Phytoplankton communities form the basis of the marine food web and are essential for nutrient cycling in the world’s oceans. However, both natural and human activities can easily disrupt the balance and functioning of these essential microalgae communities. Understanding how phytoplankton respond to external pressures over time can provide useful insights for safeguarding these vital ecosystem components in the future.

Now, a study of sediment cores taken from the western Arabian Gulf to examine centennial and decadal trends in phytoplankton communities in the region has been undertaken by KAUST researchers in collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPHM).

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