Microphytobenthic biomass and primary production in Korean tidal flats: Trends and variability

This review synthesizes four decades of research on microphytobenthos (MPB) in Korean tidal flats, with a focus on reported patterns of biomass, primary production (PP), and productivity. By compiling and standardizing data from published studies, we examined spatiotemporal variability across regions, tidal zones, and seasons, and evaluated methodological and thematic trends in the literature. Korean tidal flats generally exhibited moderate MPB biomass but comparatively high PP, particularly in estuarine systems and during the spring season. Seasonal decoupling between biomass and PP was frequently observed, although available data do not allow identification of the underlying mechanisms. Analyses of pigment-based MPB community composition and diatom assemblages revealed spatially coherent patterns that were not strictly related to geographic proximity. Overall, this review highlights both the high productivity of Korean MPB systems and the limitations of existing data, emphasizing the need for standardized, process-oriented studies that integrate community structure, environmental parameters, and PP. • The 40-year historical trajectory of MPB research in Korea was reviewed. • MPB studies focused on taxa and biomass, with growing interest in functional roles. • Korean tidal flats showed moderate biomass but comparatively high primary productivity. • Biomass and primary production showed notable regional and seasonal variations. • Community composition showed broad-scale patterns, but mechanistic links remain unresolved.