Uses (applications) of diatoms

Diatoms are algae and they are capable of photosynthesis. They can be found in almost everywhere in the world especially in aquatic environments. Even though they are considered as non motile, they are capable of limited movements. Since they depend on photosynthesis for their energy, they are restricted in environment where sunlight is available. They have a skeleton composed of silicon. Two forms of diatoms are existing; benthic and planktic. The dimensions of diatoms are measured in microns. The length of diatoms range from 20 to 200 microns but they can grow up to few millimeters. They have an economical value as they are used to produce filters, paints and toothpaste.

Uses (applications) of diatoms

1.industrial uses

Because of the heavy silica in diatom cell walls, dead cells tend to sink to the ocean floor, forming large deposits of diatomaceous earth that may be collected for industrial or paleontological uses. In a strict sense, diatomaceous earth should be considered fossil fuel, because it is made up literally of millions of tiny preserved skeletons.Areolae are the secret to the success of old diatom tests in most of their industrial uses. This fine structure traps particles in fluids when used as a filter, or traps an insulating layer of air in more terrestrial uses.

2. As a filter:

syrups, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, medicines, solvents and chemicals,
paper, paint , ceramics, and detergent.

3. As Insulation:

high-temperature insulation, including fire doors; sound insulation.

4. As a Mild Abrasive:

the oldest use of diatomaceous earth. Metal polish and toothpaste. I can't find a toothpaste that is using diatomaceous earth any more; Tom's of Maine is switched to calcium carbonate.

5. For Optical Image Quality:

another very old use of diatoms. Because of a regular, gridlike patterning of areolae in some species, diatoms may be used to measure the resolving power and contrast of light microscopes.

6. use as a bioindicators

Diatoms are a class of algae that are increasingly being used as bioindicators for environmental monitoring. These single-celled organisms reproduce quickly and are sensitive to a number of environmental pressures including changes in salinity, metals, pH, saprobrity, turbidity, current strength, water depth, substrate availability and so forth.

7. forensic uses