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Freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes exhibit distinct physical and biological characteristics that influence their microbial communities. These environments are broadly categorized into lotic systems—those with flowing waters like streams and most rivers—and lentic systems, which include still or slow-moving waters such as lakes, ponds, and marshes.In lentic systems, phytoplankton drive primary production, generating autochthonous organic carbon. In contrast, lotic systems...
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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
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Published on: May 2, 2025

Positive feedback in aquatic ecosystems.

L Stone1, R S Weisburd

  • 1Yigal Allon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, PO Box 345, Tiberias 14102, Israel.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 18, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems create positive feedback loops through nutrient recycling, acting as a vital life-support system. This microbial loop benefits many aquatic organisms, contrary to traditional views of positive feedback being detrimental.

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Published on: December 25, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Aquatic ecosystems exhibit complex community dynamics driven by positive feedback mechanisms.
  • Microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa, play a crucial role at the base of aquatic food webs.
  • The 'microbial loop' is a key process involving rapid nutrient recycling by microorganisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the role of positive feedback in aquatic ecosystems.
  • To highlight the advantageous aspects of microbial loop functioning.
  • To challenge conventional perceptions of positive feedback as solely undesirable.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of nutrient cycling pathways in aquatic environments.
  • Investigating the impact of microbial loop activity on biomass accumulation.
  • Observational studies on microbial contributions to ecosystem stability.

Main Results:

  • Microbial loop significantly recycles nutrients, leading to localized nutrient accumulation.
  • Positive feedback pathways mediated by microorganisms promote overall biomass build-up.
  • The microbial loop functions as a critical 'life-support system' in challenging aquatic conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Positive feedback, particularly via the microbial loop, is advantageous for many aquatic organisms.
  • Microbial contributions are essential for maintaining the health and resilience of aquatic ecosystems.
  • A reassessment of positive feedback reveals its beneficial role in ecological dynamics.