Q.2. Write note on the economic importance of diatoms.
Ans.2. The economic importance of diatoms is varied right from their use as a food in industries. They act as primary producers in food chain of aquatic animals such as fishes and whales (marine ecosystem) and that is why they are popularly called ‘grasses of sea’. But at places their abundant growth and larger accumulation creates trouble in sea transport. These huge accumulations are known as diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth formed by fossil atoms has great industrial value. Such deposits are frequently reported from America (San Fransisco, California), Spain, Russia, Marryland, etc. The use of diatomaceous earth is varied such as:
(i) Used in polishing material.
(ii) Used as filters in sugar refineries and brewing industries.
(iii) Used in the manufacture of dynamite.
(iv) As insulators in Pipes, blast furnaces, boilers, etc.
(v) In the manufacture of glass, porcelain, paints and varnishes.
(vi) In making tooth paste and face powders.
(vii) To reduce danger of explosion, it is sprinkled on the walls of mines.
(viii) For making light and heat resistant bricks.
The biological significance of diatoms lies in testing efficacy of high power of microscope by examining the thickness of their cell walls, accumulation of oil in the liver of fishes resulting from their condensation and oil production during photosynthesis and the energy of the fuel petroleum arose from the fossil forms.
BSc 1st Year Botany Bacillariophyta Diatom Sample Model Practice Question Answer Papers