A STUDY ON DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC AND PROTEIN AMOUNTS OF WASTE GREEN ALGAE OF MAMASIN DAM LAKE (AKSARAY-TURKEY)

Abstract

The excessive proliferation of green algae in aquatic ecosystems threatens aquatic life, leading to oxygen depletion and water pollution. This study investigates two common green algae species, Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp., with potential in terms of protein and phenolic compounds. Cladophora sp. and Ulva sp. extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. Despite lower phenolic content compared to specific plant species, both algae species exhibit various phenolic compounds. GC-MS analysis indicates the presence of major compounds such as limonene in Cladophora sp. and Tetradec-1-ene in Ulva sp., suggesting potential applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite modest protein amounts, the study emphasizes that algae, aligned with the increasing interest in plant-based nutrition, are a promising source for plant-based protein production. Ulva sp. and Cladophora sp. algae demonstrate potential as alternative protein sources and reservoirs of bioactive phenolic compounds from waste sources. This study pioneers further research in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries to contribute to sustainable water resource utilization.