Comparative study on the growth, carotenoid, fibre and mineral content of the seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera cultivated indoors and in the sea

Abstract

This research series consisted of 4 (four) research activities, two implemented indoors at the Center for Brackishwater Aquaculture (BPBAP) Takalar in July - August 2017, and two carried out in the coastal waters of Aeng Batu-Batu Village, Galesong District, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia in May - July 2018. The objectives of the studies were to analyse growth and content of specific nutritional components (carotenoids, fibre, and minerals) of the seaweed Caulerpa lentillifera. The C. lentillifera cultivated indoors and in coastal waters had the same cultivation period and initial seedling weight. There were differences in C. lentillifera growth and nutritional content between the two treatments. Growth and mineral content were higher indoors; likely due to the presence of readily absorbed minerals in the substrate provided (a mixture of sand and coral fragments). Higher carotenoid and fibre content in C. lentillifera cultivated in coastal waters was likely due to carotenoid synthesis by the seaweed to protect chlorophyll from damage, and increased photosynthesis producing more complex carbohydrates (fibre). Although lower than in some previous studies, the mineral and fibre content of C. lentillifera in both treatments was higher than the levels found in most land plants seaweeds.