Class Myxophyceae or Cyanophyceae is usually called Blue-Green algae because of the presence of a principal bluish-green pigment
Here are five common applications:
- Environmental indicators: Cyanobacteria are used as bioindicators to assess water quality and ecological health. Their presence or abundance can indicate pollution or nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems.
- Nitrogen fixation: Many cyanobacteria have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form, contributing to nitrogen cycling in ecosystems. This process is vital for nitrogen availability in soils, making cyanobacteria important for sustainable agriculture.
- Bioremediation: Some cyanobacteria species can degrade or detoxify pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds. They are used in bioremediation projects to clean up contaminated soil and water environments.
- Food source: Certain cyanobacteria species are edible and consumed by humans. Spirulina and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are examples of cyanobacteria used as dietary supplements due to their high protein content and nutritional value.
- Production of biofuels: Cyanobacteria can be cultivated to produce biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol. They have the ability to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy-rich compounds, offering a potential sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
There are several other uses of cyanobacteria from the class Myxophyceae.
