ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PROTOZOA

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF PROTOZOA

Protozoa as Animal food

§  The major ecological importance of protozoa is its role in food chain.

§  Many aquatic animals feed on protozoa.

§  For example, giant whales screen seawater to get tons of protozoa for food.

§  Many fishes and invertebrates rely on protozoa as major sources of protein.

Environmental applications

§  Protozoa help control the population of bacteria as well as other Protozoans by feeding on them.

§  Important link in food chain. Example: Zooplanktons (animal like organisms) are Protozoa feed on the photosynthetic Phytoplankton (plant like organisms).

§  Controlling the population of other organisms is important in maintaining ecological balance and diversity.

§  Like bacteria, aquatic and terrestrial protozoa hasten the decomposition of the remains of dead plants and animals

Symbiotic relationships

§  Many species of protozoa are in mutual relationship with other animals.

§  For example, zooxanthellae are flagellates protozoa and intracellular symbionts of corals. 

§  Zooxanthellae provide corals with a continuous supply of carbohydrates and corals provide zooxanthellae home and protection.

§  Protozoa are ecologically important organisms in carbon cycling.

§  The ocean is the largest sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide – the major greenhouse gas.

§  Industrial waste water treatment in combining with algae.

§  Waste water supports growth of both organisms, protozoa utilises inorganic material from tank, algae photosynthesis the organic material and water quality improves.

§  Photosynthetic protozoa absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.

§  By recycling carbon dioxide, protozoa contribute in the mitigation of global warming

Bio-indicator

§  Protozoa can also be used as bioindicators.

§  Biological indicators are organisms used to monitor the health and integrity of an environment.

§  The presence or absence of a specific protozoon in an environment (e.g. river) can indicate either ecological integrity or disturbance.

§  Protozoans are good in accumulating environmental toxins.

Industrial applications

§  The skeletal deposits of marine protozoa (Foraminifera and Radiolaria) form oceanic ooze at the sea-bottom.

§  For example: Globigerina ooze – deposits are used as filtering agents.

§  Camerina – forms limestone used as building material.

§  The pyramids of Egypt are made largely of this Nummulitic lime-stones

Oil exploration

§  Petroleum is organic origin.

§  The skeletal deposit of Formmifera and Radiolaria are often found in association with oil deposits.

§  In this manner they help in the exact location of oil.