limiting nutrient for phytoplankton growth during the spring bloom in the western Dutch Wadden Sea, with diatoms exhibiting potential Si–P co-limitation. This finding emerged from controlled bioassay experiments conducted in April 2010 at a long-term monitoring site (NIOZ-Jetty, Marsdiep), which analyzed changes in phytoplankton biomass, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), and stable isotope incorporation. Unlike previous studies relying solely on monitoring data—yielding inconsistent results due to variability in years, seasons, and methods—this study used multiple experimental approaches over six days per bioassay to conclusively demonstrate P limitation. The dynamic shifts in phytoplankton species composition and grazing activity further highlighted their role in structuring net growth during this critical period.

Ly, J., Philippart, C. J. M., & Kromkamp, J. C. (2014). Phosphorus limitation during a phytoplankton spring bloom in the western Dutch Wadden Sea. Journal of Sea Research, 88, 109–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2013.12.010