With the discovery of the benefits and uses of algae, environmental technology and sustainable energy fields are readily adopting their functionality as much as they can. The numerous uses have made it a valuable element in industries like food and beverage, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
What is Algae?
Algae and seaweed have chlorophyll for photosynthesis but does not have leaves, stems, or roots. Algae do not produce seeds or flowers, so they can dedicate more energy to photosynthesis. Millions of algae cells are suspended in water and each cell is dedicated to carbon capture and oxygen production.
Main Types of Algae
There are three main types of algae,
- Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
- Brown Algae (Phaeophyta)
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Red Algae (Rhodophyta)
Green Algae (Chlorophyta)
Green algae can be found in salt water, fresh water, and sometimes even on moist land. They convert sunlight into starch and save it in their cells to consume as their food. Their coloration comes from high amounts of chlorophyll A and B in them. It is also said that green algae might be the progenitors of plants.
Green Algae Uses
Along with being rich in antioxidants and minerals, it also has antibacterial and antiviral characteristics making it a highly used mineral in the medical industry. Cosmetics and food industries also use it extensively. Green algae benefits include its ability to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen.
Green algae need carbon dioxide to grow. In return, they produce oxygen helping in clearing the CO2 emissions from different energy sources. Utilizing this characteristic, The aerium was invented to purify your indoor surroundings organically.
Brown Algae (Phaeophyta)
Brown alga is the most complex of the three types. It contains a pigment called Fucoxanthin which is not found in red and green algae. These yellowish-brown elements are often rooted from stationary structures like docks, shells, or rocks by their ‘holdfasts’ which are root-like parts attached to them.
Brown Algae Uses
Besides being a nutritious food source for humans and herbivorous organisms, brown algae have commercial uses. They are used in the production of alginates, which are used in industrial manufacturing and employed as food additives, food fillers, and food thickeners. They are also used as stabilizers in the battery ionization process.
Red Algae (Rhodophyta)
Red algae or Rhodophyta are the oldest types of algae found in both marine and freshwater lakes. They like to grow on solid surfaces independently and sometimes attach themselves to other algae. Their cell walls contain cellulose and many different types of carbohydrates.
Red Algae Uses
Red algae are rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Agar, which is a substance extracted from red algae, is used as a dairy topping. Red algae are also a source of dietary fibers which promote blood circulation and regulate blood sugar levels.
The Aerium:
The aerium is the world’s first natural purifier that uses algae to clean the air you breathe by reducing carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen indoors. It can be used in offices and homes and costs way less than air purifying plants while being more effective with a smaller footprint. This algae air filter additionally filters out bacteria, pollen, and dust particles from the air.
The algae has several uses and benefits, the best of them being air purification to conquer the prevailing issue of air pollution. Green algae benefit us by providing healthy air that helps our brain function better and supplies oxygen to our blood which positively affects all our entire body.
