Which type of algae production is controlled by aeration?

Aeration is a technique used in aquatic systems to increase the oxygen levels in the water, which can significantly impact the growth of phytoplankton, microscopic algae that reside in the water column. By enhancing the oxygenation through aeration, it promotes the health of beneficial phytoplankton while also helping to control the overgrowth of potentially harmful species.

In particular, maintaining good aeration can help avoid conditions that lead to the dominance of undesirable algal blooms, such as those caused by nutrient overloads and stagnant water. When oxygen levels are high due to aeration, the competitive environment changes, favoring certain species of phytoplankton that thrive under these conditions, which assists in balancing the overall algal population.

This understanding highlights why phytoplanktonic algae production is effectively controlled through aeration, emphasizing the role of oxygen in aquatic ecosystems and how it can influence the dynamics of algal populations.