The cellulose contents of Indian seaweeds

摘要

Cellulose content as well as alpha (alpha) and beta (beta) celluloses were evaluated in 21 seaweed species belonging to different classes growing in Indian waters. The greatest yields of cellulose (crude) and beta-cellulose were obtained from Caulerpa taxifolia (approx. 11.0% and 5.2%, respectively), whilst alpha-cellulose (approx. 8.2%) was the greatest in Padina tetrastromatica. The lowest cellulose (crude), alpha- and beta- contents were recorded from the calcareous red alga Liagora ceranoides (approx. 0.85%, 0.62% and 0.18%, respectively). There was no variation in the yields of cellulose in the brown algae, whilst wide variations in the yields were found in the green and red algae.