Diatoms and its Uses

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Diatoms
green alga laboratory research, alternative biofuel energy technology, biotechnology concept

Microscopic and beneficial Organism

What are Diatoms?

Diatoms are unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes belonging to class Bacillaria. They constitute about half of all marine planktonic organisms. These single-celled algae contain two types of cells: chloroplasts containing green pigments called Chlorophyll A and B and pyrenoids where carbon fixation takes place.

The morphology of diatoms is highly variable, and the term “diatom” has been used to describe a wide variety of organisms. The most common morphological features are cell shape, size, ornamentation, color, pigmentation, number of valves per valve face, presence of an operculum, and attachment structures such as stalks, hairs, spines, scales, etc.

What is the Wide range of uses of Diatoms?

Nanotechnology

The term ‘nanotechnology’ was coined by Richard P. Feynman in 1959 when he described his vision of building machines at the atomic scale using electron microscopy techniques. Since then, the concept of nano-scale engineering has gained momentum due to its potential applications in diverse fields such as electronics, optics, medicine, chemistry, energy, etc., where conventional technologies fail to provide adequate solutions.

Pest Control Pest Control

Diatomaceous earth is a mineral formed from fossilized diatom shells, mined for several industrial. The use of diatomaceous earth in pest control has been known since the early 1900s. The first recorded use was by an entomologist who used it to kill ants on his plants. They are known to kill bedbugs, fleas, etc. The rupture the outer covering of the insects and, if ingested, ruptured the organs internally.

Abrasives

The use of abrasive materials such as sandpaper, emery cloths, steel wool, etc., effectively removes unwanted pests from surfaces. Abrasive material may damage furniture finishes, carpets, clothing, skin, hair, eyes, etc. These products should only be applied by trained professionals who have been adequately educated about their safe handling and application. If you choose to apply these types of treatments yourself, make sure they are labeled “For Professional Use Only.”

Filtration

The diatomaceous earth filters out dust particles from the air by acting as a filter medium. In addition, to remove dust particles, the diatomaceous world also eliminates odors such as cigarette smoke, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, pollen, etc., which makes it helpful in filtering indoor environments.

Indicator Species

The presence of diatoms indicates the existence of clean drinking water. Many studies have shown how well-known species of diatoms suggest whether or not a body of water has become polluted by human activity. For example, one study showed that the number of diatoms present in lakes was directly related to the degree of pollution in those bodies of water. Another study found that certain diatoms were more sensitive than others at detecting pollutants.

Forensic limnology

The term “limnology” is derived from the Greek word for lake, λιμνή, and refers to all aspects of aquatic life, including fish, plants, algae, invertebrates, and microorganisms. Limnological investigations are used to determine the source of a body or other object that has been in the water. The study is also valuable for determining whether or not an area has been polluted by human activity. Limnologists use various methods for collecting samples from bodies of water, including dredging, trawling, electrofishing, and scuba diving. They may then analyze these samples using chemical analysis, physical examination, and biological techniques.

What is some Energy Production from Microalgal Biofuel?

Microalgae are considered one of the most suitable organisms for producing renewable fuels due to their fast growth rate, higher lipid content than other photosynthetic eukaryotes, and ease of handling compared to terrestrial plants. Moreover, they do not compete with food crops or require arable land for growing. They also possess unique characteristics such as tolerance against salinity, drought, heavy metals, extreme temperatures, radiation, etc., making them highly adaptable.

Diatom provides maximum oxygen to the earth. Microalgae are considered one of the most efficient biomass per unit volume producers compared to other organisms due to their unique features, including fast growth rate, ease of handling, and low
production costs. Microalgal cells possess several advantages over terrestrial plants when used for fuel or chemical synthesis purposes. They do not compete with food crops for land space and nutrients; they require less sunlight than terrestrial plants, and they can utilize CO2 from the air directly without any additional carbon source.

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