Influence of salinity on growth, pigments and k-carrageenan contents of Hypnea valentiae (Turn.) Mont.

Abstract

The red alga Hypnea valentiae collected in the backwaters of Muttukadu was investigated in different salinities under laboratory conditions. The alga showed growth between 20 and 60 ppt salinities. The amount of photosynthetic pigments such as Chl-a, PE and APC was more under higher salinities (above 35 ppt salinity), however, the production of PC was not markedly affected under higher salinities. Maximum amount of total carbohydrate (GAI) and 3, 6 AG was recorded at 30 ppt and 40 ppt salinities respectively. Higher and lower salinities enhanced the production of SO sub(4) of k-carrageenan