Distribution of Economically Important Algae in India

1. DISTRIBUTION OF ECONOMICALLY
IMPORTANT ALGAE IN INDIA
Unit I
VBT315

2. Introduction
• Algae play a crucial role in various economic
sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals,
biofuels, and environmental management.

3. Here's a list of economically important
algae:
• Chlorella:
– Widely used as a dietary supplement due to its high protein content, vitamins,
and minerals.
– Potential for biofuel production.
• Spirulina:
– Used as a dietary supplement for its high protein and nutrient content.
– Also explored for biofuel production.
• Diatoms:
– Diatomaceous earth, composed of fossilized diatoms, is used in various
industrial applications, including filtration and abrasives.
• Porphyra (Nori):
– Used in the production of sushi wrappers (nori) in the food industry.
• Gracilaria:
– Used in the production of agar, a gelatinous substance with applications in the
food and pharmaceutical industries.

4. Here's a list of economically important
algae:
• Ascophyllum nodosum:
– A brown seaweed used in agriculture as a soil conditioner and
fertilizer.
• Gelidium:
– Used in the production of agar, similar to Gracilaria.
• Ecklonia:
– Brown algae with potential applications in agriculture for its
allelopathic effects and as a source of bioactive compounds.
• Haematococcus pluvialis:
– Used for the production of astaxanthin, a high-value antioxidant
used in aquaculture and nutraceuticals.
• Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss):
– Used in the food industry as a thickening agent and stabilizer.

5. Here's a list of economically important
algae:
• Ulva lactuca (Sea Lettuce):
– Consumed as a source of food in some cultures.
– Can be used as a biofertilizer.
• Botryococcus braunii:
– A green microalga with potential for biofuel production due to
its high lipid content.
• Nannochloropsis:
– Used in the production of biofuels and high-value compounds
like omega-3 fatty acids.
• Isochrysis:
– Used as feed in aquaculture due to its nutritional value.
• Chondrus crispus (Irish Moss):
– Used in the food industry as a thickening agent and stabilizer.

6. Algal Distribution in India
• India is rich in diverse ecosystems, providing a
favorable environment for the growth of
various algae species.
• The distribution of economically important
algae in India can vary based on factors such
as climate, water conditions, and regional
preferences.

7. PRESENTATION TITLE 7
body of water

8. Distribution
The most important area along the coast of India where the marine algae occur in
abundance are:
1. Okha Port and Dwarka along the Gujarat Coast
2. Karwar along the West coast
3. Chennai, Kovelonge, Mahabalipuram, Tuticorin and Cap comorine along the
Tamil Nadu coast
4. The Islands of the Gulf of Mannar viz. Pamban and Rameshwaram and a group of
coral Island. viz. Krushadai, Shingle and Pallivasal Island
5. Visakhapatnam coast in Andhra Pradesh
6. Sunderban of West Bengal. Among archipelagos around the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands in the east and the Lakshadweep in the west also support
number of marine algae.
In India ca 7411 species (14.98%) belonging to 735 genera are recorded and described
which are reflected under 206 families.

9. Algal Distribution in India-Here are some examples of
economically important algae in India and their general distribution
• Spirulina:
– Cultivated in several states, including Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
– Thrives in warm, alkaline water.
• Chlorella:
– Grown in various regions, often in controlled environments
like ponds.
– Suitable for cultivation in different climatic conditions.
• Porphyra (Nori):
– Coastal regions of states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and
Maharashtra.
– Cultivated in shallow seawater.

10. Algal Distribution in India-Here are some examples of
economically important algae in India and their general distribution
• Gracilaria:
– Coastal areas of states like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and
Maharashtra.
– Grows well in brackish water and is used for agar production.
• Kappaphycus alvarezii:
– Cultivated in coastal regions, especially in states like Tamil Nadu
and Andhra Pradesh.
– Used for carrageenan production.
• Ulva lactuca (Sea Lettuce):
– Found along the coasts of India.
– Can be harvested for various purposes, including human
consumption and biofertilizer.

11. Algal Distribution in India-Here are some examples of
economically important algae in India and their general distribution
• Eucheuma cottonii:
– Cultivated in coastal regions, particularly in states with
suitable climatic conditions.
– Used for carrageenan extraction.
• Caulerpa:
– Found in coastal areas and can be harvested for various
purposes.
– Some species may be used in the food industry.
• Botryococcus braunii:
– Suitable for cultivation in freshwater environments.
– Research and cultivation projects may be found in different
states.

12. Places of algal interest
PRESENTATION TITLE 12

13. Summary
• It's important to note that the distribution of
economically important algae can change over
time due to cultivation practices, research
initiatives, and market demands.
• Additionally, the development of algae-based
industries and aquaculture practices
contributes to the dynamic distribution of
these species across various regions in India.

14. Thank you