Alga Ternyata Punya Peran yang Begitu Penting dalam Kehidupan Manusia | DW #PlanetA

Summary

The video explores the significance of cyanobacteria, particularly blue algae, in shaping Earth's atmosphere by producing oxygen billions of years ago. It highlights algae's modern uses in food, cosmetics, and bioplastics, as well as their role in carbon capture. The video also discusses algae's potential in reducing methane emissions from livestock and addressing climate change through carbon sequestration. The use of sargassum algae, a growing environmental concern due to pollution, is also explored for creating eco-friendly products like fertilizers and for mitigating global warming.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae, played a crucial role in transforming Earth's atmosphere by producing oxygen billions of years ago.
• 😀 Algae, including cyanobacteria, conduct photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and converting it into oxygen, helping to balance atmospheric CO2 levels.
• 😀 Algae in the oceans absorb about one-quarter to one-third of the world's CO2 emissions, contributing significantly to carbon sequestration.
• 😀 Algae have been utilized by humans for thousands of years, with ancient cultures in America and East Asia using them in food and other products.
• 😀 Algae are now cultivated for various purposes, including food, cosmetics, and medicine, and they continue to help bind CO2 from the atmosphere.
• 😀 Algae can also produce bioplastics like PHB, a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics, offering environmental benefits.
• 😀 Through genetic modification, algae can be optimized to produce higher amounts of PHB, which could significantly reduce plastic pollution.
• 😀 Algae cultivation can be used in aquaculture to improve livestock feed, reducing methane emissions from livestock by up to 82%.
• 😀 Sargassum, a type of seaweed, has become a problem due to global warming and pollution, growing uncontrollably and damaging ecosystems.
• 😀 Using sargassum as a resource, companies are turning it into eco-friendly products like fertilizers, helping reduce environmental damage caused by excessive algae growth.

Q & A

What is the significance of cyanobacteria in the Earth's history?

Cyanobacteria played a critical role in Earth's history by producing oxygen and enabling life on the planet. Several billion years ago, cyanobacteria began to produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which dramatically changed Earth's atmosphere.

How do cyanobacteria contribute to the balance of CO2 in the atmosphere?

Cyanobacteria absorb CO2 and, with the help of sunlight, convert it into organic matter. This helps balance the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, as they capture carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the oceans.

What role do algae play in combating climate change?

Algae, particularly in the oceans, absorb a significant portion of global CO2 emissions, potentially up to a third of all emissions. They can help mitigate climate change by capturing and storing carbon in their biomass.

How have humans utilized algae over the years?

Humans have used algae for thousands of years. Native Americans and East Asians were among the first to cultivate algae. It is now used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even in bioplastics, as it can absorb CO2 during production.

What are bioplastics, and how are algae involved in their production?

Bioplastics are biodegradable materials that can replace conventional plastics. Algae can produce a specific bioplastic called PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate), which breaks down naturally in the environment without releasing harmful toxins.

What are the benefits of using algae in livestock feed?

Adding algae to livestock feed has been shown to reduce methane emissions from livestock by up to 82%. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas released when animals digest food.

How has Sargassum, a type of algae, become an environmental problem?

Sargassum has become an environmental concern due to its uncontrolled growth caused by climate change and pollution. It accumulates in large amounts, smothers coral reefs, disrupts marine life, and creates hazardous conditions for coastal ecosystems.

What sustainable uses can be made of Sargassum algae?

Sargassum algae can be processed into environmentally friendly products such as fertilizers. These products help enrich the soil, improve plant resistance to disease, and increase agricultural yields.

What is the potential impact of using algae to sequester carbon?

Using algae to sequester carbon involves growing and sinking algae into the ocean, which could significantly reduce CO2 emissions. A study suggests that if just 2% of the ocean's surface were used for this purpose, global emissions could be balanced.

What challenges are associated with large-scale algae farming?

Large-scale algae farming requires significant infrastructure and machinery. While it's a promising solution for carbon capture and climate change mitigation, it also requires considerable investment and coordination, including government support.