Group 6

SEAWEEDS
ABATO, ALEA, BUENAFE, CERILLES, FAJARDO, SANDOT
Marine photosynthetic organisms

According to Pfister in 2019, seaweeds are primary producers.

Reduce wave pressures Convert CO2 to organic compounds

Mitigate algal blooms by regulating nitrate and phosphate balances (Cotas et al., 2023)
Why are Seaweeds different
from plants?
 Seaweeds

Macrophytes are visible to the aquatic plants found in the

freshwater or marine environment.

Seaweeds are a type of macrophytes that can be specifically

found in the marine environment.
 Habitat

Mostly macrophytes can be found in freshwater

and marine ecosystems. In freshwater, they may
include submerged plants like water lilies, while in
marine environments, seaweeds dominate as
macrophytes.
 Types of Seaweeds
Seaweeds are classified into
three groups based on their
pigmentation:
Phaeophyta
Rhodophyta
Chlororphyta
 Ecological Importance

Macrophytes contribute significantly to the structure

and function of aquatic ecosystems

They provide habitat and shelter for various aquatic

organisms, including fish and invertebrates
 Ecological Importance

Macrophytes also play an important role in

nutrient cycling by absorbing nutrients from
the water and influencing sediment dynamics.
 Environmental
Monitoring

The presence and health of the macrophytes,

including the seaweeds, because they serve as
indicators of the overall health of the aquatic
ecosystems.
 Aquaculture
Seaweeds are cultivated in aquaculture for a
number of reasons, such as human consumption,
the extraction of bioactive substances, and the
improvement of water quality in fish farms
through nutrient absorption.
Different kinds of seaweeds
and their characteristics
Red Seaweeds
(Rhodophyta)
Red
RedSeaweeds
Seaweeds(Rhodophyta)
(Rhodophyta)
1.

Nori Porphyra umbilicalis

This seaweed is widely used in Japanese cuisine,
particularly for wrapping sushi. Nori sheets are
dark green to black in color and are rich in
protein, vitamins (especially vitamin B12), and
minerals.
Red
RedSeaweeds
Seaweeds(Rhodophyta)
(Rhodophyta)
2.
Irish Moss
Chondrus crispus

Known for its carrageenan

content, which is used as a
vegetarian gelatin substitute in
foods and cosmetics. Irish Moss
is reddish-purple and has a
rubbery texture.
Green Seaweeds
(Chlorophyta)
Green
Red Seaweeds
Seaweeds(Rhodophyta)
(Chlorophyta)

Sea Lettuce
1. Ulva lactuca

True to its name, it resembles a

green leafy vegetable and is
often used in salads and soups.
It's thin, translucent, and vibrant
green, indicating its rich
chlorophyll content.
Green Seaweeds (Chlorophyta)

2.
Enteromorpha
Ulva intestinalis
This seaweed, often found in
tidal pools, looks like green tubes
or intestines. It's an indicator of
nutrient-rich waters and is
sometimes used in biofilters to
purify water.
Brown Seaweeds
(Phaeophyta)
Brown Seaweeds (Phaeophyta)
1.

horsetail Kelp Laminaria spp.

Kelps are large, fast-growing seaweeds that form
underwater forests, which are vital habitats for
marine life. They are rich in iodine and alginates,
used in food and cosmetic industries.
Brown Seaweeds (Phaeophyta)
2.

Fucus Fucus vesiculosus

Also known as bladderwrack, it's easily recognizable
by its air bladders, which help it float. Fucus is used in
traditional medicine and dietary supplements,
particularly for thyroid health.
General Characteristics
of Seaweeds
Photosynthetic

Thallus Structure

Pigmentation

Reproduction
Specific Characteristics
by Type
 Red Seaweeds
Pigments: Phycoerythrin (giving them
their red color) and phycocyanin

Cell Walls: Agar and Carrageenan

 Green Seaweeds
Pigments: Chlorophyll a and b

Habitat: Mostly found in shallow waters

where light penetration is high
 Brown Seaweeds
Pigments: Fucoxanthin and chlorophyll

Storage: Store energy as laminarin

and mannitol
Environmental and
Economic Role

Ecosystem Services

Climate Change Mitigation

Sustainable Resource
 Major Pigments
found in seaweeds

Chlorophylls A and C
Carotenoids
Phycobilins
Xanthophylls
Chlorophyllides
 1.

Red Algae Rhodophyta

Predominant Pigments: Chlorophyll a, phycocyanin,
phycoerythrin.

Colors: Red, purple, or brown.

2.

Green Algae Chlorophyta

Predominant Pigments: Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b,
β-carotene, xanthophylls.

Colors: Green
 3.

Brown Algae Phaeophyta

Predominant Pigments: Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll
c, fucoxanthin.

Colors: Brown.
Thank
You!
GROUP - 6