Diatoms are a type of microscopic algae with incredible shapes and symmetric designs. Diatoms from the genus Corethron (high-magnification view seen here) are concentrated in seas near Antarctica and have long, fragile spines. In high enough concentrations, they can form obstructions within the gills of fish and be damaging to some fish populations.
Image by Dr. John Dolan, Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche.
When they die, they become diatomaceous earth and are used in pool filters. I have such a filter. Even their little carcasses have their uses.
ReplyDeleteThey make food grade Diatomaceous earth. I give it to my pets in their food, to clean out their intestines. I use it around and on my apple trees to kill ants and aphids. Hell I even drink a couple tsp in a cup water every month...
ReplyDeleteGreenbow