Hobbies And Interests
Phytoplankton
The plant component of plankton is phytoplankton, which are microscopic aquatic plants. The plants are free flowing and mobile. Common types of phytoplankton in Southwest Australia are diatoms, chlorophytes and dinoflagellates, which cause red tides. Cyanobacteria, which cause blue-green blooms, acquire energy for growth from sunlight.
Algae
Algae can be found in many different sizes, colors and shapes but are mostly microscopically small. Types of small green algae are diatoms and chlorophytes. Microscopic algae can be found in soil, ice, snow and water. Chlorophyll and other pigments give algae its color, which is usually green or brown. There are thousands of species of brown or red seaweed, which are macroalgae. Macroalgae can be free floating or attached to rocks, shells and other solid algae and is often found washed up onto beaches in piles. Common types of macroalgae found in Australian waters are Chaetomorpha, Polysiphonia, Ulva and Caulerpa.
Macrophytes
Macrophytes are aquatic plants found underwater or attached to sediment at the bottom of the lakes and streams. Types of macrophytes are Azolla, floating pondweed and native waterlily. These plants provide shelter and food for many aquatic animals. Other macrophytes, such as sedges, rushes, native duckweed and water ribbon, are called emergent vegetation because they protrude above the water. These help to sustain healthy rivers.
Aquatic Weeds
The four types of aquatic weeds are emergent, free floating, floating leaf and submerged. These weeds affect local species, wildlife and ecology as well negatively impacting recreational activities like swimming, boating and fishing. An emergent weed like the arum lily can grow along the banks of bodies of water and on land. It is a perennial herb with white roots, dark green leaves and small yellow flowers. Weed growth can be prolific as a result of the dumping of garden waste containing seeds. The spread of arum lilies due to this cause poses a health hazzard in Western Australia, as the plant is toxic to animals and humans. Water thyme is submerged in the Canning River and can be found in small patches. The plant improves the water quality by providing a food source and habitat for aquatic animals and plants. It is a small plant that can grow up to 2 m long.