4. RESULTS

4.1 Biochemical composition of fresh seaweeds

The biochemical composition of seven species of seaweeds viz, Ulva lactuca,

U reticulata, Caulerpa racemosa, C.scalpellzformis, Padina tetrastromatica,

Sargassum ilicfolium and Gracilaria corticata was studied in the present

investigation. Different parameters like protein, carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid,

nitrogen, carbon, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, crude fibre, ash, caloricity

and dry weight were analysed and the average values obtained are given in Table 2.

Among the different species, Sargassurn ilic?folium registered the highest

protein (349 mg g) and carbohydrate value (421.61 mg g 1 ). In the case of lipid,

Padina teirastromatica showed the highest value of 107.20 mg g' which was closely

followed by Sargassum ilicfolium (84.80 mg gd ). The lowest values of protein and

carbohydrate were recorded in Caulerpa racemosa. The lowest lipid value (29.40 mg

g') was observed in Caulerpa scalpellformis. On the contrary, the highest value of

amino acid was present in C.racemosa closely followed by C.scalpelliformis and Ulva

laciuca.

Sargassum iIicf hum showed the highest nitrogen content of 49.32 mg

while the lowest 9.2 mg g' was recorded in C.racemosa. Carbon and potassium

content of Gracilaria corticata registered uniformly higher values when compared to

other species. Highest values of calcium (132.0 mg g') and magnesium (55.0 mg g)

were exhibited by U.reticulaia and S.i1ic1olium respectively. Whereas highest value

30

aaacJD+1CI,

CI,

CI)

Cl,

aa0Cl)

0EaQa

C,

It

N

a'

a'C

V

C

N

C

C

-

a' -

a'

C, N

r N

c -

- C

N C

a' C

00

Ck

n

CDC

'aC

:d

rS

-

+1

00 +

1+

1+1

+1

+1+1

+1 -) +

1• -4

•c

C - C

C

C

kn

v

cC

v

-

'aC

C

N

C C

-

00a'

CC

- N

N

'a

00 C

r - C

00

r- C

N

C a' C

C C

- C

C C

C C

N 0

0 N

Q -

'

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+1+1

+1N

+jrfI

-H

++

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IN

+I+

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N

'a N

'a C

N C

'a C

C

'a

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- -

CC

' C C

C C

'a

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N C

N

'a C

C 00

'a0

C

00 C

C

C

• C

- C

-

C -

- N

C

C

C

e.-)

C N

C 00

C

CC

°C

C

C

-

r+1

+1 N

+1

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1

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+1+1

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C

00C

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N t

P

C C

C C

00

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\-O

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Ca' C

N C

- N C

N - C

00

C

., o

- N

N C

'a C

C

'a

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C •N

CC

CC

a'C

CN

C.J

•- -

N +

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1

+1-H

+1+

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+1+1

+1+1

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.

C C

C C

C

CN

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'a C

a

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tf C

C N

N C

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00 -

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of sodium was recorded in C.scalpellformis. Urecticulata and P.ietrastromatica

registered the highest crude fibre and ash content respectively. From the present

observation, the caloricity value recorded for S.ilicfolium was the highest

(10.229 KJ g'). A dry weight of 12.00, 11.50 and 11.25 mg g' was recorded in

P.tetrastrornatica, Ulactuca and C.scalpellformis respectively.

4.2 Decomposition experiments

All the seven species of seaweeds chosen for the present study were

decomposed in the coastal water to investigate the in situ variation caused by their

biochemical constituents. Similarly, experiments on the aerobic decomposition of all

the seven species of seaweeds in fresh water were also studied under laboratory

conditions.

4.2.1 Decomposition in coastal water

The weekly variations observed in the protein content of the four species of

green seaweeds are shown in Figure 1. Freshly collected seaweeds of U.lactuca,

U.reticulala, C.racemosa and C.scalpellformis registered a protein content of 120,

150, 60 and 100 mg g' respectively. With advancing period of decomposition, the

protein content of seaweeds was observed to show gradual increment up to the end of

the 6t11 week for U.lactuca (310mg g) and U.reticulala (410 mg g- 1 ), the 7th week for

C.scalpellformis (320 mg g 1 ) and the 8th week for C.racemosa (260 mg g'). Figure 2

shows the weekly variations observed in the protein content of one species of red

seaweed (G.cortica(a) and two species of brown seaweeds (P.tetratstromatica and

S.ilicfoliuni). Freshly collected seaweeds of G.corticata, P.tetrastromatica and

S. ilicifoliurn recorded a protein content of 156, 264 and 349 mg g' respectively. With

31

4501400

350

300

a' 250

200c 150

'6 100U)

50

0

0

-.-- Ulactuca

—s— U.reticulata

—e— C.racemosa

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK

Fig 1. Changes in the Protein content of Ova reticulata, U.lactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.sca1pe1I/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

_._700

GracilariaI---Padina

600 rgassum

L" 500

400

L

a-0

WEEK

Fig 2. Changes in the Protein content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum iicqfolium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

the progress of decomposition, the protein content was found to show gradual

increment upto the 6th week in the case of P.tetrastromatica (456 mg g') and the 8th

week for G.corlicata (380 mg g) and S.ilicfolium (628 mg g1).

In the case of carbohydrate, there was a decline in the concentration from the

very beginning to the end of the experiment in all the seven seaweeds. However it was

a steady decline in both the species of Caulerpa and Gracilaria corticata (Fig. 3 and

Fig. 4). The lipid level of all the species of seaweeds also exhibited a steady decline

(Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). Amino acid content of the decomposed seaweeds showed weekly

variations with increase up to the end of the 6th week for Ureticulata and for both the

species of Caulerpa, the 7th week for P.tetrastromatica and the 8th week for

U.Iactuca G.corticata and S.ilicfolium (Fig. 7 and Fig. 8).

The nitrogen content of these seaweeds steadily increased from the beginning

of the decomposition (Fig. 9 and Fig. 10) up to the end of the 6th week in the case of

U.lactuca (47.69 mg g'), U.reticulata (63.08 mg g') and P.tetrastromatica

(70.15 mg g1 ), the 7th week in C.scalpellzformis (49.20 mg g1 ), and the 81h week in

C.racemosa (40.00 mg gd), G.corticata (58.42 mg g) and S.ilicifolium

(92.35 mg g').

