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Identification
Freshwater phytoplankton are tiny plants, called algae, that swim or float in fresh water. They are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and puddles.
Features
The University of Wisconsin North Temperate Lakes Microbial Observatory explains that most phytoplankton use photosynthesis to process food from sunlight. They may be composed of a single cell, colonies of cells, or thread-like lines of cells. Most have little or no means of locomotion, and are dependent on currents for movement. They are usually found in standing water or slow-moving rivers.
Ecological Significance
In a freshwater ecosystem, phytoplankton are a large source of oxygen for the air and the water. They are also primary producers, which means they make up the first link in the food chain. They provide food for zooplankton and other animals, which in turn provide food for larger consumers.
Ecological Risks
Certain chemicals found in common pollutants can trigger a population explosion among phytoplankton. This "bloom" can create a steep imbalance in an ecosystem, and can cause fish and other animals to die off in large numbers.