Economic Importance of Algae

Group of aquatic organisms belonging to the kingdom of Protista and capable of photosynthesis are referred to as algae. They can be found in a vast array of sizes and shapes. Some instances of algae that we encounter in our daily lives are seaweeds, algal bloom, and pond scums.

Algae are a diverse group of organisms that include mainly eukaryotes. Additionally, these organisms can be unicellular or multicellular. These unique features are responsible for some significant economic importance of Algae.

Apart from discussing the biological and economic importance of algae, we will also discuss the different types of algae.

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What are the Economic Importance of Algae?

Because of their unique features, algae are of immense importance to human beings and nature alike.

Some of the Uses of Algae are – 

It has been observed that Algae are economically important in a variety of ways. For instance, the natural substance can be used as a food source, fodder, fish farming, and as fertilizer. It also plays a key role in alkaline reclaiming and can be used as a soil binding agent as well as can be used in a variety of commercial products.

• Fish Culture- Some fishes such as Tilapia mossambica feed on certain types of algae. Growing those varieties of algae has successfully facilitated fish culture in India.

• Treatment of Sewage Plant- Algae has proved to be very useful in the treatment of sewage plants. It is because they produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, which helps in the rapid decomposition of sewage. 

• Used As Food for Humans- One of the most crucial economic importance of algae is that some species have been used as food for a long time in some parts of the world. Algae are rich in nutrients such as minerals, proteins, essential vitamins A, B, C, E, etc.

For instance, in Japan, a food item called ‘kombu’ is made from laminaria algae. Other varieties such as Porphyra and monostroma are also used to develop food items. A type of seaweed called the Irish moss or carragheen was used as an ingredient to make blancmanges.

• Cattle Fodder- Algae species like Laminaria saccharina, Pelvetia, Ascophyllum, etc. are also useful as fodder for cattle in countries like Iceland and Scandinavia. 

• Natural Soil Fertilizers- It is used as a bio-fertilizer for crops since it can improve the nitrogen content of the soil. Another agricultural importance of algae is that it also enhances soil’s capacity to hold water. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are commonly used for fertilization. 

• Medicinal Purposes- Apart from food, algae have also been used for medicinal purposes by humans for a long time. Algae varieties like sargassum and Laminariales were used to treat conditions like goiter and glandular complications in many eastern countries. The component agar which was used as a laxative to treat stomach disorders is extracted from algae called agarphytes, gelidium, pterocladia, etc.  Furthermore, research is being carried out regarding other medicinal properties of ingredients in algae.

Features of Algae 

Listed below are some of the general features of algae:

The general features or characteristics of algae are they don’t have steam, roots, or leaves but also have chlorophyll and other pigments for carrying out photosynthesis. Most algae are known as photoautotrophic which carry photosynthesis. In addition to this if we consider the feature of Reproduction in algae then this process occurs in both asexual and sexual forms.

Some Interesting Features of Algae Have Been Discussed Below-

• The majority of algae discovered till now are aquatic. They can be found in several habitats such as freshwater, saltwater, moist rocks, soil, and so on. Nonetheless, some can survive on surfaces outside water such as tree trunks, snowbanks, hot springs, etc.

• Algae, like plants, are capable of photosynthesis which means they are primary producers in an aquatic environment. 

• Reproduction in algae can be vegetative, sexual, asexual, or a combination of both. Vegetative reproduction includes fragmentation, cell division, or fission, whereas asexual reproduction refers to the formation of naked or newly walled spores. 

• Sexual reproduction in algae is regulated by several environmental factors such as availability of inorganic nutrients, temperature, salinity. When these factors become unfavorable, it induces sexual reproduction.

• One of the main differences between algae and plants is that the former does not have connective vascular tissues which facilitate the transportation of water and minerals, like the latter. Hence, algae absorb water via their cells and do not have structures like roots, leaves, and stem-like plants

Effects of Algae

Volvocales, Chlorococcales, Myxophyceae, and several others occur in water in great numbers which color the whole water either green or blue-green and cause the death of fishes.

Algal blooms can reduce the ability of fish and other aquatic life to find food and can cause entire populations to leave an area or even die. Harmful algal blooms cause thick, green muck that impacts clear water, recreation, businesses, and property values.

Types of Algae

It is known that Algae belong to the kingdom of Protista and are also known as simple photosynthetic organisms. Hence; Based on the occurrence of pigments and food reserves, algae are classified into different types, namely blue-green algae (BGA), green algae, red algae, and brown algae.

Several different types of Algae are found in nature. Some of these can be classified based on their color. These are–

• Rhodophyta (Red algae).

• Phaeophyta (Brown algae).

• Chlorophyta (Green algae).

