Transfer of Essential Substances from Phytoplankton to Zooplankton in Freshwater Ecosystems (Review)

摘要

In freshwater ecosystems, the efficiency of transfer of essential substances from phytoplankton to zooplankton, measured as the ratio of the production of these substances in zooplankton to their production in phytoplankton, determines the functioning of higher trophic levels. In addition to carbon, primary producers transfer essential substances, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), up the trophic chain. The transfer efficiency of these substances significantly varies in nature depending on environmental factors, which is reflected in the quality of biological resources. The purpose of this review is to analyze the mechanisms regulating the efficiency of the transfer of essential substances from phytoplankton to zooplankton and establish the main factors that may influence the efficiency of their transfer.