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

Seasonal variation in growth and biochemical constituents such as protein, carbohydrate and lipid in Hypnea valentiae, Acanthophora spicifera, Laurencia papillosa, Enteromorpha compressa, Ulva lactuca and Caulerpa recemosa were observed for one year from April, 1995 to March 1996. Carrageenan content was estimated from H. valentiae, A. spicifera and L. papillosa. In general, peak growth and biomass of these algae occurred during the period June -August and January - March. The maximum values in these algae varied from 12.5 to 13.2% for protein, 13.0 to 13.3% for carbohydrate and 10.3 to 12.0% for lipid. The yield of phycocolloid recorded 11.3%, 6.0% and 8.1% in H. valentiae, A. spicifera and L. papillosa respectively.