500K Tons of Seaweed Threatening Quintana Roo Coastline

The Quintana Roo Citizen Sargasso Observatory has issued a warning about an impending massive influx of sargasso seaweed. Over half a million tons of the seaweed are currently advancing towards the coastlines of Quintana Roo.

According to the observatory's latest report, a significant amount of pelagic sargasso is floating approximately 100 kilometers east of the Guanaja and Roatán Islands in the Honduran Caribbean. Ocean currents and prevailing winds are expected to push this mass towards the waters of the Mexican Caribbean within the next few weeks.

The University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Laboratory is tracking this vast sargasso mass. The sargasso season in Quintana Roo typically runs from April to September, with the highest concentration of seaweed usually observed in May, June, and July. However, the exact timing can vary from year to year.

Sargasso is known for its rapid growth rate, with the ability to double its biomass in less than 20 days under favorable conditions. As the macroalgae decompose on the shore, they consume large amounts of oxygen, leading to anoxia and the release of toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. These gases pose a significant threat to human health and are responsible for the mass death of various species.

The decomposition process also releases excess nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as fertilizers for further growth of the seaweed. This leads to the production of leachate, sulfhydric acid, and arsenic, substances responsible for the rotten smell commonly associated with some tourist destinations.

Moreover, improper disposal of sargasso contributes to environmental pollution. It can introduce heavy metals like cadmium and lead, as well as harmful bacteria, into the environment.