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| Algae are very common photosynthetic and aguatic organisms that can be found in water bodies. They are classified in the phyla: diatoms, chlorophyta, euglenophyta, dinoflagellata, chrysophyta, phaeophyta, rhodophyta and cyanobacteria. The last are different from the other algae because they are prokaryotic (organisms characterized by the absence of a distinct, membrane-bound nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and by DNA that is not organized into chromosomes), while all the algae are eukaryotic (organisms whose cells possess a definite nucleus enclosed by a membrane and organelles enclosed by membranes). The enrichment of waters by inorganic plant nutrients is called eutrophication. This phenomenon can be caused by various sources, both artificial and natural. Eutrophication has relevant effects on water bodies: the main are algal blooming, excessive aguatic macrophyte growth and oxygen depletion. Further consequences for human activities are: the decrease of water quality, aesthetic flow and navigation water problems and extinction in some water bodies of some oxygen depending organisms or animals. Different solutions for the problem of eutrophication are being analyzed or are already applied. Among them, nutrient limitation in water bodies, algae filtration and ultrasonic irradiation. |
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