Can algal uptake stop NO 3- pollution?

Abstract

The influence of biodiversity on ecosystem function has been of interest to community ecologists for decades. Recently, Cardinale reported that biodiversity affects nitrate (NO 3-) uptake in algal communities and that, as a result, biodiversity may help mitigate nutrient pollution. Although Cardinaleg-s conclusions about niche partitioning are interesting (figure 2 in ref. 1), his extension of these findings to problems of nutrient pollution is premature. Algal uptake is only a short-term nitrogen sink; control of NO 3- pollution requires long-term solutions. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.