Which of the following can be used in the filtration of oils and syrups ?

Options

A. Slime moulds
B. Diatoms
C. Dinoflagellates
D. Protozoans

Answer

To solve the question "Which of the following can be used in the filtration of oils and syrups?" we will analyze each option provided.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Options**:
- The options given are slime molds, diatoms, dinoflagellates, and protozoa. We need to determine which of these can be used for filtration purposes, specifically for oils and syrups.

2. **Analyzing Slime Molds**:
- Slime molds are organisms that contribute to the decomposition of dead organic matter. They primarily feed on bacteria, yeast, and fungi. However, they do not have any known application in filtration processes. Therefore, slime molds are not suitable for this purpose.

3. **Analyzing Diatoms**:
- Diatoms are a type of algae characterized by their unique silica cell walls, which are porous and chemically inert. Due to their porous structure, diatoms are widely used in various filtration processes, including the filtration of oils, syrups, sugar, alcohol, and even antibiotics. This makes diatoms a strong candidate for the filtration of oils and syrups.

4. **Analyzing Dinoflagellates**:
- Dinoflagellates are known for their role in marine ecosystems and can produce toxic substances, such as those responsible for red tide events. They do not have any known applications in the filtration of oils or syrups, so they are not suitable for this purpose.

5. **Analyzing Protozoa**:
- Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that feed on organic matter, including other microorganisms. While they play a role in the ecosystem, they are not used in the filtration of oils and syrups.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, the only option that can be used in the filtration of oils and syrups is **diatoms**.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **diatoms**.

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