How is blue-green algae helpfull?

Blue Green algae are a type of photosynthetic bacteria consisting either of single cells or colonies which is also known as the Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria contain only one type of chlorophyll, Chlorophyll a, a green pigment. In addition, they also contain pigments such as carotenoids, phycobilin.

These bacteria grow naturally in marine and freshwater systems. They thrive in dams, rivers, reservoirs, lakes and even in hot springs. These bacteria normally look green and sometimes turns blue when scum are dying. Almost all species of these bacteria are buoyant and float on the water surface and forms floating mats.

Blue-green algae have been used for food for several centuries in Mexico and some African countries. They have been sold as a supplement in the US since the late 1970s. Blue-green algae products are sometimes used by mouth as a protein supplement and for treating high blood pressure.