Unravelling the eco-monitoring potential of phytoplankton towards a sustainable aquatic ecosystem

Phytoplankton play an integral role in primary production in aquatic ecosystems, thus butressing its function as an important tool for pollution indication and water quality assessment. Their response mechanism towards the changes in nutrient levels and environmental conditions makes them valuable indicators of ecosystem health. The driver of this response is a complex molecular mechanism involving gene expression and metabolic pathways that allow microalgae to adapt and thrive in varying conditions. The current study shows how phytoplankton population and functional trait dynamics can serve as early signs of potential environmental stressors impacting aquatic ecosystems. This study is highly significant because it highlights the role of phytoplankton as sensitive and reliable bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Thus, providing valuable information for monitoring and managing water quality in marine environments. Also, the study will provide a unique insight into understanding the impact of pollution on phytoplankton, which can also help inform conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems. The study linked the bioindicator role of phytoplankton to a complex molecular mechanisms involving alterations in gene expression, activation of stress-related signalling pathways, and shifts in metabolic profiles. These responses are often characterised by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the upregulation of antioxidant defence systems, and modifications in lipid, protein, and pigment synthesis. The progress of the application of phytoplankton for biomonitoring has been hindered by issues such as sensitivity to multiple environmental variables, diversity of phytoplankton species, and complexity of community interactions. This challenge can be averted through the development of advanced monitoring techniques that can accurately detect and quantify toxins in real time.