| Algal Growth Element [14] | Asian Dust | |
| Element | Major Function | Zhang [29] |
| N | Amino Acid | o |
| P | ATP/DNA | o |
| Cl | Photosynthesis | o |
| S | Photosynthesis | o |
| Si | Cell Wall | o |
| Na | Nitrate Reductase | o |
| Ca | Alginates | o |
| Mg | Chlorophyll | o |
| Fe | Nitrate Reductase | o |
| K | Enzyme Cofactor | o |
| Mo | Nitrate Reductase | - |
| Mn | Photosystem II | o |
| Zn | Carbonic Anhydrase | o |
| Cu | Photosystem II | o |
| Co | Vitamin B12 | - |
| V | Nitrogenases | o |