The Resilience of Sargassum Seaweed in Eco-Brick Production

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in the Research

Capstone,Subject
A Quantitative Research Paper is Submitted and Presented
To the Senior High School Faculty of
Maryknoll College of Panabo, Inc.,
Academic Year 2024-2025

Researchers:
Biado, Jassey Kaye, S.
Fajardo, Chloe Nicole, O.
Gamolo, Ghillian, G.
Tilaon, Marcherie Kate T.
Ypil, Kristine Ric, B.

September 2024

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 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

As the global emphasis on sustainability grows, the construction

industry is increasingly exploring innovative materials that reduce ecological

impacts. One such promising material is seaweed. According to Cate (2024),

seaweed is an abundant and renewable resource and it’s emerging as a

revolutionary solution in the construction industry. Its environmental benefits

are notable; seaweed grows thirty times faster than land plants and does not

require fertilizers, soil, or freshwater. Instead, it relies solely on sunlight,

seawater, carbon dioxide, and ocean nutrients, making it an effective tool in

combating climate change by removing carbon dioxide from seawater

(Flannery, 2017).

In recent years, seaweed production has remained substantial,

reaching approximately 1.5 million metric tons (Balita, 2024). This abundance

presents an opportunity to explore the use of seaweed in sustainable

construction materials, addressing both environmental and economic

challenges. Although researchers are investigating seaweed's potential in

eco-construction materials, commercial options remain limited as of 2022.

Inspired by the success of sargassum adobe blocks in Mexico, this study

examines the viability of seaweed-based bricks, known as seaweed bricks, in

the Netherlands, focusing on utilizing seaweed waste from farms in brick

production.

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 The "Wierdo" project in Amsterdam illustrates this approach by

converting an industrial harbor into a seaweed farm and brick factory,

combined with a public space for exploration. This initiative integrates

industrial processes with leisure activities while promoting eco-friendly

construction materials (Dove, 2014). In the Philippines, with its extensive

coastline, there is often an overabundance of seaweed (Cruz et al., 2019),

which often goes underutilized and can lead to environmental issues if not

properly managed. This research investigates the potential of seaweed-

infused eco-bricks as a sustainable and strong alternative to conventional

concrete bricks. The resilience of these sargassum seaweed-based building

bricks in the Philippines is being tested through various pilot projects. These

projects aim to assess the durability, environmental impact, and economic

feasibility of using seaweed as a building material while preserving

Polysaccharides (Hurtado et al., 2020).

The study’s primary problem lies in determining whether seaweed can

enhance the environmental sustainability of eco-bricks while maintaining or

improving their strength and durability for practical construction use.

Additionally, it seeks to address the issue of excess seaweed in the

Philippines, where seaweed production reached a record 1,840,832 metric

tons in 2011 (Trono et al., 2019).

Alginate is a natural polysaccharide derived primarily from brown

seaweeds, particularly those in the family Phaeophyceae (Matsukawa et al.,

2018). It is widely recognized for its unique rheological properties, including

thickening, gelling, and stabilizing capabilities (Thompson et al., 2019),

making it a key component in various seaweed-based applications. In the

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context of sustainable construction, alginate serves as a natural binder,

offering excellent adhesive properties for materials such as seaweed-based

bricks (García-Oliveira et al., 2020). Its ability to form strong gels and bind

with other components enhances the structural integrity of these eco-friendly

building materials. Moreover, alginate's biocompatibility and biodegradability

make it an environmentally responsible choice, contributing to reduced carbon

footprints in construction practices (Bhardwaj et al., 2020). Studies have

demonstrated that alginate-based materials can exhibit improved strength and

durability, particularly when combined with aggregates like clay and sand,

making it a valuable component in the development of sustainable

alternatives to traditional construction materials (Kumar et al., 2021). This

versatility underscores alginate's potential in advancing eco-friendly

applications, particularly in the growing field of seaweed-based innovations

(Lee et al., 2022).