The converse (declining trend) was true in the case of carbon even though it

was erratic during different stages of decomposition (Fig. 11 and Fig. 12). C/N ratio

of the seven seaweeds steadily declined from the start of the experiment (Fig. 1 3 and

Fig. 14). Caloricity of the decomposed seaweeds showed an increasing trend upto

week for both the species of Ova, 91h week for C.racemosa and 81h week for rest of

32

- T -_UIactuca

---- U.reticulata

—1a--C.racemosa

is

350

300

.' 250

200

co 500

0

•1 - - 1 Ir

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK

Fig 3. Changes in the Carbohydrate content of Ova reficulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks ofdecomposition in the coastal water (field)

450

400

• 350V•7, 300

250

. 200

150

100

50

0

.—e--Gracilaria

---Padina

Sargassum

------

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK

Fig 4. Changes in the Carbohydrate content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumiicj[olium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

—o--Uiactuca70

—.—U.reticulata60 C.racemosa

E 30

CL

WEEK

Fig S. Changes in the Lipid content of Ova reticulata, U.lactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

8 9 10

120

100

? 80

0)a)E:2 40a.-J

20

0 -0 1 2 3

—.--Gracilana

-g--- Padina

L-- Sargassum

• 1

4 5 6 7

WEEK

Fig 6. Changes in the Lipid content of Padina teirasiromatica, Sargassum iicjfolium,Gradilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

-0 100)0)8E

C

0

- .

1 2 3 4 5 6

WEEK

Gracilaria

Padina

Sargassum

L..

7 8 9 10

14

12

HfIM 8

0

0 1 2 3 4 5

WEEK

-- .... -. ----- -- -

.1 -- -

6 7 8 9 10

--U.Iactuca -.

—s-- U.reticulata

-*-- C.racemosa

—e— C.scaipelliformis

Fig 7. Changes in the Amino acid content of Viva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Cauierparacemosa and C.scaIpeIi/'ornus observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

Fig 8. Changes in the Amino acid content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumi1ic/'oiium, Graciaria corticata observed during the different weeks of decomposition inthe coastal water (field)

-.----U.relicuIata

60 C.racemosa

1^1 50

z 10

I 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK

Fig 9. Changes in the Nitrogen content of Ulva reficulata, U.lactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpe!Iijormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

100190

80

cam) 30

---Gracilaria 1----Padina

Ii

L_sam

1.) 1- Il --I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK

-.--- .__ -.-.-...--...- ....--..- .........- .......- ....-- -

Fig 10. Changes in the Nitrogen content of Padina tetrastromatica, SargassumiicfoIium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

--- : .--- .-- . - J-.-- U.Iactuca—a— U.reliculata—e--- C.racemosa

IC.scalpeHiforrnis

450400

.350300

0) 2500)

. 200g 150Co 100o

50 1

0-----.--r-0 1 2 3 4

- - I

5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK

Fig 11. Changes in the Carbon content of Ulva reficulata, Udacluca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.sca!pelljforinis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

-•--- Gracilaria500-

—D— Padina450 A

250200

I Cc 100

U -1— ------ - - I I - r - -r - V

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK_-j

Fig 12. Changes in the Carbon content of Padina fetrastromatica, Sargassum iicfo1ium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

20Zj50

10

5

0

DUlactuca

o U.reticulataED C.racemosa IDC.scalpellikrmis

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 TjT1lhuh1],huhh1

Week

Fig 13. Changes in the C : N ratio of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosa andC.scaIpellformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastal water(field)

20 - -- - -- -Gradlaha

OPadina18 16 LwSargaurn

140 12CMDW 10

6flhfl]Week I

Fig 14. Changes in the C : N ratio of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum iicjfolium,Gradiaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

the seaweeds (Fig. 15 and Fig. 16). Dry weight of all the seaweeds decreased

gradually at different stages of decomposition (Fig. 17 and Fig. 18).

The amount of potassium showed a declining trend during the first live weeks

of decomposition followed by a fluctuating pattern (Fig. 19 and Fig. 20). In the case

of calcium, there was a sharp decline in the beginning and thereafter a fluctuating

pattern prevailed (Fig. 21 and Fig. 22). The same was true for the magnesium content

in the decomposing seaweeds (Fig. 23 and Fig. 24). The sodium content of the

seaweeds showed a steady decline from the beginning to the end of the study period

(101h week) (Fig. 25 and Fig. 26).

The crude fibre percentage of these seaweeds steadily decreased from the

beginning of the experiment (Fig. 27 and Fig. 28).

In the case of percentage of ash content in the green seaweeds, there was an

increment upto the end of 4th week for U reticulata and C. racemosa, 5th week for

C.sca1pe11formis and 6th week for U.lactuca (Fig. 29). The ash content increased upto

the end of 4th week in P.tetrastromatica, 6th week for S.ilicifolium and 7th week in

G.corlicata and there after declined (Fig. 30).

Correlation observed between the duration of decomposition and values of

biochemical characteristics of seaweed decomposed in coastal water is depicted in

Table 3. Positive correlation was observed between the duration of decomposition and

the protein content but at significant level only in some of the seaweeds. However, a

highly significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of

decomposition and caloricity for most of the species of the seaweeds. Nitrogen and

amino acid contents exhibited a positive correlation with the duration of the

33

-9--U.Iactuca

-6 14 C.scalpelliformis

hl^ 10

I

0.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

WEEK I

......__

Fig 15. Changes in the Calorific value of Ova reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.sca!pelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

-•-- Gracilaria

18: -L7- Padina—e—Sargassum

14

121

U -i--- •__l•___ I

0 1 2 3 47 8 9 10

WEEK

Fig 16. Changes in the Calorific value of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum ilicV'olium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

14 -

12

10

0)a,

04

2

14 . 1—-U1actucaI —o-- U.reticulata

I0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

L........._ .___ __Fig 17. Changes in the Dry weight of Ova reliculala, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosa andC.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastal water(field)

-.-- Gracilana

-g--- Padina

-*- Sargassum

U - F - ---i--- .1 I -

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week-----..

Fig 18. Changes in the Dry weight of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum iicjfolium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

- -60

U.1actuca

--a-- U.

