The biochemical composition of Enteromorpha spp. from the Gulf of Gdańsk coast on the southern Baltic Sea

Variations in lipid, protein and carbohydrate contents of Enteromorpha spp. were examined over a seven-month period from April to October 1993. The samples were collected from seven sampling stations along the Gulf of Gdańsk coast. The lipid content was low and varied slightly from 3.47±1.76% of DW at Puck to 4.36±2.17% of DW at Rewa and Chałupy. The protein content varied from 9.42±4.62% of DW at Puck to 20.60±5.00% of DW at Jurata. At the remaining stations the values vary over a narrow range. The maximum protein contents were recorded at the beginning and end of the growing season. The level of carbohydrate was very high compared to that of lipid and protein and varied from 29.09±6.44% of DW at Osłonino to 39.81±11.15% of DW at Puck. Seasonal carbohydrate changes were noted at all sampling stations, the minimum occurring in spring and autumn and the maximum in summer.