Application of Stranded Pelagic Sargassum Biomass as Compost for Seedling Production in the Context of Mangrove Restoration

The Sargassum spp. inundations across the Atlantic and Caribbean that began in 2011 have continued unabated, new uses for biomass are being continuously explored. Mangroves protect shorelines, store carbon, enhance water quality, promote biodiversity. Their restoration can be hindered by poor soils associated with urbanized coastlines. application form of mulch, compost, plant tonics has yielded positive results a range plants. As part transforming to benefit communities, compost (SC) was assessed mangrove seedling production restoration. Pure SC mixed soil/sand medium, as different treatments, Rhizophora mangle seedlings “wet” “dry” nurseries. Plants nursery performed poorly, 90–100% plants 50 100% SC, respectively, dying after 6 weeks. Seedlings all treatments survived obvious statistically significant treatment differences. Height number leaves indicated best growth 75% treatment, while control (0% SC) had poorest growth. Seedling health, greatest control, SC. Elemental analysis seedlings, medium several elements (Na, K, Ca, As, Se) found high concentrations were low Overall, sequestration reported ability reduce element mobilization through chelation indicate potential use soil amelioration without proportional contamination ecosystem. We see nuisance blooms support restoration, leading increased benefits coastal communities affected inundations.