Question

What are two ways diatoms benefit humans?

Answer 1

Diatoms:

1. Diatoms are golden-brown algae.
2. The single-celled algae living in glass houses containing freshwater are known as diatoms.
3. They are characterized by being unicellular with a silica-based cell wall.

The benefits of diatoms in humans are:

Filtration:

1. The structures of diatom shells trap foreign particles in fluids such as dirt, lint, hair, and some other microscopic organisms.
2. Diatoms are used to filter water, particularly water in hot tubs and also in swimming pools.

Pest Control:

1. Diatomaceous earth can be grounded into a fine powder that looks and feels very similar to talcum powder.
2. This powder can be used for pest control.
3. While inhaling a small amount of diatomaceous earth which is not harmful to humans, to an insect-like a bedbug, flea, or fly, this powder is deadly.
4. This powder is sharp on a microscopic level due to the high silica content.
5. It damages the outside of an insect, and, if ingested, ruptures the internal organs.