Economic Importance of Algae

The algae are the eukaryotic organisms belonging to the kingdom ‘Protista’ and have photosynthetic ability. These are found in marine bodies and are characterised by morphological features like formal roots, a lack of flowers, leaves and stems. Their size varies from unicellular microalgae to giant kelp. The wide variety of algae is immensely important to humans and the economy. They showcase a variety of different significant uses.

Table of Contents:

Algal Usage in Different Sectors
Practice Problems
Frequently Asked Questions

Algal Usage in Different Sectors

The following are some of the many uses of algae:

Food

Algae provides both macronutrients and micronutrients, contributing to a healthier life. They are a source of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, fat-soluble vitamins like A and E and water-soluble vitamins like B and C. These are also good contributors of minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. Algal consumption for nutrients is common in countries like China, South and North America, Sweden, Norway, Japan, France, Scotland and Germany. The common algae foods are fruit juice, salad, salad dressings, ice cream, milk, cheese, syrup, icing and topping.

Fodder

The nutritional value makes them be used for animal feed as well. The algae are used for consumption of cattle and chickens in countries like Denmark, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Scotland and other such countries,

Fish Culture/Pisciculture

Algae also serves as food for fish, which feed on different varieties such as microalgae, blue-green and green algae. Algae are also used in fish farms to absorb the carbon dioxide for the environment and to produce oxygen, thus making the environment habitable.

Fertiliser

The red and brown algae are used as fertiliser in areas situated near the ocean. They are the contributors to liquid fertiliser produced using seaweed extract. The algae provide nitrogen to the soil, thus helping to maintain the soil quality in areas growing crops like rice.

Reclaiming Alkaline and Binding Agent

The algae also absorb the alkalinity from the soil and prevent erosion, thus acting as a binding agent. High pH lands like ‘Usar’ lands require these microorganisms for alkalinity removal and increased capability for water absorption.

Biological Indicator

The algae are sensitive in nature. The same is evident through the halt in their growth in pollution. They are good indicators of water pollution; the most important algae are Euglena and Chlorella.

Sewage Treatment

The photosynthetic nature of algae finds usage in sewage plants where the oxygen produced is useful in rapid sewage decomposition.

Medicinal Purposes

Algae has also been in long-term use as medicine. The varieties like Laminariales and Sargassum are used to treat conditions like goitre and gland-based complications. Agar derived from algae is also useful as a laxative for treating stomach disorders like agarphytes, pterocladia, and gelidium.

Practice Problems

Q1. What is SCP?

A. Single-Celled Product
B. Single-Celled Protein
C. Single Cell Protein
D. Spirulina Cell Protein

Ans. C. Single Cell Protein

Spirullina and Chlorella are useful algae for Single Cell Protein.

Q2. What is sheep’s weed?

A. Spirulina
B. Laminaria
C. Sphagnum
D. Rhodymenia palmata

Ans. D. Rhodymenia palmata

It is used as fodder.

Q3. Which modes of reproduction are evident in algae?

A. Sexual
B. Vegetative
C. Asexual
D. All of the above

Ans. D. All of the above

The algae undergo all the stated types of reproduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the different types of algae?
Answer: The different types of algae are blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, green algae, red algae and brown algae.

Q2. What is the categorisation of algae?
Answer: The algae are categorised as aquatic, halophytic, endosymbiont, lithophytic, terrestrial, aerial, thermophilic, epibiont, cryophilic, calcifilic, parasitic and psammon.

Q3. What is eutrophication?
Answer: The overload of nutrients like nitrates and phosphates in the body leads to excessive phytoplankton growth. This increase in primary productivity is referred to as eutrophication.