Changing phenology of benthic primary producers in inland waters: Current knowledge and future directions
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Benthic primary producers (BPP) in inland waters, including aquatic macrophytes and periphyton, are foundational habitats that are highly sensitive to multiple human drivers of environmental change. However, long‐term seasonal monitoring of BPP is limited, leaving us with little information on the cause, directionality, and consequences of the potential shifts in timing of BPP life cycle events. Here, we review the literature on the phenological changes of BPP and show that BPP respond primarily to temperature, but also to other interactive drivers related to climate change and eutrophication. In addition, we present four rare case studies where BPP display strong and earlier shifts in event timing associated with increasing temperature and discuss potential impacts of these changes on ecosystem functioning. Given the responsive nature of BPP to multiple human drivers, we provide suggestions on how to improve basic monitoring to better understand the future impact of phenological changes of this critical habitat.
DOI: 10.1002/lol2.10381
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Chemistry
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,360
Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Canadian Network for Research and Innovation in Machining Technology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en limnologie, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Leibniz-Gemeinschaft
OpenAlex ID: W4399573306