Exploring Sargassum's Many Applications: From Nuisance to Resource

The Future of Sargassum: Biofuels, Fertilizers, and Beyond

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-759-ECO
Published in 06-18-2025

For many coastal regions, particularly in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, the arrival of massive amounts of sargassum has become a seasonal nightmare. These brown algae cover beaches, affect tourism, threaten marine life due to oxygen depletion, and produce foul odors as they decompose. However, a growing number of scientists, entrepreneurs, and local communities are beginning to see the other side of the coin: sargassum can also be a valuable resource.

1- Agricultural use
Sargassum is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which makes it a potential organic fertilizer. In places like Mexico and Jamaica, farmers are experimenting with compost made from sargassum to improve soil conditions and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers.

2- Animal feed
Although it requires a detoxification process to remove heavy metals or excess salt, some research indicates that sargassum could be used as a base ingredient in feed for cattle, goats, and even fish.

Unlocking the Potential: Diverse Uses and Benefits of Sargassum

Photo: Naja Bertolt Jensen
3- Construction material
In Quintana Roo, Mexico, local startups have begun converting sargassum into bricks and eco-friendly blocks used in low-income housing. These materials are not only resistant to humidity but also help reduce the carbon footprint associated with conventional cement.

4- Cosmetic and pharmaceutical uses
Thanks to its high content of alginates, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, sargassum is being explored as an ingredient in creams, shampoos, soaps, and even dietary supplements. Some beauty brands have already started including seaweed extracts in their products due to their beneficial effects on the skin.

5- Bioenergy
Researchers from universities in Europe and Latin America are analyzing the feasibility of transforming sargassum into biogas or bioethanol. The process involves fermentation of its organic content to produce clean energy, presenting a green alternative to fossil fuels. For more on this topic, see this project from the University of Exeter: Clean Sargassum Energy.

6- Textile innovation
Although still in its early stages, there are promising initiatives that seek to use sargassum fibers in textile production. Some designers have experimented with biodegradable fabrics or blends of organic fibers reinforced with algae residues.

Challenges to overcome
Despite its potential, the industrial use of sargassum is not without obstacles. These include:
a) The variability of its composition depending on where and when it is collected
b) High transport and processing costs
c) Environmental risks associated with the extraction of sargassum from fragile ecosystems if not done responsibly

A call for innovation and sustainability
Transforming the problem of sargassum into opportunity requires collaboration among governments, scientists, local communities, and investors. It is not about -cleaning the beach and moving on-, but rather about building a circular and sustainable economy that benefits both people and the environment.

The brown algae that once only meant headaches may now offer a green future. What we do with it will define not only the resilience of coastal communities, but also our ability to adapt creatively to the challenges of climate change.