When we think about fresh air, we mostly picture towering trees in lush rainforests. Yet, much of the oxygen we breathe isn’t made on land. Instead, it comes from the ocean.
Phytoplankton and microalgae are responsible for producing over 50-80% of the planet’s oxygen. These small, often overlooked organisms perform photosynthesis on an immense scale, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen just like their terrestrial counterparts.
Oceanic Plankton: Earth’s “Invisible Forests”
These microorganisms photosynthesize similarly to trees, but with a unique advantage–their entire bodies are chlorophyll-rich, meaning every part of their structure is involved in absorbing sunlight and converting CO2 into oxygen.
While in trees and plants chlorophyll is only present in leaves (limiting the overall photosynthetic surface area), algae's single-celled structure, or even their simple multicellular forms, allow for all parts of their bodies to participate in photosynthesis.
The Impact of Urbanization on Algae and Plankton
Urbanization is often discussed in terms of deforestation, habitat loss, and the destruction of plants and trees. But the impact of urbanization extends beyond land. Urban runoff and pollution, along with rising ocean temperatures, are causing widespread declines in phytoplankton and marine algae populations.
Coastal developments, chemical discharges, and plastic pollution all contribute to degraded marine ecosystems, reducing the oxygen-generating power of our oceans.
Just as deforestation limits the ability of terrestrial plants to contribute to photosynthesis, the loss of plankton and algae diminishes the oceans’ capacity to sustain oxygen levels and absorb CO2. The consequences of this decline are already visible: harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, and disrupted food chains are all symptomatic of an imbalance in marine ecosystems.
The Need for Oceanic Restoration
Marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and policies to reduce ocean pollution are all critical steps. By prioritizing the health of oceanic plankton and algae, we’re not only supporting marine life but also enhancing our atmosphere.
One way individuals can support this balance is by using solutions like the greenwaterHOME. By actively reducing CO2 and increasing oxygen indoors, greenwaterHOME empowers each of us to make a small yet powerful contribution to the planet’s oxygen balance.
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