COMPARISON OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SOME MARINE ALGAE

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Abstract
An analysis of some of the most common marine algae found along the coast of the Maritime Provinces of Canada is given. The results are compared with those reported for similar species from other habitats. Representatives of both the red and brown algae are included. Moisture determinations averaged 80% (max. 91, min. 68). Ash averaged 25% of the dry weight, with a maximum in Laminaria longicruris of 33.2%, and a minimum in Porphyra laciniata of 15.7%. The average potassium content of 6 spp. was 5.57% of the dry weight; maximum in Rhodymenia palmata of 12.22%, minimum in P. laciniata of 2.69%. 12 spp. examined for iodine showed an average content less than 0.1% of the dry weight. The max. of 0.349% was found in Laminaria digitata, a min. of 0.0085% in P. laciniata. The average protein content calculated from the N present (N X 625) was 22.6%; considerable variation was found. Crude fiber is low, in only one case above 5%, usually about half this amount. In the concluding table 6 very common forms are compared in regard to their contents of moisture, ash, K, I and crude fiber.

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