What Is Diatomaceous Earth? Other Names: Amorphous Silica, Diatomite, Kieselgur

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. This unique material has a wide range of applications, from pest control to industrial uses, due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Other names include: Amorphous Silica, Diatomite, Kieselgur, Kieselguhr, Moler, Terre de diatomée, Tierra de diatomea, Terre d’Infusoire, Tripolite.

Composition and Formation

Diatomaceous Earth is primarily composed of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is formed from the fossilized skeletons of diatoms, which are unicellular algae. These diatoms accumulated in the sedimentary layers of lakes and seas millions of years ago, particularly during the Eocene and Miocene epochs1 5. The resulting deposits are mined and processed to produce a fine, porous powder.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The unique properties of DE include its high porosity, low density, and abrasive nature. These characteristics are due to the microscopic structure of the diatom skeletons, which are composed of intricate, porous silica shells. DE can absorb lipids up to three times its own weight, making it an effective desiccant1. Additionally, DE is chemically inert and has a high melting point, which makes it useful in various industrial applications5 10.

Applications of Diatomaceous Earth

Pest Control

One of the most well-known uses of DE is in pest control. DE acts as a natural insecticide by absorbing the lipids from the exoskeletons of insects, leading to desiccation and death. It is particularly effective against a wide range of arthropod pests, including those found in stored grain and household environments2 6 7. DE is favored in integrated pest management (IPM) programs due to its low toxicity to mammals and its stability6.

Agricultural Uses

In agriculture, DE is used as a soil amendment and a natural pesticide. It has been shown to improve the growth and physiology of plants, such as sweet potatoes, by enhancing their photosynthetic apparatus and promoting favorable anatomical characteristics8. DE is also used to protect stored grains from pests, providing a safer alternative to synthetic insecticides3.

Industrial and Biomedical Applications

DE has various industrial applications, including its use as a filtration aid, a mild abrasive in products like toothpaste, and as a stabilizing component in dynamite. In the biomedical field, DE’s unique properties are exploited in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. For instance, DE can be modified to release nitric oxide, which has antimicrobial properties and can aid in wound healing4.

Material Science

DE is also used in material science to create superhydrophobic surfaces. By coating surfaces with DE and chemically modifying them, researchers can create surfaces that repel water and have potential applications in various fields, including self-cleaning materials and anti-fouling coatings9.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its many benefits, the use of DE does come with some challenges. The application of DE can reduce the bulk density and flowability of grains, and it can be an irritant during application. Additionally, its efficacy can be affected by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature6 7. However, ongoing research and the development of enhanced DE formulations aim to mitigate these issues and expand its applicability7.

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Adverse Effects of Diatomaceous Earth

Adverse Effects on Animals

Broiler Chickens: DE supplementation in aflatoxin-contaminated feed improved growth parameters and serum biochemical values but also increased levels of AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, and creatinine, indicating potential stress on liver and kidney functions2 9.

White Rats: A subacute toxicity test showed no mechanical or chemical damage to tissues and no significant increase in residual silica in organs, suggesting minimal adverse effects at tested concentrations6.

Adverse Effects on Insects

Stored Product Insects: DE caused weight loss and reduced water content in insects, leading to mortality. High relative humidity (above 60%) can delay or prevent the drying action of DE, reducing its effectiveness4.

Bean Weevils: DE was more lethal to male weevils than females at lower dosages and shorter exposure periods, indicating sex-specific sensitivity10.

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Diatomaceous Earth Mechanisms of Action

Absorption of Cuticular Waxes and Desiccation

DE works by absorbing the cuticular waxes from the insect’s exoskeleton, leading to desiccation and death due to water loss2 4 5.

Physical Abrasion

DE particles have abrasive properties that can cause physical damage to the insect cuticle, further enhancing desiccation1 7.

Impact of Environmental Conditions

The efficacy of DE is influenced by environmental factors such as humidity. High relative humidity can reduce the desiccation effect of DE, delaying or preventing insect death4 5.

Persistence and Low Resistance

DE is persistent in its action and poses few or no pest resistance problems, making it a reliable long-term solution for pest control5.

Variability in Efficacy

The effectiveness of DE can vary based on the formulation, particle size, and purity. Enhanced formulations can provide control at lower doses5 7.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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