Hobbies And Interests
Ocean Water Analysis
Plankton are very useful to oceanographers and marine biologists who study oceans and marine animals, respectively. These professionals study plankton in order to observe how they are surviving in various parts of the ocean. Plankton reveal a lot about the condition of the water and the animals living in it. If the plankton are numerous in an area, then the fish in that area will have an abundance of food and will therefore be more numerous. However, plankton also carry many different types of disease and bacteria and the presence of a large amount of diseased plankton may alert researchers to a serious problem in the water.
Use as Health Supplements
Certain types of plankton, both phytoplankton and zooplankton, are sold as health supplements. On the phytoplankton end of the spectrum is Arthrospira platensis or Spirulina. It is a species of cyanobacteria, which is an archaic form of bacteria that obtains energy through photosynthesis. Spirulina has a high protein and vitamin content and is a dietary supplement for humans and livestock. In the zooplankton category, there is krill. Krill are very tiny, some microscopic, brine shrimp. Some companies manufacture krill oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, as a health supplement.
Potential Use as Fuel and Oil Spill Cleanup
Certain species of algae, particularly diatoms and cyanobacteria, are able to produce various types of natural fuels under the right conditions. Companies and researchers are investigating whether these fuels can be mass-produced as a partial alternative to fossil fuels. Also, some bacteria and algae are able to consume petroleum in large amounts, which makes them useful for cleaning up disastrous oil spills.
Use as Aquatic Food Source
Lastly, plankton in all of its forms represents the largest food source for ocean and freshwater fish and other animals. Plankton is actually the most abundant, most quickly reproducing lifeform in the ocean. It is necessary that plankton are so numerous in order for the other animals to have an abundance of food. Plankton are also farmed in aquaculture in order to provide food for other types of farmed sea creatures including fish and oysters.