Abstract
Large volumes of pelagic Sargassum spp. have stranded periodically on the Mexican Caribbean shoreline. The aim of this research was to study the mobility of metals through the leachates released into the environment during the natural decomposition process of Sargassum spp. Fresh Sargassum samples were placed in cone-bed reactors: under laboratory and local environmental conditions. The leachate generated naturally by decomposition in both conditions was recovered periodically and analyses of pH, volume, and metal content were carried out. Sargassum biomass was monitored by electron microscopy, FT-IR, and CHNS analysis. The Sargassum biomass studied presented a C: N ratio of 24.39, making it a potential raw feedstock for biofuels and other value-added products. Calculations performed on leachate production allowed inferring that each ton of fresh Sargassum that decomposes at a controlled temperature of 27°C can produce 316 L of leachate. This leachate can contain 5.67g of As and other potentially toxic metals (e.g., B, Al, Cu). At the end of both experiments, the biomass that was incubated for 30days presented a C: N ratio of 28.86, so it can still be used as raw material for biofuels; however, the Sargassum biomass that remained 180days in incubation decreased its C:N ratio at 8.45 at this point, it can be considered a waste. The leachate generated during the natural decomposition process of Sargassum on beaches or disposal sites represents a high risk of contamination of the Yucatan Peninsula water system due to the high content of arsenic and the presence of potentially toxic metals.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.