ALGAL BIOMASS FROM Fucus vesiculosus (Phaeophyta): INVESTIGATION OF THE MINERAL AND ALGINATE COMPONENTS

Abstract

Mineral composition of algal biomass from Fucus vesiculosus (the Baltic Sea, Estonia) is rich in light elements (Mg, K, Ca, Na) and halogens (Br, I). Arsenic content is also high (over 300 ppm); the content of other toxic elements (Hg, Sb, Se, etc.) is extremely low. Mineralization of the algal whole biomass does not depend on seasonal varieties. The content of α -L-guluronic acid residues, and therefore the viscosity of alginates from the Baltic F. vesiculosus, is relatively low. Viscosic properties depend significantly on the storing and processing conditions of biomass; the polymer chain of alginates from this brown alga species is especially sensitive to high isolation temperatures.