3.2. Chemical composition of U. fasciata
The chemical composition of U. fasciata is summarized in
Table 1. The carbohydrate, protein and lipid content were found
to be 43 ± 4.5%, 14.4 ± 2.2% and 1.83 ± 0.3%, respectively on dry
weight basis. Wal et al. (2012) also reported similar chemical composition
in another closely related taxa U. lactuca. Kumar et al.
(2011) while studying the nutritional properties of different tropical
seaweeds reported slightly higher yields of carbohydrates ranging
from 46% to 57% on dry weight basis in different taxa of Ulva.
Although, the carbohydrate content in red and brown algae has
also been reported to be in the similar range to that of green algal
taxa U. fasciata, they are utilized for gelling applications in diverse
products and forms a basis for multibillion industry worldwide.
Therefore, diversification of these valuable biopolymers for bioethanol
production may seriously affect the existing industry and may