Bacterial and phytoplankton nutrient limitation in tropical marine waters, and a coastal lake in Brazil

► Phytoplankton and bacterial nutrient limitation was investigated in tropical waters. ► Phytoplankton and bacteria may compete for a common resource (P) in a tropical lake. ► Phytoplankton and bacteria can be limited by different nutrients in marine waters. ► Phytoplankton and bacteria do not necessarily compete for the same nutrient.