The United Nations gave 17 sustainable development goals as a way

to transform the world. In those goals, the researchers aim to make

meaningful contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development

Goals for SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 11

Sustainable Cities and Communities. For SDG 9 The target 9.1 Develop

quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and

transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-

being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all, this target

indicates that seaweed-based materials can help to develop sustainable

infrastructure that is accessible and strong. Target 9.4 By 2030, upgrade

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infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased

resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally

sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in

accordance with their respective capabilities, this target says that the

seaweed-infused building blocks can help our planet by offering an alternative

to traditional building materials that often hurts the environment. SDG 11

target 11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and

capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement

planning and management in all countries. This target shows that Building

blocks made from seaweed can help cities grow in a way that's good for the

environment. They are a different kind of material that fits well with plans to

make cities greener and more friendly to nature.(Sustainable Development,

n.d.)

There is limited research on using seaweed in construction materials,

particularly in the Philippines, where seaweed is abundant. This study aims to

explore how integrating seaweed into construction can contribute to

environmental sustainability in the region.

This study explores the resilience of sargassum seaweed-based

building bricks for sustainable building solutions. To analyze the long-term

strength and endurance of building blocks as a construction material that is

made of seaweeds. Through comprehensive research and experimentation,

this study seeks to evaluate the durability, longevity, and cost-efficiency of

seaweed-based bricks, determining their advantages for both human use and

environmental sustainability.

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Statement of the Problem

Exploring the durability of Sargassum Seaweed-Based Building brickis

essential for advancing sustainable building solutions. This study focuses on

investigating the long-term strength and endurance of Building bricks as a

construction material that is made of Sargassum Seaweeds in analyzing its

capacity to resist environmental factors, maintain structural integrity, and

endure over time; this study aims to provide insights into the practicality and

effectiveness of Sargassum Seaweed-Based Building bricks in sustainable

construction.

In particular, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. How to ensure the long-term structural integrity of Sargassum

Seaweed-Based bricks for effective sustainable building components?

2. Assessing the efficiency of Sargassum Seaweed-Based Building Bricks

relative to traditional bricks in various aspects such as:

● Durability;

● Longevity;

● Cost-efficiency;

3. How can the environment and individuals benefit from incorporating

Sargassum Seaweed-Based Building Bricks into sustainable construction

practices?

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Hypothesis

Ha: The alternative hypothesis is that Sargassum Seaweed-infused eco-bricks

are effective in improving strength and sustainability in construction materials.

Significance of the study

This research is made with the aim to provide information and

knowledge regarding the chosen topic from the product and the findings of the

study will serve as reference for various groups of citizens in the area of

Panabo City which include the following:

The findings of the study would be beneficial to the following:

Citizens of Panabo City: The study will offer essential information on

how seaweed-based building blocks can impact local construction practices.

Understanding the benefits and considerations associated with these

materials will help residents make informed decisions about their construction

needs and contribute to environmentally sustainable practices in their

community.

Engineers and Construction Staff: This research will serve as a

critical resource for professionals in the construction industry. It will provide

credible and reliable data on the performance of seaweed-based building

blocks, aiding engineers and construction staff in integrating innovative

materials into their projects. This knowledge will enhance their ability to make

informed decisions about sustainable building materials.

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 Future Researchers: The study will contribute to the body of

knowledge on seaweed-based building materials, offering a foundational

reference for future research. It will provide insights and ideas for researchers

exploring similar topics, guiding them in their investigations and potentially

inspiring further studies on the environmental and structural benefits of

seaweed-based construction materials.

Overall, this research aims to advance understanding and application

of sargassum seaweed-based building bricks, promoting sustainability and

innovation in construction practices.

Scope and Delimitations

This study focuses on evaluating sargassum seaweed-infused eco-

bricks as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete bricks. It examines

the compressive strength, durability, and environmental impact of bricks made

from seaweed sourced from coastal areas in the Philippines. The research is

limited to these sargassum seaweed-infused bricks, excluding other eco-

friendly materials and regions outside the Philippines. The results are

applicable only to the conditions under which the bricks are produced and

tested.

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Conceptual Framework

Collection of Sargassum Seaweed

Preparation

Testing

Comparison

The Resilience of Sargassum Seaweed in Eco-Brick

Production

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

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 The figure above illustrates the framework for this study, which focuses

on evaluating sargassum seaweed-based as a sustainable and resilient

material for construction. It encompasses the identification of seaweed

characteristics, processing methods, environmental conditions, and the

properties of conventional bricks. The framework describes the preparation

and formation of seaweed-based bricks, including testing for strength,

durability, and cost, and comparing them with traditional bricks. The study

aims to assess the durability of seaweed-based bricks, their environmental

impact, and provide recommendations for their use in sustainable construction

practices. By examining these factors, the researchers seek to determine how

seaweed bricks can serve as a viable alternative to traditional building

materials, benefiting both the environment and human use.

