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Diatoms

400x (m)
Phase contrast 400x (m)
Chain of diatoms 400x (m)
Phase contrast 400x (m)
400x (m)
400x (m)
Phase contrast 400x (m)
Phase contrast 400x (m)
Chain of diatoms 400x (m)
Chain of diatoms 400x (m)
Phase contrast 400x (m)
Phase contrast 400x (m)
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Identification

  • Size and shape widely vary
  • Can be free floating or attached to other algae/plants
  • Has a hard silica frustule (outer shell)

Why Do I Have It?

  • Cold temperatures
  • Silica present

Associated Lagoon (Pond) Conditions

Seeing occasional dead or live diatoms is normal in a wastewater system.

Treatment

Diatoms do not cause issues within a wastewater plant, therefore, no treatment is necessary. If you are concerned about your lagoon (pond) conditions contact a technical rep for information and recommendations.

Because wastewater issues and the cause behind algae can be complex, we recommend our Filament ID and Microanalysis. This not only confirms algae and filament ID, but looks at biological indicators, plant design, and incoming substrates to decode your unique process.

Under the Microscope and in Your Plant

Diatoms may be present in polishing lagoons but are generally not observed in high numbers. Diatoms thrive in environments with cool temperatures, silica, and can use both organic and inorganic nutrients. Diatoms have a silica shell and can come in many shapes and a variety of sizes (2 µm-500 µm). They can be free-floating or attached to other algae/plants. Diatoms store their food in the form of oil droplets within their cells which allows them to float. If diatoms get into the final effluent, they may elevate TSS. However, diatoms have heavy, hard outer cell walls that let them sink faster than other small green algae and small cyanobacteria, so diatoms may never really cause any issues.