Angiospermas marinhas do Ceará-Brasil: potencial nutricional, percepção ambiental e contribuições para a conservação de megaherbívoros marinhos

Abstract

The present study addresses the importance of seagrass meadows, highlighting the vital role of seagrassess in feeding, protecting marine organisms and promoting biodiversity. However, these plants face several threats, such as coastal deforestation, urbanization, and pollution, which compromise their integrity. In addition, there is a gap in knowledge about the nutritional composition of these plants, considering their food importance, especially for megaherbivores such as manatees and green turtles. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the nutritional composition, minerals and fatty acid profile of five species of seagrassess. To this end, methodologies were used that included the extraction of chemical compounds from aerial and underground parts, and from the whole plant, varying according to the species. Additionally, an environmental perception study was conducted to describe the knowledge of residents of the municipality of Icapuí - Ceará about seagrassess. In this evaluation, the comparative cognition approach was applied. The results indicated that the seagrassess presented moderate levels of protein, high levels of fiber and low levels of ether extract, with a significant amount of fatty acids, with emphasis on oleic acid and palmitic acid. It was observed that the highest amount of Crude Protein (CP) and Gross Energy (GE) was measured in the aerial part, while the contents of Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Mineral Matter (MM) were higher in the underground part in the species of the genus Halodule. In addition, significant differences were identified in the contents of Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Boron (B) between the plant parts. When considering the analysis of the five species in its entirety, it was found that the contents of S, Mn and B showed significant variations between the species. Additionally, it was found that the elements P, Mn and B predominated in the aerial part, while Mg, S and Fe were more abundant in the subterranean part of the genus Halodule. Regarding the results from the environmental perception study, 98% of the interviewees stated that they knew seagrassess, with seagrass (Halodule wrightii) being the most frequently mentioned species. Among the benefits attributed to these plants, the following stand out: shelter, maintenance of environmental balance, water purification, supply of food for marine fauna and coastal protection. Approximately 47% of the participants stated that they had observed a reduction in seagrasses meadows in the region. The study underscores the nutritional importance of seagrassess, as well as their crucial role in coastal protection and the livelihoods of local communities. It should be added that the information obtained in this study may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the feeding ecology of megaherbivores and it is hoped that the data presented here will serve as a basis for future investigations aimed at sustainable conservation and management.