Seasonal changes effect on yield and quality of carrageenan from the Syrian
marine alga Hypnea musciformis were studied during 1 year. The carrageenan
yield varied from 31 to 46%. The maximum yield was recorded between April
and September, while l
ow carrageenant content was recorded in December.
The gel strength of carrageenan was maximum in September (260 g/cm²) and
minimum in March (90 g/cm²). The viscosity ranged from 22 to 44cP with a
peak recorded in September. Seasonal variations were not observed in the
gelling (42-50 C°) and melting (60-70 C°) temperatures of carrageenan. The
results indicate that Hypnea musciformis can be considered a good sources for
production of commercial carrageenan in future.
