Diatomaceous Earth’s Function

The question of the function of diatomaceous earth and the role it plays in its natural state is not easily answered. First, you need to know that DE is found in ocean bottoms and on land. This substance exists in massive beds around the world. Ancient oceans that covered what is now land accounts for land based deposits. And there are both fresh water and marine source of DE. But that is just the beginning of the story.

Diatomaceous Earth Environmental Role and Sea Benefits

The ultimate source of DE are the billions of diatom-structure algae which provide food and nourishment for all water-based life. So you can correctly say the precursor of DE fuels sea life which has nourished humans for billions of years.

The importance diatomaceous earth to the Earth’s environment is difficult to measure. Science has a solid grasp of it though, and it’s appropriate to talk of DE’s effect on the planet. Broadly speaking, DE is used as a natural insecticide around the world. So again, these microscopic organisms play another critical role in the environment and the food chain. But yet one more effect turns our attention to the air.

The impact of dust in the atmosphere and world climate is tremendous. Climatologists, scientists who study climate, keep track on airborne dust and the major sources of it. Here’s a startling fact about DE few people know about.

Diatomaceous Earth Sources

Diatomaceous earth surface deposits in Africa, Chad specifically, are the greatest single source of atmospheric dust in the world. Wind and dust storms stir the DE, and the abrasive qualities of DE produce dust. The very fine DE particulates actually abrade regular sand to create huge quantities of dust.

Atmospheric dust and how it interacts with other matter is a complicated process. Nonetheless, the effects have immense power to change local climates and weather around the world. Trapped dust particles can both cool closer to the earth’s surface. And the same particles work to keep heat trapped within our atmosphere. The mechanism for trapping heat depends on the particles adhering to common pollution. Following the same process, airborne dust will interact with pollutants near cities.

Physical qualities of dust, and DE, can cause a diffracting effect on light. That simply means it can scatter light before it reaches the surface of the Earth. As mentioned above, microscopic dust particles will interact with solid and gaseous pollutants. When this occurs, ordinary water or moisture in the air can adhere to these particles. And it’s the water that will produce this diffracting effect on sunlight.

If you live in a large urban center in the US, then you should be familiar with the summer pollution and air quality warnings. Los Angeles California is famous for the visible haze hanging over the city. That haze is made-up of particulate matter in the atmosphere. And you can bet there are DE particulates mixed in that haze.

The sum total amount of dust, as particulates, in the air negatively effect humans. Healthy humans are affected if the concentrations are high enough. So you can imagine how it affects those who have asthma and respiratory problems.