Algae carry out photosynthesis, a process that allows them to convert sunlight into energy. During this process, algae produce oxygen by extracting carbon dioxide from the air and converting it into oxygen.
Algae produce oxygen through photosynthesis, a natural mechanism that simply uses sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water to create energy. With the light captured by their cells, algae transform water and CO₂ into glucose, a type of sugar they use as fuel to live and grow. In doing so, they release oxygen (O₂) directly into the water, helping to enrich the atmosphere with breathable oxygen. In short, algae are like mini underwater green factories running at full capacity thanks to the sun.
Chloroplasts are a bit like the green factories of algae. Inside, they contain chlorophyll, a pigment capable of absorbing sunlight. As soon as this light is captured, chloroplasts use its energy to transform water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into simple sugars useful to the algae. During this chemical reaction, excess oxygen is produced and released. Chloroplasts thus play a key role: they are directly responsible for this vital oxygen production that we breathe every day. Without them, there would be no photosynthesis, and thus no oxygen production in algae.
Algae capture carbon dioxide present in the water through their cells equipped with structures called chloroplasts. Under the effect of light, these chloroplasts perform photosynthesis, transforming this carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Once produced, oxygen leaves the algae cells by simple diffusion through their membranes, becomes dissolved in the surrounding water, and eventually rises into the atmosphere in the form of tiny bubbles. These bubbles, which can sometimes be observed underwater, are a direct testament to the release of oxygen by the algae.
Marine algae, sometimes called the invisible lung of the planet, produce a significant portion of the oxygen we breathe each day (about half). They also capture tons of carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes, among other things, to global warming, by helping to naturally regulate the atmosphere. Without these little green factories, life on Earth would struggle much more: the air we breathe would be much less rich, and the greenhouse effect would be significantly intensified. In short, we owe them a lot, even though we rarely notice them when we go swimming.
The amount of oxygen produced by algae depends on several factors such as light, water temperature, and available nutrients. When sunlight is strong and consistent, they operate at full capacity and release more oxygen. Conversely, a lack of light decreases their production. If temperatures rise too high or drop suddenly, it can severely stress them, thus reducing their efficiency. Finally, when certain essential nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus are lacking, algae struggle to produce properly, even under a nice clear sun.
During the night, in the absence of light, the algae stop their oxygen production but continue to respire, thus consuming a small amount of oxygen at that time.
Nearly half of the oxygen available in the Earth's atmosphere comes from marine algae, particularly microscopic phytoplankton.
Some algae can grow extremely quickly, doubling their biomass in just one day under optimal sunlight and nutrient conditions.
Spirulina are microalgae rich in proteins, vitamins, and iron, often used as a beneficial natural dietary supplement for human health.
Yes, several space programs are experimenting with the use of algae in air recycling systems in spacecraft or orbital stations. Due to their natural ability to produce oxygen through photosynthesis and absorb carbon dioxide, algae indeed represent a promising choice for ensuring a breathable atmosphere during long-duration space missions.
Only algae capable of photosynthesis, such as most green, red, or brown algae, produce oxygen. Some algae, for example certain abyssal species that live without light, do not produce oxygen because they do not carry out the process of photosynthesis.
The oxygen produced by algae during photosynthesis is released in dissolved gaseous form directly into the water, and then part of it diffuses to the surface and is released into the air. Thus, this oxygen contributes to the supply of breathable oxygen for many marine and terrestrial organisms, including humans.
Yes, algae produce even more oxygen than trees. It is estimated that about 50 to 70% of the planet's oxygen is produced by algae and phytoplankton through photosynthesis, which far exceeds the amount of oxygen released by terrestrial forests.
Climate change can have a negative impact on the oxygen production by algae. In particular, changes in ocean conditions such as rising temperatures, acidification, or alterations in current circulation can disrupt algal growth and thus reduce their overall capacity to produce oxygen.
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