Chemical composition of three species of Chlorophyta, Ulva lactuca, Ulva fasciata and Ulvaria oxysperma, was determined. Ulvaria oxysperma showed humidity (16-20%), ash (17-31% dry-base), proteins (6-10%db), lipids (0.5-3.2%db), fibers (3-12%db) and carbohydrates (46-72%db) which corresponded to 192-270 kcal.100g-1 (wet-base). U lactuca (15-18%db) and U fasciata (13-16%db) revealed grades slightly higher for proteins, but with similar energetic contents (250-272 and 225-239 kcal.100g-1), respectively. Natural blades of U lactuca and of U fasciata were more rigid than blades of U oxysperma. Other native algae showed higher protein levels. Ulvaria sp could be cultivated on the cotton-nylon net without having significance competition from other algae or predators degradation. On the other hand, it was essential choose a place without destructive tide action. Cultivated Ulvaria sp showed similar chemical composition as that grown on natural substrates.
Chemical composition; algae; Ulvaria; Ulva; Guaraqueçaba; Ilha do Mel
