Effects of selected environmental conditions on growth and carrageenan quality of laboratory-cultured Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta) in Fiji, South Pacific

The impacts of environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, and nutrients) on growth, semi-refined carrageenan yield, gel strengths, viscosity were assessed the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii in laboratory culture. Results showed that K. had a higher daily growth rate (0.94% day-1) at temperature (30 °C). Its yield was high (75.79%) combination low salinity (25 ppt) Conversely, strengths made out from cultured (24 °C) demonstrated compression (5.84 N) penetration strength (0.29 N). Highest (289.50 cP) attained temperature, nutrient concentration. Gels grown mixed with pineapple juice demonstrating extracted is good thickening agent for fruit jellies or similar food products do not require refrigeration. This could benefit communities rural, non-electrified communities/areas Fiji other South Pacific Islands use as an alternative gelling making contributing towards their economic security.