Evolving geographical gross primary productivity patterns in global lake systems and controlling mechanisms of associated phytoplankton communities since the 1950s

In recent decades, anthropogenically-driven climate change has affected phytoplankton growth and has widened the differences observed among the gross primary productivity of waterbodies (WGPP) in global lake systems. Results from this study showed that the range of WGPP increased over time (from 1950 to 2020). However, the median WGPP of global inland lake systems has gradually and significantly decreased. On a geographical scale, the geographical distribution WGPP pattern was high in low- to mid-latitudinal regions and low in highlatitudinal regions. This study found that chrysophytes mainly control WGPP in high-latitudinal regions while diatoms, cyanobacteria, and chlorophytes are dominant in low-latitudinal regions. Additionally, dominant and sub-dominant phytoplankton communities contribute the most to WGPP. Under extreme environmental conditions, algae must strengthen its capacity to adapt to the burgeoning environmental conditions of global lake systems while gradually evolving to survive. Accordingly, regulating environmental conditions to promote phytoplankton community diversity and to accelerate community competition will play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance, environmental health and carbon cycle of global lake systems.

Automated summary

Anthropogenically-driven climate change has impacted the growth of phytoplankton in global lake systems, leading to widening differences in waterbody gross primary productivity (WGPP). Median WGPP in global inland lake systems has significantly decreased, with high control by chrysophytes in high-latitudinal regions and dominance by diatoms, cyanobacteria, and chlorophytes in low-latitudinal regions. The contribution of dominant and sub-dominant phytoplankton communities is crucial to WGPP. Regulating environmental conditions to promote phytoplankton community diversity and competition is important for maintaining ecological balance, environmental health, and the carbon cycle in global lake systems.