Chapter 34, Problem 1Q

Why can algae and cyanobacteria be considered indicators of productivity as well as of pollution?

Summary Introduction

To write:

The algae and cyanobacteria considered as indicators of productivity as well as pollution.

Introduction:

Cyanobacteria belong to the phylum Cyanophyta. They consist of free-living bacteria and the endosymbiotic plastids, a sister group present in some of the eukaryotes. They commonly obtain their energy through oxygenic photosynthesis. They do not have great diversity, but are rich in chemical diversity and live in water.

Explanation of Solution

Algae and cyanobacteria can be considered as the indicators of productivity as well as pollution. Both also play a role in the industrialized process of the biotechnological industries. Cyanobacteria in certain degrees help algae to flourish, up to certain concentration. Cyanobacterial bloom occurs when N : P (Nitrogen : Phosphorus) ratio is low with phosphorus as a limiting factor of the growth and reproduction.

They have the nitrogen-fixing ability within them and also, it thrives in organically polluted waters which are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. They are used as biological indicators of the organic pollution also. 8% of the total oxygen of the atmosphere is produced by an alga and captures more sunlight for the production of oxygen.

Conclusion

Thus, algae and cyanobacteria can be considered as the indicators of productivity as well as pollution, mainly organic pollution.