50 —*—C.racemosa

._C.scaIpethform40

CM

E 30

0 10

0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Week

Fig 19. Changes in the Potassium content of U/va reticulala, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

I—.—Gracilaria!120

I—Q—Padina

100 Harssum

Cn

4i

2:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Week

Fig 20. Changes in the Pottasium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilic?folium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

I 0

120

100ID

80

60E

• 40Co

20

0

—._U.Iactuca - 1

—i—U.reticuIata

-h-- C. racemosa I

—.—C.scalpelhformis I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Week

Fig 21. Changes in the Calcium content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

120

=. 100

80

60

E 400Coo 20

0 I - .- --. . --; -1-

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9Week

—-Padina

L---- sargassumj

10 I

Fig 22. Changes in the Calcium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumiicjfolium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

501

y3530

C)g25E 20

10

2 5 ^Il

1—..--U.Iactuca -I —n--- U.reticulata

I —*---C.racemosaC. scalpel liformis

U 1• - --- --- ---- - - --- -- I -- -I - .-.--I-I I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

Fig 23. Changes in the Magnesium content of Ova reticulala, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scaIpell/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

v -r ----------- I

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

Fig 24. Changes in the Magnesium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilicijolium, Gradilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

60

50

- 40C). 30

Eu 20- a)C

0II0 1 2

--- Gracilana

--Padina

L-• Sargassr

160.1

E 60

-- - - -0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

—.—U.Iactuca

--U.reticuIata

-i-- C. racemosa

—.—C.scalpelliformis._ .........ii

Fig 25. Changes in the Sodium content of Ulva reticulata, U.!actuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpe!Ijformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

120

100

80

60

E 40

Cl) 20

010 1 2

J—._--Gracilana

—e--- Padina

I_-h-- Sargassurn

I !

3 4 5 6

Week

7 8 9 10

Fig 26. Changes in the Sodium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilicjfolium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

5.'4.54I

I1 II3 IVI-

LL 2.5.

2

IE1

6 7 8 9 10

O GracilariaDPadinaOSrgassum

3 4 5Week

10U.Iactuca -0 U.reticulatao C.racemosaLe11iformis

o0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

-Week

Fig 27. Changes in the Crude fibre content of Ova reficulata, (I.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

6J

Fig 28. Changes in the Crude fibre content of Padina fetrastromatica, Sargassumiicjfolium, Gracilaria corficata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thecoastal water (field)

P50 0—ca 7

45 a

ii:::: I

30 C scalpelhformis I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

I Week

Fig 29. Changes in the Ash content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.sca!peI1formis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the coastalwater (field)

- ---Gracilaria—8—Padina

H -Sargassu J60 -

50

40

:-30U)

20

10

0 -I -i- -- 1 I-.-.-- -I

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

Fig 30. Changes in the Ash fibre content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilicifolium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the

coastal water (field)

Table 3 : Correlation and regression equations obtained for various biochemicalcomponents as a function of experimental period in chosen seaweeds during

decomposition in coastal water (Field)

Biochemical r valueSignificance Regression equation

S.No Species component level (p) Y = a + bX

Ulactuca 0.3870 P> 0.05 Y 236.400+ 10.2182X

Ureticulata 0.1177 P> 0.05 Y194.0000 + 2.5455 X

C.racemosa 0.8381 P <0.01 Y=92.6667± 14.0242 X

1. C.scalpellformis Protein 0.6311 P<0.05 Y146.1333+13.3939X

G.corticata 0.7816 P <0.01 Y140.9333+18.3394 X

P.tetrastromatica 0.0352 P> 0.05 Y=376.8667+0.5879 X

S.ilicfollium 0.6238 p < 0.05 Y386.6667+17.9697 X

Ulactuca -0.9899 p <0.01 Y297.4407-25.0454 X

Ureticulata -0.9872 p <0.01 Y308.876-28.2456 X

C.racemosa -0.9911 P<0.01 Y143.1713-10.4235 X

2. C.scalpellformis Carbohydrate -0.9936 p < 0.01 Y206.0073-12.3452 X

G.corticata -0.9712 P <0.01 Y330.468-32.4505 X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9518 P <0.01 Y=332.2793-15.3990 X

S.ilicfo1lium -0.9858 P <0.01 Y=451.9453-34.9952 X

U.lactuca -0.9839 P <0.01 Y=54.71067-4.6618 X

Ureticulata -0.9646 p <0.01 Y=71.70667-5.2703 X

C.racemosa -0.9685 P <0.01 Y=39.86-2.8964 X

3. C.scalpeIlformis Lipid -0.9887 P <0.01 Y=30.80667-2.1339 X

G.corticata -0.9440 P <0.01 Y39.14667-2.3449 X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9608 p <0.01 Y108.0833-8.5015 X

S.ilicfol1ium -0.9818 P <0.01 Y85.74-5.9873X

Ulactuca 0.3715 P> 0.05 Y5.5401+0.2663X

Ureticulata 0.8677 - P <0.01 Y4.2892+0.6686X

C.racemosa 0.5897 P>0.05 Y6.8762+0.3516X

4. C.sca1pe11formis Amino acid 0.5365 P> 0.05 Y=7.2892+0.3 145X

G.corticata 0.8694 P <0.01 Y3.5729+0.6639X

P.tetrastromatica 0.0394 P> 0.05 Y2.5677+0.0157X

S.ilicfollium 0.0058 P> 0.05 Y5.2089+0.0032X

Ulactuca 0.3871 P>0.05 Y36.3700+1.5725X

Ureticulata 0.2601 P>0.05 Y28.3613+0.7832X

C.racemosa 0.8533 P<0.01 Y13.8133+2.2898X

5. C.sca1pellformis Nitrogen 0.6319 p <0.01 Y22.4580+2.0615X

G.corticata 0.8059 P <0.05 Y=23.8847+2.6702X

P.tetrastromatica 0.0353 P <0.01 y=57.9793+0.0907X

S.ilicfollium ____________ 0.5868 P> 0.05 Y60.8473+2.4476X J

Contd...

Biochemical r valueSignificance Regression equation

S.No Species component level (p) Y = a + bX

Ulaciuca -0.9254 P<O.O1 Y311.56+-14.1709X

Ureiiculaia -0.9492 P <0.01 Y410.5+-27.9982X

C.racemosa -0.8533 P<0.01 Y13.8133+-2.2898X

6. C.scalpellformis Carbon -0.6319 P <0.05 Y=22.458+-2.0615X

G.corticata -0.8059 P <0.01 Y23.8847+-2.6702X

P.tetrastromatica -0.03 53 P> 0.05 Y57.9793+-0.0907X

S.i1icfollium -0.5868 P> 0.05 Y'60.8473+-2.4476X

Ulactuca -0.9377 P <0.01 Y=13.75933-1.1713X

Ureticulata -0.9496 P <0.01 Y15.68867-1.3219X

C.racemosa -0.9594 P <0.01 Y=18.81533-l.5872X

7. C.scalpellformis C:Nratio -0.9425 P<0.01 Y=r14.744671.262lX

G.corticata -0.9874 P < 0.01 Y16.4633-1.1808X

P. tetrastromatica -0.9431 P <0.01 Y7.642-0.403 1X

S.ilic?follium -0.9627 P <0.01 Y6.684-0.4336X

Ulactuca 0.1294 P> 0.05 Y8.1084+0.0557X

Ureticulata 0.4845 P>0.05 Y= 10.4262+0.4403 X

C.racemosaCalorific0.9762 P <0.01 Y6.9030+0.8814X

8. C.scalpellformis value0.8085 P <0.01 Y=7.1285+0.6365X

G.corticata 0.8770 P <0.01 Y6.4447+0.8397X

P.tetrastromatica 0.7711 P <0.01 Y9.8743+0.4944X

S.ilicfollium 0.8597 P <0.01 Y10.9607+0.5263X

Ulactuca -0.976 P <0.01 Y10.4613-0.6999X

Ureticulata -0.4911 P> 0.05 Y10.06-0.7886X

C.racemosa -0.9932 P < 0.01 Y=10.0367-0.6605X

9. C.scalpel1formis Dry weight -0.9966 p <0.01 Y=1 1.5753-0.9957X

G.coriicaia -0.9937 P <0.01 Y5.9667-0.4794X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9898 p < 0.01 Y1 1.7273-0.9468X

