SUMMARY
Mineral values and seasonal fluctuations of Porphyra columbina, an edible marine algae from the Southern Argentine coast
Porphyra columbina (Rodophyta Bangiales), one of the most mportant edible seaweeds, grows abundantly in the southern Argentine coast. Their mineral content and seasonal fluctuations were determined because there is no national data about their nutritional value. Samples were collected from April 1993 to February 1994 from Golfo San Jorge (30 Km South of Comodoro Rivadavia). Algae were washed with sea water and dried at room temperature (20-2 ºC) for 24 hs, following the local processing procedure. Moisture and ashes were determined according to A.O.A.C. After mineralization with nitric acid sodium and potassium were determined by flame photometry; calcium, magnesium and iron by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS); and phosphorus by Gomori's method. The results, expressed per 100g dry algae showed the following values: moisture content: 7,03 to 11,00 g/100g; ashes: 16,18 to 22,70 g/100g; sodium: 3,18 to 6,41 g/100g; potassium 1,24 to 1,96 g/100g; magnesium: 600 to 836 mg/100g; phosphorus: 78 to 276 mg/100g; calcium: 63 to 108 mg/100g and iron: 3,9 to 26,4 mg/100g. The results of composition of algae as manufactured in the region showed important seasonal differences, with the highest values of ashes, sodium, potassium and magnesium in winter season (June and July).

Key words: Red algae, Porphyra columbina, mineral, Palagonic Coast.



Recibido: 09/03/1998
Aceptado: 28/07/1998

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