Chemical composition of sustainable Mediterranean macroalgae obtained from land-based and sea-based aquaculture systems

Abstract

Increased demand for macroalgae as human food may jeopardise the balance of macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea. Aquaculture is a sustainable alternative source of macroalgae, which can be sea- or land-based. Much data on macroalgae composition can be found in the literature; however, no comparison between aquaculture types has yet been made. This paper compares the contents of two samples cultivated on land (Ulva sp. and Ulva ohnoi) and three on the sea, an Ulva sp. and two red macroalgae (Gracilaria gracilis, and Geliduim sp.). The fatty acid profile, iodine, and some heavy metals significantly differed in the samples grown in the tanks on land compared to those produced in the sea. In addition, a higher content of some essential amino acids was found in U. ohnoi. By cultivating macroalgae under controlled conditions, land-based aquaculture can help improve some macroalgae's nutritional value and reduce toxic components such as heavy metals.