S.ilicfol!ium -0.9853 P <0.01 Y7.4153-0.5493X

Ulactuca -0.9035 P <0.01 Y31.9333-3.07879X

Ureticulata -0.8060 P <0.01 Y27.26667-1.77576X

C.racemosa -0.9393 P <0.01 Y27.4667-2.68485X

10. C.scalpellformis Potassium -0.9108 P <0.01 Y33.66667-2.48485X

G.corticata -0.9343 p <0.01 Y74.26667-6.5394X

P.tetrastromatica -0.7224 P <0.05 Y=16.1333-0.8788X

S.ilicfollium -0.8621 P <0.01 Y16.0667-1.4485X

Ulactuca -0.9795 P <0.01 Y1 17.3333-11.2242X

Ureticulata -0.9688 P <0.01 Y1 14.6-11.4909X

C.racemosa -0.8791 p <0.01 Y=32.8667-3.4121 X

11. C.sca1pe1lformis Calcium -0.8433 p <0.01 Y=55.7333-5.0061X

G.corticata -0.9146 P <0.01 Y65.3333-6.4243X

P.tetrastromatica . -0.8696 P <0.01 Y25.9333-1.5333X

9iIicfo1liun -0.9714 P <0.01 Y52-4.7091X

Contd...

S.No SpeciesBiochemical r value

Significance Regression equationcomponent level (p) V = a + bX

U.lactuca -0.9225 P <0.01 Y=26.6-1 .9455X

Ureticulata -0.8295 P <0.01 Y31.4667-2.2667X

C.racemosa -0.7166 P <0.05 Y24.6-1.2364X

12. C.scalpell?formis Magnesium -0.8942 P <0.01 Y=35.3333-2.7879X

G.corticata -0.8416 P <0.01 Y=26.4-1.3091X

P.tetrastromatica -0.8437 P < 0.01 Y36.6-2.5091X

S.ilicfollium -0.9708 p <0.01 Y=50.9333-4.0061X

U.lactuca -0.9915 p <0.01 Y56.7333-4.60606X

Ureticulata -0.9940 p <0.01 Y61.8667-4.77576X

C.racemosa -0.9928 P<0.01 Y91.5333-6.5696X

13. C.scalpellformis Sodium -0.9890 P <0.01 Y135.7333-8.91515X

G.corticata -0.9973 p <0.01 Y96.8-7.03636X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9943 p <0.01 Y89.5333-6.15152X

S.ilicjfollium -0.9982 p <0.01 Y77.6667-6.33939X

U/act uca -0.9840 p <0.01 Y=4.26867-0.32358X

U.reticulata -0.9917 P<0.01 Y5.57933-0.49515X

C.racemosa -0.9957 P <0.01 Y1.97667-0.15903X

14. C.scalpellformis Crude fibre -0.9874 p <0.01 Y1.554-0.1307X

G.corticata -0.9354 p <0.01 Y=2.10467-0.1847X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9551 p <0.01 Y4.0467-0.4176X

S.i/icfo11ium -0.9479 p <0.01 Y2.686-0.2771X

U/act uca -0.5379 P> 0.05 Y35.5807-0.0578X

Ureuiculata -0.7735 P <0.01 Y37.934-2.6758X

C.racemosa -0.7291 p <0.05 Y39.0 127-1.51 70X

15. C.scalpellformis Ash -0.8631 p <0.01 Y53.15-2.956X

G.corticata -0.2260 P>0.05 Y25.3267-0.55 lOX

P.tetrastromatica -0.8996 p <0.01 Y53.798-2.2215X

______ S.i/icfollium -0.4885 P> 0.05 Y=20.914-0.5884X

decomposition. However other parameters like carbohydrate, lipid, carbon, C/N ratio,

dry weight, all the four minerals, crude fibre and ash showed significant negative

correlations with the duration of decomposition.

4.2.2 Aerobic decomposition in the laboratory using fresh water

The results in variations of protein content observed in all the seven species of

seaweeds during decomposition in the laboratory using fresh water are shown in

Figures 31 and 32. During the period of decomposition, the protein content of

seaweeds was observed to increase steadily up to the end of 7th week for Ulactuca

(285 mg gd), 8th week for U,reticulata (360 mg gd ), C.racemosa (240 mg g•1),

C.scalpellformis (280 mg gt) and P.tetrastromatica (374 mg g- 1 ) 91h week for

G.corlicata (266 mg g') and S.iliczfolium (527 mg g 1 ). However, a declining trend

was recorded in the case of carbohydrate (Fig. 33 and Fig. 34) and lipid (Fig. 35 and

Fig. 36) right from the beginning upto the end of the aerobic decomposition (10th

week) of the seven seaweeds. On the other hand, a steady increase was observed in

the case of amino acid (Fig. 37 and Fig. 38) and nitrogen contents (Fig. 39 and Fig.

40). In the case of amino acid, its level increased upto the end of 6th week for

Cracemosa, 7th week for U.reticulata, 8th week for C.scalpellzformis, G.corticata and

S.ilic[olium, 91h week for U.lactuca and P.tetrastromatica (Fig. 37 and Fig. 38).

Nitrogen content steadily increased upto the end of 7 th week for Ulactuca, 8th week

for U reticulata, both the species of Caulerpa and P. tetrastromatica and 9th week for

G.corticata and S.ilicifolium. (Fig. 39 and Fig. 40). The carbon content steadily

decreased throughout the investigation (Fig. 41 and Fig. 42).

34

- I-o U.1actuca 7I—.—U.reiicuiata I-•-- C.racemosa I—s-- C.scaIPeIIiformiJ

350

300

° 250

200E

150a,—0 100a-

50

00 1 2 3 4 5 6

Week7 8 9 10

Fig 31. Changes in the Protein content of Ova reficulala, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpellj/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

-

- —.--GracdariaT600 ---Padina

500 —A T!

p400

300

• 200 -.

