Off the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, an autonomous marine robot battles large accumulations of slippery, sulfur-smelling algae known as sargassum.
This natural phenomenon plays a vital role in CO₂ absorption, but represents an invasive threat that negatively affects marine ecosystems. The presence of sargassum has important ecological repercussions, particularly its adverse role on local biodiversity.
AlgaRay: an autonomous marine robot
[post_relacionado]In this scenario, cleanup operations translate into high costs, altering the dynamics of the tourism and fishing industries. However, technological innovation offers a glimmer of hope through a recent project: an aquatic robot designed to counteract this problem, called AlgaRay, which emerges as a viable solution to alleviate the impact of sargassum.
In collaboration with Seaweed Generation (SG), a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable exploitation of marine plants for the mitigation and elimination of carbon emissions, has developed AlgaRay. A prototype inspired by manta rays, because it simulates the movement and filtering function of these creatures in its design and operation.
Eiminates and spreads algae on the seabed
How does it manage to do so? Its design allows it to collect the sargassum algae until it reaches its maximum capacity, and then descend to the depth of the ocean. However, the next step is important, because the water pressure compresses the air chambers of the sargassum, preventing its buoyancy. Upon completion, it releases the contents and deposits them on the ocean floor.
According to research by the University of Exeter Y Seaweed Generation, the robot can perform this process four to six times per hour, supported by an energy infrastructure that includes solar photovoltaic panels, lithium batteries and navigation systems linked to StarlinkThis allows it to operate with almost uninterrupted efficiency.
However, intervention in marine ecosystems requires careful consideration due to their complexity and fragility. The creators of AlgaRay are fully aware of the need to avoid reckless actions that could increase CO₂ deposition in the deep ocean. The increase in sargassum proliferation, exacerbated by human activity, is already a significant global challenge.
Benefits and environmental consequences of sargassum
From Seaweed Generation, Paddy Estridge and Blythe Taylor warn about the environmental, social and economic consequences of massive accumulations of sargassum. For example, when they decompose on the coasts, they release noxious gases that seriously affect marine fauna. Acting quickly and cautiously, taking care of marine biomass in the deep ocean,is crucial to prevent adverse impacts on the environment and biodiversity.
Estridge and Taylor emphasize the need for a cautious approach and thorough monitoring in the management of sargassum, as its effects on the marine ecosystem are not yet fully understood. The SG plans contemplate an operation of such a scale that allows for the evaluation and monitoring of any environmental changes.
In addition, the development of larger versions of the robot, with greater sargassum collection capabilities, is anticipated, which will not only address the problem of invasion of these algae, but will also contribute to the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
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Source: University of Exeter