Diatoms

Diatoms are the most prolific phytoplankton in the ocean’s surface environment and responsible for half the production of flora in the oceans. Diatoms require silica to form their shells, and their shells are called frustules. They absorb silicic acid from surface water and are the most efficient fixers of CO2 in the marine environment, contributing to the atmospheric CO2 sequestration. The ecological implication that diatoms dissolve silicate minerals for their nutrient is discussed.