100-

0 t

-I-

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Week

Fig 32. Changes in the Protein content of Padina letrastromatica, Sargassum iicfoIium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

350

300

Y250CM

cD 200

M 500

00 1 2 3 4

-C- I --

5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

--U.reticuIata

--C.racemosa—o—C.scalpelliform is

Fig 33. Changes in the Carbohydrate content of Ova reticulala, U.Iacluca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

r450

400

..350

D) 300

250

2 200Ct

150

100

0 500

0 1 2

--r--- •• I ----- - IV 1

6 7 8 9 10

Gracilana

—.---Padina

—a--- Sargassum

3

4 5

Week

Fig 34. Changes in the Carbohydrate content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilicj/'olium, Gradiaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

120

100

. 80

600)E

400.-j

20

00

—,---Gracilaria

---Padina

-- Sargass

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

70-+--- U.Iactuca

—w-- U.reticulata60 -----C.racemosa

3: 50—.—C.scalpellifomiis

10 1

0

Week

Fig 35. Changes in the Lipid content of Ova reticulala, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.sca!pellformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the usinglaboratory using fresh water

Fig 36. Changes in the Lipid content of Padina tetrastromalka, Sargassum iicj/'olium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the usinglaboratory using fresh water

8

•O) 50)E4

. 30C

E

0-0 1 2 3

'-•-- Gracilana—w—Padina-A-- Sargassum

I -- I I•• I I

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8 9 10

10—9

07

0)E524C)

1<30

2

o -T0

---- U.Iactuca—s-- U.reticulata—e-- C.racemosa—o--- C.scalpelliformis

1 i I

2 3 4 5 6 7

Week

Fig 37. Changes in the Amino acid content of Ova relkulata, U.Iacluca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpellj/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

Week

Fig 38. Changes in the Amino acid content of Padina tetrasiromatica, Sargassumiicijolium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

—e--U.Iactuca

40a

0E: m1i1CO

z 10

0 -._-.-.--.- ---•-- --- - -I 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week I

Fig 39. Changes in the Nitrogen content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scaIpeIIformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

___-- - ---- .-- I90 -

-.-- Gracilana---Padina

80EE

—e—Sargassum

0 r I --

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Week

Fig 40. Changes in the Nitrogen content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumiicj/'olium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

450400350300250

0). 200

Co 150100

500

0

-- Ulactuca—w-- U.reliculata-h--- C.racemosa

C.scalpelliformis

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week......... ____________________________________

Fig 41. Changes in the Carbon content of Ulva reticulata, U.lactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

P500 - J._GraciIaria -

450 J—*--Padina

I F

—rgsum

iooj50

0 -- I -r I - - _____- .

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

Fig 42. Changes in the Carbon content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum ilicjfolium,Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

The C/N ratio of the seaweeds steadily declined from the start of the

experiment (Fig. 43 and Fig. 44). The caloricity showed a steady increase upto the

end of 8th week for U.reticulata and 9111 week for the rest of the six seaweeds (Fig. 45

and Fig. 46). The dry weight of all the seven seaweeds showed a gradual decrement

throughout the study (Fig. 47 and Fig. 48).

The potassium content showed declination in the beginning stages of

decomposition and fluctuations in later stages in Ulactuca, Ureticulata and

C.scalpelliformis (Fig. 49). In C.racemosa (Fig. 49), G.corticata and S.ilicifolium

(Fig. 50), the decline in potassium content was more or less steady. In the case

P.tetrastromatica (Fig. 50) the potassium content decreased initially followed by a

slight rising trend. Both calcium (Fig. 51 and Fig. 52) and magnesium contents

(Fig. 53 and Fig. 54) exhibited a declining trend with fluctuations. All the seven

seaweeds showed a steady decline in the sodium levels (Fig. 55 and Fig. 56). Crude

fibre content gradually decreased with the progress in decomposition (Fig. 57 and

Fig. 58). The ash percentage exhibited an initial increment followed by a gradual

declination (Fig. 59 and Fig. 60).

Correlation- Regression analysis between the duration of decomposition and

values of biochemical characteristics of seaweeds decomposed under laboratory

condition using fresh water is shown in Table 4. Significant positive correlation was

observed between the duration of decomposition and protein content. Similar

significant positive correlation was observed between the duration of decomposition

and caloricity. Nitrogen and amino acid contents showed positive correlation with

duration of decomposition. Whereas other parameters like carbohydrate, lipid, carbon,

35

o Gracilana

DPadina

3J Sargassum

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

035

U.Iactuca

QU.reUculata

30 DC.racemosa

25 oC.scaIpeIiformis

10 f0

Week

Fig 43. Changes in the C : N ratio of Ulva reticulata, U.lactuca, Caulerpa racemosa andC.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

20118

1614

a12

(5

> 10 •_z

80

6

2to-r

Week

Fig 44. Changes in the C N ratio of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum iic'o1ium,Gracilaria corticala observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

I ..

1 4a

- 1 6-14

, 12

—+_ Gracilanaj—a-- Padina,—e--Sargassum

-—U.Iactuca—p— U.reticulata—a-- C. racemosa—s— C.scalpelliformis

Fig 45. Changes in the Calorific value of Ulva reticulala, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpell(formis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

LWeek

-- -

-

6 7 - 8 - 9 10

Fig 46. Changes in the Calorific value of Padina letrastromatica, Sargassum ilicjfolium,Gradilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

2 3 4

-- U.Iactuca—a— U.reticulata----C.racemosa

H,_c.s1peuu1uuus

4A

Fig 47. Changes in the Dry weight of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosa andC.scalpellj/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

14—.—GraciIaa

1Padina12 —e--Sargassum

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Week

Fig 48. Changes in the Dry weight of Padina tetrastromafica, Sargussum i1ic[o1ium,Gracilaria corticata observed during the different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

-I

9 10

60

.50

400)0)E 30E.20

no 10

00 1 2 3 4

-.---- U.Iactuca—0--- U.reticulata—*-.- C. racemosa-.---- C.scalpelliformis

5 6 7 8Week

Fig 49. Changes in the Potassium content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpellj/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

120

E 60

0 20a.

012345678910Week

I - ...............

-.- Gracilana]—0— Padina—.— Sargassum

Fig 50. Changes in the Pottasium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumiicifolium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

140

120

100

D) 80a)

60E

40

020

01-

1-.-- U.

