Komposisi proksimat, mineral dan logam berat Sargassum polycystum di perairan Pulau Payata, Kabupaten Pohuwato Proximate composition, minerals, and heavy metals of Sargassum polycystum in Payata Island, Pohuwato Regency

Abstract

Sargassum polycystum is a type of brown seaweed that grows naturally in the waters of Payata Island, Pohuwato Regency. Although it is abundant, its use by coastal communities is still minimal. This type of seaweed has excellent potential as a food source due to its rich content of various essential nutritional components, including protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. This study was conducted to determine the nutritional content and safety of S. polycystum consumption through proximate analysis, mineral content, and heavy metals. Samples of fresh S. polycystum are taken directly from their natural habitat, dried, and analyzed in the laboratory using standard methods. The results of the analysis showed that dried S. polycystum had a moisture content of 12.80%, an ash content of 31.87%, a fat content of 0.60%, a protein content of 10.54%, a crude fiber content of 7.42%, and a carbohydrate content of 44.20%. The main mineral content found included calcium at 0.72%, magnesium at 216 mg/kg, sodium at 213 mg/kg, potassium at 114 mg/kg, and iron at 690 mg/kg. Some other micromineral elements, such as chromium, are also detected in small amounts, while selenium, zinc, boron, and cobalt are below the detection limits of the tool. In addition, heavy metal test results showed that the levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in S. polycystum were <0.030 mg/kg, <0.005 mg/kg, and <0.001 mg/kg, respectively, which means they are still well below the safe threshold for consumption. Based on these results, it can be concluded that Sargassum polycystum in the waters of Payata Island, Pohuwato Regency, not only has a reasonably high nutritional content but is also relatively safe for consumption. This potential opens up opportunities for its use as an alternative food ingredient or raw material for functional food products, offering economic value to coastal communities