Seasonal changes in growth, biochemical constituents and phycocolloid of some marine algae of Mandapam coast

Abstract

Seasonal variation in growth and biochemical constituents such as protein, carbohydrate and
\nlipid in Hypnea valentiae, Acanthophora spicifera, Laurencia papillosa, Enteromorpha
\ncompressa, Ulva lactuca and Caulerpa recemosa were observed for one year from April,
\n1995 to March 1996. Carrageenan content was estimated from H. valentiae, A. spicifera and
\nL. papillosa. In general, peak growth and biomass of these algae occurred during the period
\nJune -August and January - March. The maximum values in these algae varied from 12.5 to
\n13.2% for protein, 13.0 to 13.3% for carbohydrate and 10.3 to 12.0% for lipid. The yield of
\nphycocolloid recorded 11.3%, 6.0% and 8.1% in H. valentiae, A. spicifera and L. papillosa
\nrespectively.