SEASONAL INVESTIGATION OF THE PROTEIN, CARBOHYDRATE AND LIPID CONTENS OF DOMINANT MACROALGAE ON THE WESTERN COAST OF THE BLACK SEA

Abstract

In this study, the ecological features and total protein, carbohydrate and lipid amounts of the dominant macroalgal species of the western Black Sea coast were investigated. Seasonal samplings were carried out at five coastal stations (Sts. Igneada, Kiyikoy, Yalikoy, Karaburun, Kilyos) between November 2012 and August 2013. After the examination of the collected samples, 25 macroalgal species belonging to 9 families and 11 genera were determined. The highest protein content has been determined in the summer season sampling of Callithamnion corymbosum with a percentage of 47.09% (St. Igneada), while the lowest one has been determined in the winter season sampling of Corallina officinalis with a percentage of 0.10% (St. Yalikoy). The highest proportion in carbohydrate content was observed in Ceramium virgatum (87.02%) collected in summer at Kilyos station, while the lowest one has been found in Cystoseira barbata (2.60%) which was sampled in the autumn season at Karaburun station. The highest lipid ratio has been found in summer in Callithamnion corymbosum (22.04%, St. Igneada), and the lowest ratio has been found in spring in Ulva compressa (0.75%, St. Kilyos). The sea temperature values varied between 6.71 degrees C-25.02 degrees C, the salinity varied between 11.95-16.54%o, the dissolved oxygen varied between 6.95-14.61mg/L and the pH values varied between 4.67-7.28 during the study.