Tracking and Utilizing Sargassum, an Abundant Resource from the Caribbean Sea

Abstract

Due to climate change and its associated factors, there has been an increased influx of pelagic brown algae biomass drifting freely in the Caribbean Sea in recent years. Its use as an industrial recyclable material is feasible, although pelagic Sargassum species have Arsenic (As) heavy metal content; among 531 tested pesticide residues applied to vegetables, fruit, infant food, herbs, and spices, zero were found in Sargassum. Sargassum also contains sulfated polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, which are known to be beneficial immunomodulators. Our results thus suggest Sargassum to be a functionally useful organic material in small quantities as an additive in animal feed. With improved chemical extraction methods, it could also be highly effective in adjusted proportions in cosmetics and for other industrial uses. A viable solution for predicting and tracking the large-scale movements of algal masses is provided. Furthermore, a method for addressing increasing Sargassum influx is proposed via its use as an industrial recyclable material following composition analysis, evaluation and safety assessments for cosmetic use, and research and design of new beauty products and other functional cosmetics.

Brown algae invasions and bloom events need routine monitoring for effective adaptation

“…Costs of algae removal vary across geographical locations and species typesfrom $27 to $85 per ton. Several factors contribute to this variability, including differences in local labour and equipment costs, variations in the density and accessibility of algae, and the specific methodologies employed for removal [40,85]. Furthermore, environmental regulations governing removal can also differ from one jurisdiction to another, affecting the overall costs [86].…”