Application of Sargassum in Compressed Earth Blocks: Benefits for the Circular Economy and Mitigation of Coastal Environmental Impacts.

• Grant number: 24/20536-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Joao Adriano Rossignolo
• Grantee: Jhade Iane Cunha Vimieiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/12355-0 - Increasing local preparedness to Sargassum tides in the Amazon and the Mexican Caribbean through enhanced monitoring and blue economies, AP.R

Abstract

This project presents an innovative approach to the sustainable utilization of pelagic Sargassum, a seaweed responsible for massive strandings along coastal regions, leading to significant environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The research focuses on evaluating the technical and environmental feasibility of incorporating Sargassum particles into compressed earth blocks (CEBs), with the aim of enhancing durability, promoting CO¿ sequestration, and supporting local economies in affected areas. The methodology includes collecting Sargassum biomass from the northern coast, as well as soil sampling. Material characterization will be conducted through physical, chemical, mineralogical, and physicochemical testing. Three mixture groups will be analyzed: a reference group and two experimental groups incorporating Sargassum (Group 1 - reference, Group 2 - untreated particles e Group 3 - treated particles). CEB durability will be tested through capillarity, droplet, accelerated aging erosion assessments and wetting and drying, complemented by microstructural analysis. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) will further evaluate the potential environmental impacts of each group, identifying and quantifying the environmental benefits of incorporating Sargassum biomass. The final output of this research seeks to address two critical gaps: providing a sustainable solution for Sargassum accumulation on beaches and advancing the development of construction techniques with reduced environmental impacts. (AU)