—s---- U. reticulataI

C. racemosa

-.- C.scalpelliformis

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 910

Week

Fig 51. Changes in the Calcium content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iacluca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpellj/'ormis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

---- Gracilaria120

—Q--Padina

—a— Sargassum

CD

E 40

0 20

Week

Fig 52. Changes in the Calcium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilicifolium, Gradilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

-.-- U.Iactuca—n-- U. reticulata—e— C. racemosa-.--- C.scalpelliformis

E 25

E 20

cc

0 - i -- - ---I I ----- ----- .

0 1 2

346

78 9 10

Wk

Fig 53. Changes in the Magnesium content of Ulva reliculala, U.lacluca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scaIpellfor,nis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

601 GraciIaa

E 30

2 20

Week

........... ..- ----------------------------Fig 54. Changes in the Magnesium content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumiic/'oIium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

---U.Iactuca160

1 ---U.reticuIata140 1 —*—C.racemosa120 747C.scalpelliformis

E 60

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week -

Fig 55. Changes in the Sodium content of Ova ret/cu/ala, U.!acluca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.sca1pe/1formis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

120

100

v 80

60

40

C5 20

0 1 2-y--- ..........r -i--•

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

--- Gracitaria

—s-- Padina

—e-- Sargassum

Fig 56. Changes in the Sodium content of Padina letrastromatica, Sargassumiicfo1ium, Gradilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

O U.IactucaG U.reticulata0 C.racemosa0C.scaIpeIIformis

76

I

0

Week

L. ......... ... ..___Fig 57. Changes in the Crude fibre content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerparacemosa and C.scalpelljftrmis observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

O GracilanaOPadina

4 O Sargassum]

4 5 67 8910Week

Fig 58. Changes in the Crude fibre content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassumilicjfolium, Gracilaria corticata observed during different weeks of decomposition in thelaboratory using fresh water

3025

U,<20

1510

50

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Week

50 -- 45 1

--U.reticuIata

40—At—C.racemosa

35 i-- C.scalpellrformis

Fig 59. Changes in the Ash content of Ulva reticulata, U.Iactuca, Caulerpa racemosaand C.scalpelljformis observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

—4-- Gracilana—a— Padina—h— Sargassum

Week

-

Fig 60. Changes in the Ash content of Padina tetrastromatica, Sargassum iIicfoIium,Gracilaria cortkata observed during different weeks of decomposition in the laboratoryusing fresh water

P

Table 4: Correlation and regression equations obtained for various biochemicalcomponents as a function of experimental period in chosen seaweeds during

decomposition in fresh water (Lab)

S.No Species Biochemical r valueSignificance Regression equation

component level (p) Y = a + bX

Ulactuca 0.7477 P<0.01 Y138.5333+12.7939XUreticulata 0.7066 P<0.05 Y= 168.0000 + 15.9091XC.racemosa 0.9374 P<0.01 Y 63.7333+18.8845X

I. C.sca1pel1f/ormis Protein 0.9034 P<0.01 Y= 83.4667+ 18.5333XG.corticata 0.7416 P <0.01 Y= 158.2667+ 9.0788XP.tetrastromatica 0.3315 P> 0.05 Y291.3333 + 3.8848XS. ilic Vollium 0.9621 P <0.01 Y=325.5333 + 19.7030XUlactuca -0.9765 P<0.01 Y=305.1567- 18.9667XUreticulata -0.9942 P <0.01 Y314.4753 - 23.1277XC.racemosa -0.9889 P<0.01 Y= 154.7860 - 11.5796X

2. C.scalpel/formis Carbohydrate -0.9854 P<0.01 Y= 196.8040 - 7.2116XG.corticata -0.9888 P<0.01 Y381.5307- 25.3308XP.tetrastromatica -0.9933 P <0.01 Y336.1460 - 20.2344XS.iIicfol1ium -0.9798 P <0.01 Y=463.8460 - 34.5907XUlactuca -0.9829 P <0.01 Y= 67.9667 - 2.8739XUreticulata -0.9858 P <0.01 Y 54.5333 -3.206 IXC.racernosa -0.9651 P <0.01 Y 39.14-2.0527X

3. C.sca1pe11formis Lipid -0.9840 P<0.01 Y 31.5533-I.8715XG.corticata -0.9504 P < 0.01 Y= 42.06-2.3182XP.tetrastromatica -0.9895 P <0.01 Y 108.8093-5.8890XS.ilicfollium -0.9413 P <0.01 Y 98.9833-7.2297XUlactuca 0.8220 P <0.01 Y3.8752+0.4215X

Ureticulata 0.0969 P> 0.05 Y4.2921+0.0324XC.racemosa 0.5504 P> 0.05 Y6.3842+0.2431X

4. C.sca1pe/lformis Amino acid 0.5819 P>0.05 Y4.5361+0.1526XG.corticata 0.8825 P <0.01 Y2.5929+0.4349XP.tetrastromatica 0.4541 P> 0.05 Y2.61 18+0.1018XS.ilic follium 0.2023 P> 0.05 Y4.1776+0.0732XUlactuca 0.7234 P <0.05 Y21.6267+1.7973XUreticu/ata 0.8933 P <0.01 Y22.9653+3.2730XC.racemosa 0.9467 P <0.01 Y9.608+2.9595X

5. C.sca1pel1formis Nitrogen 0.9060 P <0.01 Y= I 2.714+2.8907XG.corticata 0.9231 P <0.01 Y24.4973+2.0616XP.tetrastromatica 0.2597 P> 0.05 Y46.2027+0.4582XS.ilicfollium 0.9499 P <0.01 Y47.658+2.5102X

Contd...

S.No SpeciesBiochemical r value

Significance Regression equationcomponent level (p) V = a + bX

Ulactuca -0.9071 P <0.01 Y389.7867-13.7485X

Ureticulata -0.9728 p <0.01 Y430.5-17.5182X

C.racemosa -0.9803 P <0.01 Y313.1933-9.9206X

6. C.scalpe1lformis Carbon -0.9155 P<0.0I Y=339.3267-11.1739X

G.corticata -0.9139 P <0.01 Y=444.0467-11.6812X

P.tetrastromatica -0,9020 P <0.01 Y412.6533-15.3061X

S.ilicfollium -0.8992 P <0.01 Y=392.18-7.9873X

Ulactuca -0.9395 P <0.01 Y17.42-1.2195X

Ureticulata -0.9627 P <0.01 Y16.134-1.2787X

C.racemosa -0.9441 P <0.01 Y23.376-2.0527X

7. C.scalpellformis C: N ratio -0.9775 P <0.01 Y=20.0213-1.6113X

G.corticaia -0.9772 P <0.01 Y1 6.7213-1 .0181 X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9796 P <0.01 Y9-0.4018X

