Growth and nutrient bioextraction of Gracilaria chorda, G. Vermiculophylla, Ulva prolifera, and U. compressa under hypo- and hyper-osmotic conditions

The present study was to determine the effects of salinity on the growth and nutrient bioextraction abilities of Gracilaria and Ulva species, and to determine if these seaweeds can be used for nutrient bioextraction under hypo- and / or hyperosmotic conditions. Two Gracilaria species, G. chorda and G. vermiculophylla, and two Ulva species, U. prolifera and U. compressa, were cultured at various salinity conditions (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 psu) for 3 weeks. Results showed that the growth rates, nutrient uptake, tissue nutrient contents and nutrient removal were significantly affected by salinity and species. All four species were euryhaline with the highest growth rates at 20 psu. Among the four species, U. prolifera, U. compressa, and G. vermiculophylla showed potential to be used for nutrient bioextraction in estuaries and / or land-based fish farms due to their rapid growth, high nutrient uptake, high tissue carbon and nitrogen accumulation and removal capacities.