Diatoms: The Microscopic Powerhouses of Aquatic Ecosystems

  • Diatoms are unicellular algae belonging to the kingdom Protista, classified under Bacillariophyceae.
  • These are photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms found in various shapes and colors.
  • They produce oxygen in water, aiding aquatic organisms in respiration while also absorbing carbon dioxide, thereby helping mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
  • The size of diatoms generally ranges from 5 micrometers to 0.5 millimeters.
  • Research indicates that diatoms contribute 20-25% of global oxygen production, making them vital for sustaining life.
  • Diatoms are classified into two major types:
  1. Centric Diatoms – Circular in shape, forming plankton in water.
  2. Pennate Diatoms – Non-circular in shape, featuring ....
Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now

To get access to detailed content

Already a Member? Login here


Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material before the last six months of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.

Related Content