Recently, the Caribbean coasts have been impacted by the arrival of high amounts of macroalgae, specifically species of the pelagic genus Sargassum which arrive during certain seasons. This phenomenon has caused a strong negative effect not only on the environment and public health but also on the tourism industry. There are some days in the year that the Sargassum arrival reaches tens of tons per day, generating a final disposal problem and effects on the landscape aesthetics of the beaches. Since then, several questions arose regarding the origin of the high volume arrival, the suitable handle and their possible sustainable uses. It is well known that macroalgaes chemical composition is diverse and complex, and these properties will change depending not only on the species but also the season and place of the arrival. The diversity of the chemical compounds in the Sargassum, could position it as a good candidate to obtain natural derivatives, such as new chemical compounds and materials with high commercial value. The main objective of the symposium is to generate a space of connivance and exchange of experiences between researchers, students, and industry, experts in the topics of characterization, analysis, materials and application of Sargassum. The aim is to stimulate the transfer of knowledge between experts, promoting the growth of this field of study. Also, it could lead to future collaboration links between groups. This symposium will allow the presentation of not only fundamental research studies but also novel applications of Sargassum and its derivatives.

SYMPOSIUM TOPICS

• Fundamentals studies of the Sargassum origin.
• Chemical, physical and bromatological characterization of Sargassum species.
• Materials and chemicals obtained Sargassum.
• Applications of Sargassum and its derivatives in energy, agriculture, construction, environment, food, pharmaceutical, polymers, and more.
• Industry development: case of studies.
• Sargassum economy.
• Impact studies of Sargassum: social, economic, and environmental.

INVITED SPEAKERS

• Brigitta Van Tusssenbroek (Unam, Mexico)
• Maria L. Auad (Auburn University, United States)
• Dalila Aldana (Cinvestav-Merida, Mexico)
• Judith Rosellon Druker (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia – CONACYT)
• Jaap Van Hal (T N O, The Netherlands)
• Mayra Polett Gurrola (Tecnm / Campus Chetumal, Mexico)
• Linda Amaral (Royal Netherlands Institute For Sea Research, The Netherlands)
• Alberto Pereira Corona (Universidad de Quintana Roo, Mexico)

For more information: https://www.mrs-mexico.org.mx/imrc2022/symposium-C2