Algae are photosynthetic organisms that possess photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll. However, they lack true roots, stems and leaves characteristic of vascular plants. Some of them are unicellular whereas others are multicellular. The scientific study of algae is called phycology.

The algae are autotrophic, aerobic microorganisms and fix CO2 from atmosphere and produce energy from sunlight and synthesize their own food.

Current estimates suggest there could be at least 1 billion different species of microbe on Earth, possibly more. Microbial diversity is truly staggering, yet all these microbes can be grouped into five major types: Viruses, Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, and Protists.

What are algae? Algae are photosynthetic creatures. They are neither plant, animal or fungi. Many algae are single celled, however some species are multicellular.

Algae is the general name for various groups of simple organisms which use sunlight as a source of energy and produce oxygen (O2) in doing so (photosynthesis). This makes them similar to plants. However, unlike plants, they do not have complex structures, such as roots, stalks or leaves.

Direct skin contact with algal toxins can cause skin and eye irritation. Drinking algae-affected water or consuming food (such as fish or shellfish) containing toxins can lead to gastroenteritis, which can induce vomiting, diarrhoea, fevers and headaches. These toxins may also affect the liver or nervous system.

In the United States and other parts of the world, it is common to find algae in dietary supplements that help boost the immune system, repair nerve tissue, normalize blood sugar and provide the body with additional protein and fiber.

Summary. People have used algae as food fertilizer for hundreds of years. More recent uses of algae include biodiesel fuel, thickening agent for food, bacterial growth medium, and pollution control. Algaculture is a form of aquaculture involving the farming of species of algae for different uses.

Algae, when used in conjunction with AI-powered bioreactors, is up to 400 times more efficient than a tree at removing CO2 from the atmosphere. Algae can consume more carbon dioxide than trees because it can cover more surface area, grow faster, and be more easily controlled by bioreactors, given its relative size.

Red tides, blue-green algae, and cyanobacteria are examples of harmful algal blooms that can have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. Algal blooms can be toxic. Keep people and pets away from water that is green, scummy or smells bad.

Algae is beneficial in the simplest manner because algae release oxygen as part of their metabolism, they serve to oxygenate the water. Green algae are preferred because blue-green algae float on the surface and are associated with water quality problems.

Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria – a type of blooming algae – can produce toxins harmful to both humans and animals. These toxins can be dangerous for animals if ingested, even in small quantities, the BVA said.

Green Spot Algae (GSA) GSA looks like tiny, hard green spots on the aquarium walls and slower growing plants that are very difficult to clean off. A lot of things can cause an outbreak, such as too much light or an imbalance of phosphate.

Easy Ways to Help Control Algae Growth in your Aquarium

1. First, test your water!
2. Fight phosphate at its source.
3. Use high-grade filters and media.
4. Maintain good water quality.
5. Serve the algae up for dinner.
6. Modify your lighting.
7. Just wipe it away.

Too much light or too many nutrients in the water will cause algae to grow rapidly. If you experience algae overgrowth, it could be caused by: Leaving house lights on too long. The tank receiving too much direct sunlight.

A general rule of thumb in fisheries science is that any more than 20-30% coverage of aquatic vegetation can be detrimental to quality fish production.

Floating plants, such as lilies and lotus, provide shade and reduce direct sunlight in the pond to control the growth of algae. Add submerged plants that release oxygen to the water, such as anacharis, hornwort and parrot’s feather.

Water changes: The single most important way to avoid algae is to perform regular water changes. Change 10 to 15 percent of your aquarium water every week to keep nutrients in the water low. This will remove the nitrate that accumulates in aquariums, one of the main fertilizers for plants!

The dreaded algae problem. Algae usually appears when there is an imbalance in nutrients, water circulation, CO2, oxygen and light. Too many nutrients and too little CO2 will cause algae to appear. On the other hand, too much light but too few nutrients and CO2 will also cause algae.

Algae often form when conditions are calm, and they look like scum on the surface of water. The algae can be blue-green or greenish-brown and often smell musty or grassy. Some bloom-forming types of blue-green algae produce toxins.