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SEASONALITY OF SELECTED NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENTS OF EDIBLE DELMARVA SEAWEEDS
Author(s) -
Madden Matilda,
Mitra Madhumi,
Ruby Douglas,
Schwarz Jurgen
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1111/j.1529-8817.2012.01207.x
Subject(s) - ulva lactuca , biology , nutrient , proximate , botany , food science , algae , ecology
Edible seaweeds have not been thoroughly explored for food, medicinal, or industrial purposes in the U nited S tates. This study compared selected proximate constituents of three edible seaweed species ( U lva lactuca L., F ucus vesiculosus L., and G racilaria tikvahiae McLachan) at two sites for possible future development as a food crop on the D elmarva P eninsula. Sampling was conducted bimonthly at C hincoteague M emorial P ark, V irginia, and I ndian R iver I nlet, D elaware, from 2005 to 2008. Proximate constituents of moisture, ash, dietary fiber, proteins, and fat were measured seasonally and calorific values were calculated. Data were analyzed using correlation, paired samples t ‐tests and one‐ and two‐way ANOVA . Significant variations in the proximate constituents were found among seasons, species, and between sites. The brown seaweed ( F ucus ) at both sites had higher fiber, fat, and ash (mineral) content than the green ( U lva ) or the red ( G racilaria ). U lva and G racilaria had higher protein content than F ucus . Seaweeds from D elaware had more fat, ash, and protein than from V irginia, potentially because of the more polluted, nutrient rich environment at the D elaware site. Positive correlations between seaweed fat and protein content may indicate an increase in the synthesis of both components under optimal growth conditions. Species' physiology differences and the water quality at the two sites likely impacted proximate constituent values. This study contributed new information to the existing body of knowledge in the areas of nutrition and ecology of seaweeds and their potential as a cash crop.