Algal diversity: A key driver of nitrogen immobilization by phototrophic biofilms at soil-water interfaces in paddy fields

Phototrophic biofilms (PB) are ubiquitous at sediment/soil-water interfaces (SWI) in shallow aquatic systems such as paddy fields, where they can immobilize nutrients and reduce runoff losses. However, the links between PB community traits and nitrogen dynamics remain unclear. In this study, our large-scale survey of Chinese paddy fields shows that higher algal diversity boosts nitrogen immobilization in PB and cuts nitrogen loss to the overlying water. This biodiversity effect is mediated by enhanced bacterial diversity and elevated EPS production, both of which scale positively with soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration. Climatic stressors-specifically high ≥10 °C annual accumulated temperatures (AAT10) and total solar irradiance (TSI)-suppress algal diversity and PB nitrogen immobilization, thereby diminishing SOC's beneficial role in nitrogen interception. Our findings reveal pronounced spatial variability in how PB community structure influences nitrogen fate at the SWI. By pinpointing algal diversity and SOC as levers for in-situ nitrogen interception, this work offers actionable strategies to mitigate nitrogen loss in paddy fields and similar shallow-water ecosystems, ultimately helping to safeguard surface-water quality.