Sargassum flood threatens Caribbean: health risks for vacationers!

Sargassum flood threatens Caribbean: health risks for vacationers!

The current occurrence of Sargassum, a genre of floating brown algae, is an ever increasing challenge for the Caribbean and adjacent coastal regions. According to estimates, around 38 million tons of Sargassum are currently working in the sea, which exceeds the previous record of 22 million tons from 2022. According to a report by the Süddeutsche Zeitung this algae-Totpich extends to the Caribb. Open Atlantic, such as on the height of Brazil. While the algae serve as a living space for many marine life, they are transformed into a significant problem on land.

The accumulation of Sargassum on beaches, especially on the Mexican Peninsula Yucatán and in Puerto Rico, rotten and released harmful gases such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. These gases can cause respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological problems in humans. Sensitive groups are particularly at risk, including children, older people and people with chronic diseases. An example from the French Caribbean, where a school had to close due to the faded air, shows the health risks. In 2018 there were over 11,000 reports of acute hydrogen sulfide exposure in Martinique and Guadeloupe, reported the USA .

The causes of algae growth

The rapid growth of Sargassum is favored by several factors. According to scientists, warming of the oceans has been a decisive factor since 2023. Higher water temperatures promote the multiplication of algae. A possible source of nutrients are rivers such as the Amazon and the Mississippi, which lead fertilizers and industrial wastes into the sea. This over -fertilization contributes to massive algae growth. The US Oceanographers have found that the golf rods in the Sargassum belt contain more phosphorus and nitrogen than the Sargasose lake.

For algae growth, mineral nutrients, carbon dioxide and light energy are important. In many coastal regions, however, excessive algae growth also leads to practical problems, such as in cooling towers, where it can hinder the operating sequence. Algicides are available, but can be harmful to the environment. It is therefore important to tackle the causes of algae growth in order to reduce the need for chemical fighting means, explains the Environmental Authority .

health risks and measures

The health risks associated with Sargassum occurrence range from skin irritation from organisms living in the algae to more serious diseases due to the inhalation of poisonous gases. In particular, pregnant women can be exposed to a higher risk of premature birth complications. Sargassum can also enrich heavy metals such as arsenic and organic compounds such as chlordecones, which recover health risks when eating seafood.

In order to minimize the health risks, people should avoid lively beach areas with excessive coffin and wear protective clothing when handling the algae. Local health and environmental protection authorities issue guidelines to draw the population aware of the risks and to promote safe use.

To get rid of the algae, various measures are taken in the Caribbean. These include the use of spoon excavators and barriers in the sea and the use of a special ship for coastal cleaning in the French Caribbean. Studies on potential uses of Sargassum, such as biomass or in the pharmaceutical industry, are also employed, but the health risks, in particular the high arsenic content, remain a worrying topic.