Uses of Algae

Algae are a group of autotrophic organisms, i.e. they can produce organic compounds with the aid of simple inorganic sources through a mechanism, known as photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is carried out by the organelle chloroplast, the same organelle also used by plants to accomplish the same function. They are eukaryotic, as they contain a membrane bound nucleus. They constitute a distinct group, which include simple single celled to multicellular organisms.

Uses of Algae

Algae are a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, enzymes and fiber. Besides, many vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B6, niacin, iodine, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium are abundantly found in algae. Being such a rich source of essential nutrients, they are a major source of food, especially in Asian countries like China, Japan and Korea. Nowadays, they are consumed throughout the world for their nutritional value. Algae are also used in producing nutritional supplements. Seaweeds are an important food supplement for animals and can also be used as fertilizers. Algae also have the potential of producing vegetable oil. Diatoms, the microscopic algae, are used in forensic medicine.

Agar, carrageenans and alginates are some of the important extract of algae used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Agar is mainly used as a preservative in canned meat and fish and as a gelling agent in food. Carrageenans are used in toothpastes, ice-creams, pet foods, lotions and as a stabilizing agent in dairy products.

In recent times, algae has found applications in controlling pollution. They act as biofilters, and so are being used in the treatment of waste water to make make it suitable for human use. Even some power plants also use algae to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions, where carbon dioxide is poured into some tanks or ponds in which algae are fed. In farmlands, they are used for capturing the run-off fertilizers that can pollute the water bodies.

Another potential use of algae is as a fuel. Algae can be used is to produce biodiesel, which has a bright possibility to become an efficient alternative source of fuel. The carbohydrate content of algae is used to yield bioethanol and biobutanol. The energy density of biobutanol is similar to gasoline and it can be used in a gasoline engine without any modification. Its energy density is greater than both ethanol and methanol. In the face of the increasing prices of petroleum products, biodiesel can serve as a cheaper source of energy. Besides, it is environmental friendly and can prove to be effective in regulating global warming and climate change by controlling the level of pollution.

In addition to all these uses, algae have been a part of traditional medicine in treating a number of ailments since ancient times, especially in Asian countries. Such diseases include cough, hypertension, diarrhea, gout, etc. As they have a high content of iodine, their consumption can lower the risk of goiter. Now, algae are being studied to find out if they could be used in the treatment of cancer.

Algae can convert the atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which can be used by the plants. Algae also produce natural pigment, which can be used as dyes. These natural pigments can emerge as a substitute for chemical dyes. Brown algae is a source of alginic acid, which is used as a thickening, stabilizing and emulsifying agent in ice-creams, dairy products, rubber, paint, shaving creams, adhesives and in the textile industry.

So, algae have found a wide range of applications in recent times, as a source of essential nutrients to the treatment of a number of diseases. They play a significant role in many fields like the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, fuel, and textile industry. Algae are not only an important part of our ecosystem, but can also be of immense help in controlling the growing problem of pollution.