A planktonic resource–consumer model with a temporal delay in nutrient recycling ✩

A planktonic resource–consumer model is investigated analytically as well as numerically. A feedback loop and a temporal delay are considered. The local asymptotical stability of the non-trivial equilibrium is discussed. Using Lyapunov functional technique, the global stability of the non-trivial equilibrium is also discussed for a linear uptake term. In conclusion, we show that the introduction of a temporal delay in nutrient recycling can destabilize the system and periodic solution can arise. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the dynamical behaviors. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.