S.i1icfollium -0.9894 P <0.01 Y7.7933-0.3639X

Ulactuca 0.8777 P <0.01 Y6.4184+0.2916X

Ureticulata 0.5238 P> 0.05 Y9.4785+0.3111X

C.racemosa . 0.9426 P <0.01 Y7.0271+0.5763X

8. C.sca1pellformisCalorific

0.9433 p < 0.01 Y=6.1948+0.4157Xvalue

G.corticata 0.9230 P <0.01 Y6.2767+0.7016X

P.tetrastromatica 0.9463 P <0.01 Y9.5066+0.4052X

S.ilicfollium 0.7378 P <0.01 Y10.6897+0.2455X

Ulactuca -0.9624 P <0.01 Y12.0453-0.7617X

Ureticulata -0.9892 P <0.01 Y10.6973-0.7968X

C. race mosa -0.9922 P<0.01 Y10.7573-0.6612X

9. C.scalpelIformis Dry weight -0.9707 P <0.01 Y12.3323-0.9296X

G.coriicaia -0.9868 P <0.01 Y6.23-0.4764X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9971 P <0.01 Y = I 2.4133-0.9497X

S.iliqfollium -0.9920 P <0.01 Y8.3433-0.5390X

Ulactuca -0.9231 P <0.01 Y38.5333-3.2970X

Ureticulata -0.9140 P <0.01 Y36.4667-2.3212X

C.racemosa -0.9322 p < 0.01 Y32.0667-2.7030X

10. C.scalpellformis Potassium -0.9613 P <0.01 Y38.4-2.6909X

G.corticata -0.9681 P <0.01 Y=87.7333-7.1152X

P.tetrastromalica -0.3131 P <0.01 Y= I 8.9333-0.3152X

S.ilicfo1lium -0.9403 P <0.01 Y20.6-1.8909X

Ulactuca -0.9858 P <0.01 Y121.1333-10.8242X

Ureticulata -0.9907 P <0.01 Y132.8667-11.8121X

C.racemosa -0.9604 P <0.01 Y44.6-4.0909X

11. C.scalpel1 formis Calcium -0.9472 P < 0.01 Y73.4667-6.5758X

G.corticata -0.9339 P <0.01 Y77.2-7.2546X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9071 P <0.01 Y32.6-2.1091X

S.i1icfo1liurn -0.9763 p <0.01 Y=60-4.909lX

Contd...

S.No SpeciesBiochemical r value

Significance Regression equation

component level (p) Y = a + bX

Ulactuca -0.9193 P<O.O1 Y31.7333-2.1697X

Ureticulata -0.9544 p <0.01 Y=38.9333-2.8242X

C.racemosa -0.7513 P <0.01 Y=29.9333-1.5697X

12. Cscalpell/ormis Magnesium -0.9646 p <0.01 Y40.8667-3.5576X

G.corticata -0.8238 P<0.01 Y29.5333-1.7515X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9097 p <0.01 Y44.4-3.OX

S.ilicfollium 0•9774 p < 0.01 Y53.9333-3.9697X

Ulactuca -0.9975 P <0.01 Y=63.1333-4.1697X

Ureticulata -0.9910 p < 0.01 Y64.2667-4.5758X

C.racemosa -0.9962 P <0.01 Y=97.1333-6.6242X

13. C.scalpellformis Sodium -0.9871 P <0.01 Y141.2667-8.3394X

G.corticata -0.9897 p <0.01 Y106-7.0727X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9715 P <0.01 Y=97.4-5.8727X

S.ilicfollium -0.9901 P <0.01 Y82.1333-5.7333X

Ulactuca -0.9907 P <0.01 Y5.2393-0.3344X

Ureticulata -0.9977 P <0.01 Y5.8620-0.4576X

C.racemosa -0.9959 P <0.01 Y=2.1893-0.1532X

14. C.scalpel1 formis Crude fibre -0.9859 P <0.01 Y1.6947-0.1299X

G.corticata -0.9918 P <0.01 Y2.5347-0.1989X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9962 P <0.01 Y4.6367-0.411 OX

S.ilic follium -0.9789 P <0.01 Y2.8627-0.2658X

Ulactuca -0.7319 P <0.05 Y35.7453-1.7701x

Ureticulata -0.4825 P> 0.05 Y31.1613-1.0504X

C.racemosa -0.8631 P <0.01 Y=35.0693-1.1352X

15. C.scalpell?formis Ash -0.6707 P <0.05 Y46.8107-1.4847X

G.corticata -0.0002 P> 0.05 Y23.0993-0.0002X

P.tetrastromatica -0.9553 P <0.01 Y52.9073-2.5799X

______ S.ilicfol1ium -0.5444 P> 0.05 Y21.3547-0.5876X

ON ratio, dry weight, all the four minerals, crude fibre and ash exhibited significant

negative correlation with the duration of decomposition.

4.2.3 Student's 't' test analysis

The protein contents of the seven species of seaweeds during the process of

decomposition in two different treatments showed interesting results. The level of

highest protein content was subjected to student's 't' test to confirm the level of

significance and the results obtained are shown in Tables 5 and 6. The results

confirmed that in both the treatments (field & laboratory), the protein content of both

the species of Caulerpa showed significantly (P <0.001) lower values than the others.

However Sargassum ilic?folium and Padina leirastromalica registered highly

significant (P < 0.001) values closely followed by Ulva reticulata and Gracilaria

corticata.

4.2.4 Fatty acid analysis

The fatty acid composition as methyl esters of five selected seaweeds viz.

Ova lactuca, Caulerpa racemosa, Gracilaria corticata, Padina retrastromatica and

Sargassum ilicfolium in fresh and decomposed states (at the end of the 10th week)

was determined and their relative percentages are presented in Table 7.

The fatty acids viz, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic

acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic

acid, nonadecanoic acid, archidic acid, heneicosonic acid and behinic acid were

present in all the five seaweeds.

36

Table 5 : Students 't' test analysis of the data on the highest protein content ofthe seven species of seaweeds decomposed in the field (coastal water)

Highest protein content ofdecomposed seaweeds 't' value *

xl x2U.l - P U.r — P 73.824

U.1—P C.r — P 62.354U.1 - P C.s - P 66.792U.! - P G.c - P 68.578U.! P P.t - p 97.094

U.1—P S.i — P 83.433U.r - P C.r - P 71.946

U.r — P C.s — P 75.877

U.r — P G.e — P 77.348U.r — P P.t — P 104.717U.r — P S.i — P 90.646C.r — P C.s — P 64.632C.r - P G.e - p 66.355C.r - P P.t - p 97.207C.r — P S.i — P 81.649C.s — P G.e — P 70.570C.s — P P.t — P 99.552C.s - P S.i - P 85.086G.e — P P.t — P 100.290G.e - P S.i - P 86.404P.t — P S.i — P 107.839

- The highest protein content recorded for Ova lactuca

- The highest protein content recorded for U. reticulata

- The highest protein content recorded for Caulerpa racemosa

- The highest protein content recorded for C. sca1pe11formis

- The highest protein content recorded for Gracilaria corticata

- The highest protein content recorded for Padina tetrastromatica

- The highest protein content recorded for Sargassum ilicfolium

U.l — P

U.r — P

C.r— P

C.s — P

G.c — P

P.t —P

S.i —P

* Highly significant - P < 0.001

The degrees of freedom for all analysis was 18.

