Antonio Spence- 620147013
Abrianna Harris- 620172801
Khelon Jones- 620162705
Lemar Smith- 620168934
Anthony Ameeral- 620173606
The University of the West Indies
FOUN1014: Critical Reading and Writing in Science and Technology and Medical Science
Ms. Shyrell Dean
February 10, 2025
Topic:
Evaluating the effectiveness of algae as a nutritional source for human and livestock consumption
while addressing biotic pollution
The rhetorical passage focused on innovations useful in everyday practices and
manufacturing practices, particularly providing sustainable alternatives to reduce the
environmental burden generated by said practices. It stimulated thoughts related to climate-smart
practices, food security, and technological innovations. Before generating a topic, we perused
scientific journals published on various websites and we held discussions with lecturers conducting
research in the area that fascinated us.
Our research proposal aims to address oceanic biotic pollution, with a particular focus on
Sargassum species of algae, which poses environmental threats and has economic potential.
Additionally, it will address issues surrounding carbon emissions via the use of alternative,
sustainable food sources to enhance efficiency in the food industry while mitigating oceanic
pollution. Preliminary research shows that Sargassum is prevalent in the Caribbean and is linked
to many environmental problems due to its invasive nature. The overgrowth of Sargassum also
negatively impacts tourism and fishing industries. Our research will explore the feasibility of
repurposing Sargassum as an alternative food source to mitigate biotic pollution while enhancing
economic and environmental sustainability.
The idea stems from the Eastern norm of including algae in the primary diet of not only
humans but also livestock. We aim to evaluate the merit behind consuming Sargassum to reduce
its harmful effect on the oceanic environment. In doing so we would share a possible solution to
biotic pollution caused by the overgrowth of Sargassum algae by introducing the species as an
alternate food source to be cultivated and distributed commercially. To support our study, we will
utilize secondary data sources based on their relevance, recency, and correlation with the objectives
of the research. The synthesis of the data from these sources should present information regarding
the potential of Sargassum as a sustainable food alternative. This approach intends to appeal to the
logical and scientific approach of our proposal while addressing the environmental concern. The
internet will be used as a tool to search for said articles and articles will be narrowed down for use
based on their relevance, publishing date, and degree of correlation to both variables of the
proposal.
References
Ahmed. I., Damilola, A., Toyosi, G., Ayse, S., Musefiu, A., Eylem, A. (2024). Algae as a potential
source of protein: A review on cultivation, harvesting, extraction, and applications. Algal
Research,
Volume
77.
103329,
ISSN
2211-9264,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103329.
Ashfaq, A., Syed, A. (2023) Sustainable food and feed sources from microalgae: Food security
and
the
circular
bioeconomy.
Algal
Research,
103185,
ISSN
2211-9264,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2023.103185.
Clayton, B. R. (2023, May 12). Sargassum invading Jamaica’s beaches. Jamaica Observer.
Sargassum invading Jamaica's beaches
Choi, Y. Y., Lee, S. J., Kim, H. S., Eom, J. S., Kim, D. H., & Lee, S. S. (2020). The potential
nutritive value of Sargassum fulvellum as a feed ingredient for ruminants. Algal
Research, 45, 101761.
Fu, C., Frappi, S., Havlik, M. N., Howe, W., Harris, S. D., Laiolo, E., Gallagher, A. J., Masqué,
P., & Duarte, C. M. (2023). Substantial blue carbon sequestration in the world's largest
seagrass meadow. Communications Earth & Environment, 4, 474. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-023-01154-0
Saadaoui, Imen & Rasheed, Rihab & Aguilar, Ana & Cherif, Maroua & Aljabri, Hareb & Sayadi,
Sami & Manning, Schonna. (2021). Microalgal-based feed: promising alternative
feedstocks for livestock and poultry production. Journal of Animal Science and
Biotechnology. 12. 76. 10.1186/s40104-021-00593-z.
Tan, J. S., Lee, S. Y., Chew, K. W., Lam, M. K., Lim, J. W., Ho, S. H., & Show, P. L. (2020). A
review on microalgae cultivation and harvesting, and their biomass extraction processing
using ionic liquids. Bioengineered. https://doi.org/10.1080/21655979.2020.1711626
Tsai, D. D. W., Chen, P. H., Chou, C. M. J., Hsu, C. F., & Ramaraj, R. (2015). Carbon
sequestration by algae ecosystems. Ecological Engineering, 84, 386-389.
Western Central Atlantic Fishery Commission. (n.d.). Impacts of Sargassum on marine resources
in the region and utilization of initiatives. Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United
Nations.
Retrieved
from
https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/67016b1b-08d1-4770-ae4a014ba40e461c/content?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Wu, J. Y., Tso, R., Teo, H. S., & Haldar, S. (2023). The utility of algae as sources of high value
nutritional ingredients, particularly for alternative/complementary proteins to improve
human
health.
Frontiers
in
nutrition,
10,
1277343.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1277343
Yende, S. R., Harle, U. N., & Chaugule, B. B. (2014). Therapeutic potential and health benefits
of Sargassum species. Pharmacognosy reviews, 8(15), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.4103/09737847.125514