Diffusion is the process used by mechanical aerators. Green plants require sunlight, water, carbon dioxide and minerals to make sugars and oxygen. Algae are small, green plants. Some algae are single cell plants. They are responsible for the green color in ponds.
Many animals use algae as their primary food supply.
It is more important than diffusion. Algae must have sunlight to produce oxygen. As you might already expect, dissolved oxygen problems can occur. The most likely times are from 11 P.M. to 7 A.M. Extended periods of cloudy weather can cause dissolved oxygen problems, also. This is because limited sunlight reduces oxygen production.