Diatom

A new genus of freshwater diatom named Indiconema was recently discovered in the Eastern and Western Ghats of India.

About the Diatom:

• Diatoms are single-celled microscopic algae, part of the phytoplankton group.
• They are unique in having cell walls composed of transparent, opaline silica.
• Significance:
  • Diatoms contribute to producing 20-30% of the world’s oxygen supply by fixing carbon.
  • They serve as primary producers in aquatic food chains and are crucial for ecosystem health.
  • They are used as sensitive indicators of water quality due to their response to environmental changes.