Sargassum Biofuel Approach to Green Energy
Exploring a biorefinery approach for the extraction of valuable substances from sargassum and its conversion into biofuel. Read more about their innovative solution to the negative impact of sargassum invasions.
Researchers from Universidad Federico Henríquez y Carvajal (UFHEC) are exploring a biorefinery approach for the extraction of valuable substances from sargassum and the conversion of residual biomass into biofuel using low-impact technologies. Yessica Castro, a UFHEC researcher, highlights that sargassum is a species-rich in bioactive substances and nutrients, making it an ideal source for green energy production.
Sargassum is an invasive species that affect the beaches of the east and south coasts of the Dominican Republic. It negatively impacts tourism, fishing, biodiversity, and the health of nearby communities. UFHEC, in collaboration with the University of Calabria in Italy, is investigating non-conventional extraction techniques to recover polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties with nutraceutical potential, among other valuable substances.
The goal of the research is to find out what the best conditions are for turning biomass into biofuel through anaerobic digestion, to measure the energy yield of residual sargassum through thermal, physical, and chemical pretreatment, and to create an open database with information about the seasonal and geographical makeup of sargassum on the north and south coasts of the Dominican Republic.
The researchers think that biogas made from marine algae and organic matrices like sargassum can help meet the growing energy needs of the world and help meet international goals for renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. William Camilo from UFHEC, Engineer Rosy Paletta, and Engineer Pierpaolo Fillipenlli from the University of Calabria are all working on the project together.
