Phosphate limitation and ocean acidification co-shape phytoplankton physiology and community structure

Abstract

A new study reports synergistic inhibitory effects of ocean acidification and phosphate limitation on the nitrogen-fixing capacity of a globally important cyanobacterium species. Inspired by the report, this Comment presents the complexity of how ocean acidification and phosphate limitation affect phytoplankton physiologies and species beyond nitrogen fixation and cyanobacteria, and what future research is needed to address the remaining crucial questions.