• Pyrrophyta (Fire algae). 

• Chrysophyta (Golden brown algae).

• Euglenophyta (euglenoids).

• Xanthophyta (yellow-green algae).

Rhodophyta (Red Algae):

• Rhodophyta, commonly known as red algae, are characterized by their red pigmentation due to the presence of phycoerythrin pigment.

• These algae are predominantly marine, often found in deeper waters, and play a significant ecological role in coral reef ecosystems.

• Red algae have diverse forms, ranging from filamentous to branched structures, and are known for their economic importance in industries such as agar production.

• Examples: Porphyra, Gelidium, Corallina

Phaeophyta (Brown Algae):

• Phaeophyta, or brown algae, are multicellular seaweeds characterized by their brownish coloration due to the presence of fucoxanthin pigment.

• These algae are primarily marine and are commonly found in cooler coastal waters, where they form large underwater forests known as kelp forests.

• Brown algae have complex structures and are economically valuable for their use in food products, fertilizers, and even in the cosmetic industry.

• Examples: Macrocystis, Sargassum, Laminaria

Chlorophyta (Green Algae):

• Chlorophyta, or green algae, are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms that share many characteristics with land plants.

• These algae can be found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater, marine habitats, and even in damp terrestrial habitats.

• Green algae are important as primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and serve as model organisms for studying photosynthesis and cell biology.

• Examples: Chlamydomonas, Volvox, Spirogyra

Pyrrophyta (Fire Algae):

• Pyrrophyta, commonly known as fire algae or dinoflagellates, are single-celled organisms that are often bioluminescent, giving the appearance of glowing water at night.

• These algae can be found in both freshwater and marine environments and play crucial roles in marine food webs as both primary producers and consumers.

• Some species of dinoflagellates can produce harmful algal blooms (HABs) that release toxins, posing risks to marine life and human health.

• Examples: Noctiluca, Ceratium, Gymnodinium

Chrysophyta (Golden brown Algae):

• Chrysophyta, or golden brown algae, are a diverse group of photosynthetic protists known for their characteristic golden-brown coloration.

• These algae are primarily freshwater organisms, although some species can be found in marine and soil habitats.

• Golden brown algae are important contributors to freshwater ecosystems as primary producers and are also utilized in research as model organisms for studying ecological and evolutionary processes.

• Examples: Diatoms, Synura, Mallomonas

Euglenophyta (Euglenoids):

• Euglenophyta, or euglenoids, are a group of single-celled organisms that are characterized by their unique motility and the presence of a pellicle, a proteinaceous cell covering.

• These organisms are primarily found in freshwater habitats, where they can be both autotrophic and heterotrophic, depending on environmental conditions.

• Euglenoids have a diverse range of ecological roles, serving as primary producers in some environments and as consumers in others, and are of interest in research due to their evolutionary significance.

• Examples: Euglena, Phacus, Euglenopsis

Xanthophyta (Yellow-green Algae):

• Xanthophyta, or yellow-green algae, are a group of photosynthetic protists characterized by their yellow-green pigmentation, which is due to the presence of carotenoid pigments.

• These algae are primarily freshwater organisms, often found in stagnant or nutrient-rich waters, although some species can also be found in marine habitats.

• Yellow-green algae play roles as primary producers and are important contributors to the ecology of freshwater habitats, where they serve as food sources for various organisms.

• Examples: Vaucheria, Tribonema, Botrydium

Harmful Effects of Algae

As we saw in the previous section, there are several economic importance of algae. However, not all algae are useful, some species can be quite toxic to the environment. The growth of algal blooms in large quantities can disrupt the balance of aquatic habitat and result in toxin production. Drinking water from an algae-infested water body can lead to casualties, especially for animals and cattle. Apart from drinking, it cannot be used for recreational or agricultural purposes.

While preparing for NEET, you should focus on understanding the underlying concepts of each topic, such as the economic importance of Algae instead of memorizing terms and definitions.

Refer to specialized study guides for NEET, which will enable you to gain more clarity on a topic. It will allow you to retain more information on the day of the examination. Furthermore, divide your time equally between physics, chemistry, and biology.

Apart from a revision of concepts like the economic importance of algae botany, sit for as many mock tests as is possible. It will help you improve your speed as well as accuracy.

Difference Between Plants and Algae

Here are the few differences between plants and algae:

Conclusion

The economic importance of algae cannot be overstated. From being valuable sources of food and oxygen production to serving as key players in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biofuels, algae plays a crucial role in both ecological balance and human welfare. As we continue to explore and harness the potential of algae, it is evident that these simple organisms hold immense promise for sustainable development and innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. Therefore, further research and investment in algae-based technologies are essential to unlock their full economic potential and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.