Diatoms are a major group of microalgae found in oceans, waterways, and soils worldwide, known for their unique silica cell walls and significant role in carbon fixation and oxygen production. They are crucial in aquatic food webs and are used in environmental monitoring due to their sensitivity to ecological changes.

Diatoms

Major group of microalgae

Unique silica cell walls

Carbon fixation is the process by which inorganic carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds by living organisms, primarily through photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. This process is crucial for the formation of biomass and serves as the foundation of the food chain, impacting global carbon cycles and climate regulation.

Carbon Fixation

Oxygen production primarily occurs through the process of photosynthesis, where plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose using sunlight. This process is critical for maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels and supporting aerobic life on Earth.

Oxygen Production

Aquatic Food Webs

Environmental monitoring is the systematic collection of data to observe and analyze the state of the environment, aiding in the management and protection of ecosystems. It involves the use of various tools and technologies to track changes in environmental parameters, helping in the assessment of pollution levels, biodiversity, and climate change impacts.

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