From Superfoods to Eco-Solutions: Exploring the Multifaceted Benefits of Algae

March 24, 2024

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Algae as Food and Fodder

Seaweeds, especially brown algae, are utilized as food for domestic animals across the globe, with significant use in Norway, Scotland, France, Great Britain, Scandinavia, America, New Zealand, etc.
Pelvetia canaliculata is consumed as food for young livestock. Sargassum, Fucus, and Laminaria are part of the diet for cattle in Scotland and Iceland. Macrocystis spp. and other kelps, rich in vitamins A and E, are served as cattle fodder.
The marine algae hold considerable food value, often mixed with rice and fish, used as a base for soups, condiments, or eaten alone as salads. Edible forms are known as Limu in Hawaii, Tsao in China, and Rimu in Tahiti.
Chlorella is celebrated for its richness in protein and carbohydrates.
Spirulina platensis stands out as one of the richest protein sources, with 40-50 percent crude protein on a dry weight basis, potentially reaching up to 70 percent under favorable conditions.
The mucoprotein constituents of cell walls are easily digestible, making Spirulina an excellent food item for both humans and animals.
Algae serve as primary food for fishes and other small aquatic animals, existing both as planktonic or attached forms in marine and freshwater environments.
In freshwater lakes and ponds, species like Oedogonium, Spirogyra, Microspora, Ulothrix, Cladophora, Pithophora, etc., directly serve as fish food.

Alginic acid derivatives, extracted from Phaeophyceae members like Laminaria, Ascophyllum, Macrocystis, Ecklonia, Lessonia, Durvillea, are utilized.
Carrageenin, a famous carbohydrate mucilage from red algae Chondrus crispus – “Irish moss” and to a lesser extent Gigartina spp., is used in puddings, milk dishes, fruit mixes, ice cream, and as a clarifying agent in beer.
Agar, a dried gel-like extract from red algae, aids in bacterial, fungal, and algae cultures and various industrial processes, primarily prepared from Gelidium.
Brown algae like Laminaria digitata, Ecklonia, Easenia, and Fucus spp. are notable for iodine extraction.
Sea weeds are sources of micronutrients like iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, beneficial for human consumption.
Diatomaceous earth, from diatoms, is instrumental in industrial filtration, sugar refining, and brewing industries.

High iodine content in brown algae contributes to various goiter medicines, either mixed or in direct powder form.
Laminaria stipes are employed as a surgical tool for wound opening due to their gentle swelling property upon moisture exposure.
Chlorellin, derived from Chlorella, inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and a few algae.
Microcystis is known for its inhibitory action against Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and zooplanktons like Daphnia and Cyclops.

While excessive algae growth in water reservoirs can be a nuisance, moderate growth acts as biological filters, forming a microzone on the sand surface which, along with bacteria and fungi, traps harmful bacteria and aerates water.

Algae, by facilitating oxygenation, play a significant role in sewage treatment. Species like Euglena, Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Chlamydomonas, Pyrobotrys, and Microactinum are known to thrive in sewage.

Much of the current knowledge on photosynthesis is derived from research conducted on Chlorella, a unicellular green alga.

For space missions, algae like Chlorella and Synecoccus are valuable for CO2 removal and oxygen and food production due to their rapid growth rates.

Certain algae produce toxins fatal to fish, for instance, Aphanizomenon and Microcystis aeruginosa in fish ponds are poisonous to Crappie perch and Gambusia, respectively.
Blue-green algae like Microcystis, Anabaena, Nodularia, Gloeotrichia, and Aphanizomenon generate toxins causing death in animals and occasionally in humans through indirect consumption via fishes.
Algal pollution is a recognized issue, affecting water supply, purification, and becoming problematic in water reservoirs, rivers, and oceans. Some algae, particularly blue-green and green varieties, proliferate on water surfaces, especially during the rainy season, causing water blooms. Their decay produces unpleasant odors.
Marine algae in abundance can slow down ship movement.