Allelopathic Effects of Phaeocystis Species

Phytoplankton have been shown to compete for light and nutrients through different physiological and biochemical adaptations, such as, variation in surface area to volume ratio, production of specific enzymes, different nutrient requirements, luxury uptake, pigment composition, photosynthetic capacity, mixotrophy and vertical migration. Algal proliferations with respect to competition are part of plankton dynamics in aquatic environments. The negative influence of microalgae in terms of allelopathy and production of toxic compounds is also an adaptation by which some phytoplankton species could achieve a competitive advantage over other species, and hence it should be included as a relevant factor in competition.