The Effects of Light Radiation on the Aquatic Phosphorus Cycle

Considering the ultimate power of the material cycle and energy flow that P participates in almost comes from light, but when exploring the process of the P cycle, the contribution of light is not comprehensively considered or is greatly ignored, it requires a systematic discussion about its effects toward the different aspects of the P cycle process before integrating light. Here, we reviewed the advances about light on aquatic P transformation, transfer, and distribution, systematically illustrating the indirect and direct impact of light on the P biogeochemical cycle in aquatic ecosystems. The relation between light and P is not simply limited to photosynthesis; light can also increase the demand for P by phytoplankton and promote the supply of biologically available P, but the high energy it contains inhibits the efficiency of P utilization by primary producers, besides molding the migration, exchange, and distribution of P from the surface to the deeper layers.