Which nutrient do algae mainly absorb from their environment?

Algae primarily absorb nitrogen from their environment, which is essential for their growth and metabolic processes. Nitrogen is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids, making it vital for the synthesis of new cellular material. Algae utilize nitrogen in various forms, including nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium, which are readily available in aquatic environments. This nutrient is particularly important because it supports the development of algal blooms, which can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems.

While phosphorus and calcium are also important nutrients in aquatic systems, nitrogen is predominantly what algae need for their growth. Chlorophyll, on the other hand, is a pigment found within algae that is crucial for photosynthesis, but it is not a nutrient absorbed from the environment. This understanding underscores the importance of nitrogen in supporting algal life and influences the overall nutrient cycling and health of aquatic ecosystems.