What is a diatom? A diatom is algae, or microalgae that is found in oceans, waterways and soils worldwide. Diatoms are generally 2 to 200 micrometers in size. A significant portion of the Earth's biomass is made up of living diatoms. Diatoms generate about 20% to 50% of the oxygen produced on the planet per year. Diatoms also take in over 6.7 billion tonnes of silicon per year from waters that they live in, constituting nearly 50% of the organic material that are found in the oceans.
What does a diatom do?
Humans cannot overstate the ecological significance of diatoms. They through a process of photosynthesis, remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide then is converted into oxygen gas, which is then released into the atmosphere. It is estimated that 20% to 50% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by diatoms.
The diatom's ability to make silica-based cell walls has been of significant interest and fascination for centuries. Researchers believe that the use of silicon by diatoms is the key to diatom's ecological success
So why diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatom's skeletons are made of silica. Diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans over time. Silica deposits are mined from these ares. Silica makes up 26% of the earth's crust by weight.
What products contain diatomaceous earth?
There are currently over 150 products registered for use containing diatomaceous earth. This includes wettable powders and pressurised liquids, that can be utilised inside and outside of buildings, farms, gardens, and kennels. There are also products used directly on dogs and cats, as well as diatomaceous earth products registered for use against cockroaches, fleas, bed bugs, ticks and many other pests.
There are also thousands of non-pesticide products that consist of diatomaceous earth: skin care products, food & beverages, medicines, rubbers, toothpaste, paints, and water filters. The Food & Drug Administration in the United States lists diatomaceous earth as "Generally Recognized as Safe". "Food grade" diatomaceous earth products are purified. They may be used as anticaking materials in feed, or as clarifiers for wine and beer.
To buy wholesale premium freshwater West Australian diatomaceous earth in HUDSON DEguard bulka bags, contact us at sales@hpgl.com.au