Environmental and Biotic Drivers of Algae Distribution, Algae-Bacteria Interactions, and Algae Blooms in Marine Environments

Marine environments are dynamic ecosystems where algae play crucial roles in primary productivity, nutrient cycling, and food web dynamics. Algal blooms, particularly those resulting from rapid increases in phytoplankton or macroalgae populations, have garnered significant scientific attention due to their ecological and economic impacts. The occurrence and severity of these blooms are strongly influenced by both environmental drivers (such as temperature, light, and nutrients) and biotic factors, including interactions with bacteria and other microorganisms. Recent studies have highlighted the complexity of algae-bacteria relationships, which modulate algal growth and bloom persistence. Understanding the role of environmental conditions and microorganisms in algal blooms is critical to predicting and mitigating harmful blooms in marine systems worldwide.The primary objective of this study is to better understand how environmental and biotic factors influence algae distribution, algal bloom formation, and algae-bacteria interactions in marine environments. While significant progress has been made in identifying environmental drivers, such as nutrients, temperature, and light, that impact algae distribution and bloom formation, the role of biotic interactions, especially those between algae and microorganisms like bacteria, remains unclear. These interactions are likely key to regulating both algae distribution and bloom dynamics. By examining these mechanisms, this study aims to reveal how environmental and biotic factors drive algae growth and bloom persistence. The findings will provide crucial insights into algae distribution under climate change, improve strategies for managing harmful algal blooms, and enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems, ultimately reducing the negative ecological and economic impacts of these blooms.This Research Topic seeks to investigate the environmental and biotic factors that govern algal distribution, bloom dynamics, and algae-bacteria interactions in marine ecosystems. We invite submissions on topics such as the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on algal growth, the role of algae-microbe interactions (particularly with bacteria) in bloom formation, and the impact of climate change on algal behavior and bloom frequency. We welcome original research articles, field surveys, modeling studies, and reviews that address these topics across various scales. Submissions should aim to provide fresh insights into the mechanisms driving harmful algal blooms and propose effective strategies for their management and mitigation. Ultimately, the goal is to advance our understanding of algal dynamics and offer actionable recommendations for marine ecosystem conservation and management. Topic editors: Zhangyi Xia, Peimin He, Jianheng Zhang, Jinlin Liu, Xiaolei Wang, Zenghu Zhang, Wenbin Zhao, Yuyang Liu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/73119/environmental-and-biotic-drivers-of-algae-distribution-algae-bacteria-interactions-and-algae-blooms-in-marine-environments