Assessment of the energy potential as a solid biofuel of Sargassum spp. considering sustainability indicator

Abstract The present study evaluates the potential use of pelagic Sargassum spp. as a solid biofuel. Massive landings of these brown algae across the Atlantic have produced ecologic and economic problems since 2011. Sargassum biomass valorization could compensate for economic losses and reduce envir...

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Published inIOP conference series. Earth and environmental science Vol. 912; no. 1; pp. 12010 - 12016
Main Authors Ávalos-Betancourt, C A, López-Sosa, L B, Morales-Máximo, M, Aguilera-Mandujano, A, Corral-Huacuz, J C, Rodríguez-Martínez, R E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Bristol IOP Publishing 01.11.2021
Subjects
Algae
Alternative energy sources
Biodiesel fuels
Biofuels
Calorific value
Economic impact
Energy sources
Environmental impact
Low cost
Sargassum
Social factors
Socioeconomic factors
Sustainability
Volatiles
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Summary:Abstract The present study evaluates the potential use of pelagic Sargassum spp. as a solid biofuel. Massive landings of these brown algae across the Atlantic have produced ecologic and economic problems since 2011. Sargassum biomass valorization could compensate for economic losses and reduce environmental impacts. The production of biofuels could be one of its applications. This research consists of two stages: (a) the physical-energy characterization: morphology, humidity, ash, volatiles, and calorific value, and (b) an estimate of the energy potential of these algae, considering their removal from 600 kilometers of coastline along the Mexican Caribbean coast. An analysis of sustainability indicators considering socioeconomic aspects shows the benefits of using this resource in comparison with other types of low-cost biofuels that produce low environmental impact. The results show the pertinence of using Sargassum spp. as an alternative energy resource with low cost, low environmental impact, high accessibility, and added value for localities along the Mexican Caribbean.
ISSN:1755-1307
1755-1315
DOI:10.1088/1755-1315/912/1/012010