Algae: Economic and Commercial Applications
| Product | Source | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Agar | Gelidium, Gracilaria (Red algae) | Microbiological culture medium, food industry (gelling agent) |
| Algin | Laminaria, Sargassum (Brown algae) | Food thickener, pharmaceutical stabiliser, textile sizing |
| Carrageenan | Chondrus, Kappaphycus (Red algae) | Dairy products (chocolate milk, ice cream), personal care |
| Iodine | Laminaria, Fucus (Brown algae) | Industrial iodine extraction |
| Porphyra (Nori) | Porphyra (Red algae) | Food — sushi wrap, salads in Japan/Korea |
| Spirulina | Spirulina (Blue-green alga) | Protein food supplement, health supplement |
| Biofuel potential | Microalgae (Chlorella, Nannochloropsis) | Future biofuel feedstock (high lipid content) |
Bryophytes: Economic and Ecological Applications
| Application | Species | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Horticulture | Sphagnum (peat moss) | Water retention in potting mixes; packing live plants for transport |
| Fuel | Sphagnum (peat) | Dried peat used as fuel in Ireland, Finland, Russia |
| Soil formation | Pioneer mosses | Colonise bare rock; initiate soil formation (ecological succession) |
| Soil erosion prevention | Moss mats | Dense mats bind topsoil and retain moisture |
| Historical dressing | Sphagnum | Used as surgical wound dressing (WWII — absorptive + mildly antiseptic) |
| Carbon sequestration | Peat bogs | Store large amounts of carbon; important in climate regulation |
Gymnosperms: Commercial Value
- Pinus: timber, turpentine, resin, paper pulp
- Cycas: ornamental; seeds edible after processing
- Ginkgo: pharmaceutical (Ginkgo biloba extract for memory)