Chemical composition of Ulvaria oxysperma (Kützing) bliding, Ulva lactuca (Linnaeus) and Ulva fascita (Delile)

Abstract

Chemical composition of three species of Chlorophyta, Ulva lactuca, Ulva fasciata and Ulvaria oxysperma, was determined. Ulvaria oxysperma showed humidity (16-20%), ash (17-31% dry-base), proteins (6-10%db), lipids (0.5-3.2%db), fibers (3-12%db) and carbohydrates (46-72%db) which corresponded to 192-270 kcal.100g-1 (wet-base). U lactuca (15-18%db) and U fasciata (13-16%db) revealed grades slightly higher for proteins, but with similar energetic contents (250-272 and 225-239 kcal.100g-1), respectively. Natural blades of U lactuca and of U fasciata were more rigid than blades of U oxysperma. Other native algae showed higher protein levels. Ulvaria sp could be cultivated on the cotton-nylon net without having significance competition from other algae or predators degradation. On the other hand, it was essential choose a place without destructive tide action. Cultivated Ulvaria sp showed similar chemical composition as that grown on natural substrates.