You may know about phytoplankton, but learning about their geographical locations is also essential when you take an avid interest in knowing about them,. Thus, in this blog, we have given you a concise understanding of those places where phytoplankton thrive generously.
And some of these are those areas from where the dissolved carbon dioxide is absorbed and stored in the deep ocean using the top carbon dioxide removal technology.
1. Oceans
Phytoplankton are microscopic marine algae, and since they are buoyant, they tend to stay afloat in the top layers of the oceanic waters, where the sunlight penetrates. The growth of phytoplankton is limited by the availability of nutrients such as nitrate, phosphate, silicate, and trace minerals such as iron. Thus, the primary locations where phytoplankton are found are the oceans. Here, they grow on the surface of the oceanic waters because these tiny creatures receive the required sunlight from the celestial sphere and vital nutrients from the ocean waters for their growth.
2. Saltwater and freshwater
Since the phytoplankton drift about in the water, they are easily carried by tides, currents, and movements of water from the lakes and rivers to the ocean. They can be found in both saline and freshwater environments.
3. Deep-sea
We can find Phytoplankton drifting on the ocean’s surface with plenty of sunlight and in the deep sea. How does it get to the deep sea? Phytoplankton live for about 48 hours, and if they’re not eaten by zooplankton and small fish, they sink to the deep ocean (or in fecal pellets), taking down a massive amount of carbon dioxide with them. Carbon dioxide sequestering companies use a carbon dioxide removal machine to sequester the dissolved carbon dioxide on the ocean’s surface and sink it into the deep sea, as Earth has been doing for billions of years.
Though traces of Phytoplankton (dead or alive) can be found in numerous water bodies, like lakes, rivers, estuaries, etc., the vast expanses of the oceans continue to be their abode. The oceans supply the Phytoplankton with inorganic nutrients like phosphates, sulfur, and nitrates to convert them into proteins, fat, and carbohydrates for their growth.
Quick facts about phytoplankton
- Phytoplankton form a vital part of the ‘marine food web’ because they are consumed by the zooplankton and other small marine creatures, which fish and other aquatic species consume.
- Phytoplankton, like other plants, make their own food and energy through the process of photosynthesis.
- They need a good supply of sunlight, and by using their chlorophyll, they create energy and are held accountable for about half of the photosynthesis on this planet.
- Like plants, phytoplankton too take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, eventually making them one of the largest producers of oxygen in the world.
- If you want to determine whether a water body has the presence of plankton, you have to check its clarity. If the clarity of the water is high, then the presence of plankton will be less, but if the color of the water is more green or brown, then there is a good growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton.
Conclusion:
Phytoplankton are microscopic, but who knew about their essential contribution to our environment! These tiny creatures are helping us in keeping the environment safe and healthy. Human activities often cause hazards to the phytoplankton, and these geographical locations face a rapid decrease in phytoplankton growth. Therefore, we need to take a step toward promoting the growth of phytoplankton in these geographical locations and keeping oceans thriving and alive for all marine animals.