Proximate and mineral composition of Sargassum spp from Badagry coast, Lagos state

Sargassum spp., a brown seaweed, is utilized as food in many parts of the world due to its nutritional and mineral composition. This study investigated the proximate and mineral composition of Sargassum spp. collected from Suntan Beach, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. The samples Sargassum spp., a brown seaweed, is utilized as food in many parts of the world due to its nutritional and mineral composition. This study investigated the proximate and mineral composition of Sargassum spp. collected from Suntan Beach, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. The samples were dried, ground, and sieved, then analyzed for proximate composition using standard methods and for mineral composition using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results revealed that the seaweed contained 69.9% carbohydrate, 8.08% protein, 6.79% lipid, 3.60% moisture, and 6.47% ash. Mineral analysis indicated high concentrations of sodium (228.38 ppm) and magnesium (115.02 ppm), moderate calcium (96.40 ± 0.511 ppm), and low levels of iron (14.5 ± 0.577 ppm) and zinc (5.13 ± 0.326 ppm). Compared to Sargassum spp. from other regions, significant variations were observed in nutritional and mineral composition, likely due to environmental and geographical differences. These results highlight the nutritional potential of Sargassum spp. from Badagry as a valuable resource for food and health applications. Additionally, the study underscores its potential for environmental sustainability, given its ability to contribute to the blue economy. Further research is recommended to explore its bioactive compounds and to assess its potential for industrial and pharmaceutical applications.