Table 6 : Students 't' test analysis of the data on the highest protein content ofthe seven species of seaweeds decomposed in the laboratory (fresh water)

Highest protein content ofdecomposed seaweeds 't' value

*

xl x2U.1 - P U.r - P 79.493U.1—P C.r — P 66.673U.! - P C.s - P 69.480U.1 - P G.c - P 84.639U.l — P P.t — P 106.951U.1—P S.i — P 113.329U.r — P C.r — P 66.182U.r — P C.s — P 68.687U.r — P G.e — P 80.378U.r — P P.t — P 99.249U.r — P S.i — P 107.450C.r — P C.s — P 56.552C.r - P G.e - P 67.456C.r — P P.t — P 86.916C.r — P S.i — P 96.409C.s - P G.e - P 70.286C.s — P P.t—P 89.667C.s — P S.i — P 98.851G.e — P P.t — P 108.770G.e — P S.i — P 114.722P.t — P S.i — P 134.474

U.! — P

U.r — P

C.r — P

C.s — P

G.e — P

The highest protein content recorded for Ulva lactuca

The highest protein content recorded for U reticulata

- The highest protein content recorded for Caulerpa racemosa

- The highest protein content recorded for C. scalpellformis

- The highest protein content recorded for Gracilaria corticala

P.t - P - The highest protein content recorded for Padina tetrastromatica

SA - P - The highest protein content recorded for Sargassum ilicfolium

* Highly significant - P < 0.001

The degrees of freedom for all analysis was 18.

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In the present study, the saturated fatty acid content was higher than the unsaturated

fatty acid (18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 carbon atoms) content.

Interestingly, on decomposition, Ulacruca, C.racemosa and G.corticata

showed reduced levels of the two saturated fatty acids viz., palmitic acid and stearic

acid but increased levels of remaining saturated fatty acids and the three unsaturated

fatty acids viz, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. On the other hand, the two

brown seaweeds P.tetrastromatica and S.ilicfolium exhibited an increase in palmitic

acid content with a drastic reduction in oleic acid and linoleic acid.

4.2.5 Bacteriological Analysis

The ten week old decomposed Ulva lactuca sample was used for determining

total heterotrophic bacteria. The heterotrophic bacterial population was 37.7 x 105

CFUg 1 (Table 8). Total number of bacterial isolates were twenty five. Serratia,

Pseudomonas, E. coli, Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, Moraxella, Bacillus and

!vuicrococcus occurred in the decomposed thalli (Table 9). Among these,

Pseudomonas (16%) and Bacillus (16%) dominated (Fig. 61).

4.3 Feed trial experiments

4.3.1 Food conversion efficiency and growth in Cyprinus carpio fed on different

feeds prepared using decomposed seaweeds

The results of the feed trial experiments conducted using four species of

decomposed seaweeds viz., Ureticulata, G.corticata, P.tetrastromatica and

S. ilic/olium are given in Table 10. The test animals, Cyprinus carpio consumed more

37

Table 8: Total viable heterotrophic bacterial population of thedecomposed seaweed, Ova lactuca

Bacterial densityS.No Dilution Factor CFU g1

Original Replicate

1 10 TNTC TNTC

2 10 200 180

3 10 28 30

64 10 7 6

5 10 2 2

TNTC - Too numerous to count

Table 9 : Generic composition of bacterial isolates from the decomposedseaweed, Ulva lactuca

S.No Bacterial Genera Number of isolates Total number of

isolates

1 Serratia 2

2 Pseudomonas 4

3 E.coli 3

4 Aeromonas 2

5 Flavobacterium 3 25

6 Moraxella 2

7 Bacillus 4

8 Micrococcus 2

9 Unidentified 3

012% 08%

• Serratia08%

16% UPseudomonasDE.coli• Aeromonas• Flavobacterium

016%

• Moraxella012% • Bacillus

DMicrococcus

08%

08% • Unidentified

012%

Fig. 61. Percentage of bacterial isolates from the decomposedseaweed U/va lactuca

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quantity of DSF (2.840 g), DUF (2.610g) and DOF (2.530g) than in the control CF

(2.470g). However, the consumption rate was higher for all the four decomposed

seaweed based feeds than the control feed. Accordingly, the production or conversion

rate was much higher in the case of DGF, DUF and DSF and slightly higher in DPF

over the control CF. The SGR was higher for DSF (5.19 %), DGF (5.00 %) and DUF

(4.95 %) while lesser for DPF (4.00 %) when compared to the control CF (4.71 %).

4.3.2 PER, PCR and calorific gain in Cyprinus carpio fed on different feeds

prepared using decomposed seaweeds

The results of protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein conversion ratio (PCR)

and calorific gain in C.carpio are given in Table 11. Except DPF, rest of the diets

showed a lower PER value when compared to that of the control (CF). However, PCR

and calorific gain for the decomposed seaweed based feeds exceeded over that of the

control, CF.

4.3.3 Food conversion efficiency and growth in Cat/a cat/a fed on different feeds

prepared using decomposed seaweeds

The values of the feed trial experiments conducted using the four species of

decomposed seaweeds viz., Ureticulata, G.corticata, P.tetrastromatica and

S.ilicifolium are given in Table 12.

C.catla consumed more quantity of DGF (4.650 g) followed by DSF (4.400 g).

The consumption rate was more for the feed of DGF, DSF and DUF. The production

or conversion rate was the highest for DGF (8.569 mg g'day') and very closely

followed for DUF (8.523 mg g 1 day) and DSF (8.012 mg g'day'). In the case of

DPF, the production was lesser than that of the control (CF). SGR was higher for

38

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DGF (8i9 %) followed by DUF (8.048 %) and DSP (7.429 %), while lesser for CF

(7.238 %) and DPF (5.7 14 %).

4.3.4 PER, PCR and Calorific gain in C.catla fed on different feeds prepared

using decomposed seaweeds

The results of protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein conversion ratio (PCR)

and calorific gain in C.catla are given in Table 13. Compared to control, PER value

was higher only in DPF. However, PCR and calorific gain values in the case of

seaweed based feeds were higher than the control, CF.

39