General Diatom Information

Diatoms are unicellular, eukaryotic algae best known for their characteristic golden-brown color and beautifully ornate glass-like cell walls. They are abundant in both marine and freshwater habitats, and account for a large percentage of the earths primary biomass production. Some diatoms remain suspended within the aquatic habitat (i.e. planktonic) while other forms of diatoms are settled within the sediment (i.e. benthic) where they are a major food source for grazing protozoa and animals. Accumulation of diatom cell walls in sediment forms diatomaceous earth, a material that is quarried and used in a number of industrial applications such as abrasive pastes, water filters, and (non-toxic) insecticides.

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