Algae Information
What is algae?
Algae are microscopic organisms that are capable of producing oxygen through photosynthesis. However, unlike land plants they do not have roots, stems or leaves and have primitive methods of reproduction.
Algae grow almost everywhere in the world. They are a vital part of the ecosystem, providing food and shelter to other organisms and play a crucial role in the ability of an aquatic ecosystem to absorb nutrients and heavy metals.
Algae are also able to survive on land and can be found on tree trunks, animal fur, snowbanks, hot springs and in soil.
They can range in size from large kelp (metres in length) to those visible only under a microscope.
Some algae have an economic importance because they are a source of carotene, glycerol, and alginates and can be converted into a food source for aquaculture.
What problems do they cause?
Algae can harm people and animals when swallowed, inhaled or touched. Here are a few of the negative effects that algae can have on people, animals and the environment:
- Algal blooms may deplete oxygen concentrations in water, which can smother fish, other animals and plant life.
- Trap litter and sediment and reduce the holding capacity of a dam which causes bad odours and scum when decaying.
- Algal blooms can cause water to have an unpleasant taste and odour.
- Floating algal masses can smother rice crops and prevent young plants from emerging.
- Block pipes, siphon tubes, irrigation channels and pump, severely water flow.
- Powerful neuromuscular toxins released by cyanobacteria can kill fish living in the water or the animals that drink water.
- In certain conditions, cyanobacteria may form dense blooms, which may produce toxins that make seafood poisonous to humans.
- Excessive growth of algae can reduce the aesthetic and recreational value of the pond, lake, stream, etc.
