Feasibility Study of a Full Scale Seaweed Compost System
Full proposal Submitted to the HCSHWM on March 24, 2021
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Helena Solo-Gabriele, University of Miami, Dept. of Chemical, Environmetal, and Materials Engineering, hmsolo@miami.edu, 305-284-3467
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Peter Swart, University of Miami, Dept. of Marine Geosciences – Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, pswart@rsmas.miami.edu
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Amanda Oehlert, University of Miami, Dept. of Marine Geosciences – Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, aoehlert@rsmas.miami.edu
Co-Principal Investigator: Dr. Trent Blare, University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center, tblare@ufl.edu
Lead Graduate Student: Afeefa Abdool-Ghany, University of Miami, Dept. of Chemical, Environmetal, and Materials Engineering , aaa625@miami.edu
Abstract
Sargassum spp. has been “invading” the beaches across Florida in recent years during spring and summer months. Massive strandings have left municipalities unable to deal with the problem. Ft. Lauderdale, however, has tackled the problem by implementing a unique and sustainable practice of composting. For the past 13 years, Ft. Lauderdale has implemented this practice, which has been successful in removing the large strandings of Sargassum at the beach and have fine-tuned the process controlling smaller deposits to optimize beach ecology and aesthetics. If other municipalities around South Florida were to follow suit with this example, there will be more space in landfills and a maintained tourist appeal. The objective of this proposal is to assess the feasibility of a full scale seaweed compost system. The project will be divided into two phases. The first phase will involve performing an economic analysis on the operation that Ft. Lauderdale has been running, and to examine the logistics behind the operation. Part of this phase will include examining the markets for substitute products for seaweed compost to determine the potential revenue from the sale of the compost. The second phase will include analyzing samples from the Ft. Lauderdale compost piles to document its quality. Each of the samples collected during phase II will be analyzed for bulk physical-chemical properties of the compost (including salinity), nutrients (including carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus), and bacteria. Results will be compared to the U.S Composting Council (USCC) requirements and to sewage sludge land application guidelines (Class A biosloids). Sargassum composting has the potential to preserve landfill space, convert a waste material into a beneficial use, and save municipalities millions while maintaining the high quality of coastal beaches
