STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEAWEEDS OF NORTHERN SAMAR, PHILIPINES

The purpose of the study: In this work, the nutritional and elemental analysis of seaweeds in Northern Samar is analyzed. Methodology: The seaweeds of Northern Samar are collected from the intertidal zone, and it was brought back to the College of Science for taxonomic identity.   The nutritional and elemental content of the seaweeds were determined. Main findings: Based on the results obtained a total of 39 species belonging to eighteen (18) families of seaweeds were recorded from different coastal towns in Northern Samar, Philippines.  The results revealed that for seaweeds with the economic value the nutritional and elemental content is comparable to the unknown seaweeds with no economic value.     Implications: The results of the bioavailability of nutrients of this study might be the basis that unknown seaweeds with no economic value can be used directly in the diet and promote health advantage. Originality/Novelty of study: The seaweeds of Northern Samar are not properly documented in comparison with other marine flora.  The results demonstrated that some species of seaweeds collected in Northern Samar with no economic value could also accumulate non-essential elements.  Further studies would surely be a great contribution to our local food and pharmaceutical industries.&nbsp