Estimation of Major Pigment Content in Seaweeds Collected from Pondicherry Coast

The importance of marine algae as sources of natural pigments has been well recognized due to their valuable beneficial effects infood, feed and pharmaceuticals. In the present study, six seaweeds namely Cheatomorpha antennina, Enteromorpha intestinalis,Grateloupia lithophila, Hypnea valentiae, Padina gymnospora, Ulva fasciata were collected from the shores of Pondicherry coast andthe major photosynthetic pigment content were estimated. Among the investigated seaweeds Cheatomorpha antennina showedmaximum total chlorophyll content 0.68±0.01 mgg-1 and Padina gymnospora showed the maximum carotenoid content 0.63±0.02 mgg-1. Seaweeds with rich pigment content can be as supplementary diet.