Cyanobacteria: a key player in nutrient cycling

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic prokaryotic organisms that are found in various aquatic and terrestrial environments. They are one of the oldest and most primitive forms of life on Earth, playing critical role in the biological nutrient cycling of different habitats. The phenomenon of nutrient cycling delineates the continual recycling of essential elements, which are rendered accessible to the biota of an ecosystem. Cyanobacteria possess the ability to fixate atmospheric nitrogen and transform it into a bioavailable form, which can be utilized by other organisms in the ecosystem. This process is called nitrogen fixation, and it helps to increase the availability of nitrogen in the ecosystem, which is an essential nutrient for the growth of different life forms. They also play a key role in carbon cycling by capturing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Indeed, cyanobacteria played a significant role in making the early environment aerobic by producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This process helps to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is important for mitigating the effects of climate change. Additionally, cyanobacteria can contribute to the cycling of other nutrients, such as phosphorus and sulfur, by releasing them from organic matter and making them available for other organisms to use. Overall, cyanobacteria are crucial for the cycling of different nutrients, including nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur, and their impact on the health of the ecosystem cannot be overstated. The presence of these microorganisms is essential for ensuring a stable and thriving environment, and their involvement in nutrient cycling and oxygenic photosynthesis has constituted a critical component in the evolutionary history of life on Earth. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.