Definition of Terms

Resilience is the ability and capacity to stand firm or to continue to

perform against any natural dilemma.

Sargassum-Seaweed a type of brown algae, that spends it's whole life

drifting in massive clumps

Eco-brick are made from construction waste, promoting material reuse

and reducing the environmental impact of building projects.

Production is the process of transforming raw materials or components

into finished goods or products.

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CHAPTER II

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 METHODS

This chapter will outline the research methodology to be employed in

this study, including the study area, research design, budget allocation,

timeline, and procedures. The methods described here will be carefully

chosen to align with the objectives of the research and to ensure the reliability

and validity of the findings.

STUDY AREA

Figure 2. Study Area Purok Libra Tambogon

The study will take place in the coastal region of Purok Libra Tambongon

Lasang in Davao City, an area known for its abundant seaweeds, particularly

Sargassum. These seaweeds play a vital role in maintaining a healthy marine

ecosystem, providing habitat and food for marine organisms, while

contributing to carbon sequestration and coastal stabilization.

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 Local communities rely on seaweed farming as a primary livelihood,

using harvested seaweed for fertilizers and emerging sustainable

applications, including building materials. Our study aims to investigate the

potential of seaweed-based bricks, examining their properties and possible

benefits for both the environment and the local economy. Additionally, this

research could assist carpenters by reducing brick costs, making construction

more affordable and accessible, thus enabling carpenters to offer competitive

pricing to their clients.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study will employ a quantitative-experimental research design to

examine the feasibility and effectiveness of using Sargassum seaweed-based

eco-bricks as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete bricks. The

experimental approach involves creating sargassum seaweed-based bricks

and subjecting them to various tests to evaluate their compressive strength,

durability, moisture absorption, and cost-efficiency. The research will use

controlled conditions to ensure that the properties of these seaweed bricks

are accurately measured and compared to conventional bricks. By

systematically collecting and analyzing quantitative data, the study aims to

determine the potential of sargassum seaweed-based bricks in addressing

both environmental sustainability and structural resilience in construction

practices.

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BUDGET PROPOSAL

Table 1- Budget Proposal

ITEM QUANTITY UNIT COST TOTAL COST

Sargassum 1 sack 0 0
(Seaweed)
White Cement 10kg 24 ₱240
Dirt 1 sack 0 0
Mold (bricks mold) 2 sets 0 0
Sodium Carbonate 500g 100 100
(Na₂CO₃)
Hydrochloric Acid 100 ml 100 ₱100
(HCl)
Fine sand 2 sacks 30 ₱60

This budget proposal outlines the financial requirements for the

research and development of sargassum seaweed-based bricks, a

sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. The project aims

to explore the potential of utilizing seaweed, known for its binding properties

and environmental benefits, in brick manufacturing. A detailed budget is

essential to ensure that all necessary resources, including materials, labor,

equipment, and testing, are adequately funded. Below is a breakdown of the

estimated costs associated with each phase of the research.This budget

covers essential costs of materials , ensuring the research can proceed

smoothly with existing resources for the drying, shredding, and testing

phases. Adjustments will be made as needed based on actual expenses

during the study.

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TIMELINE OF THE STUDY

Table 2. Timeline of the Study

August September October November December

WEEK 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Introduction
Methods

Procedure
Testing
Results
Conclusion

Final paper
The timeline for this research on the resilience of seaweed-based

bricks outlines key phases and milestones necessary for the successful

completion of the project. It ensures that each step, from material collection to

testing and analysis, is completed efficiently and within the designated time

frame. This organized approach helps maintain focus, allowing for timely

adjustments and effective results.

PROCEDURE

This research will be carried out in several phases, each meticulously

designed to develop and evaluate seaweed-based bricks as a sustainable

alternative to traditional construction materials. By harnessing the inherent

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properties of seaweed, this study aims to create durable, lightweight, and eco-

friendly bricks that contribute to sustainable building practices. Each phase of

the procedure addresses critical aspects of the production process, from the

collection of materials to comprehensive testing. Through this structured

approach, the research seeks to provide valuable insights into the practical

applications of seaweed in construction, fostering a shift toward more

environmentally responsible building solutions.

Phase 1: Collection of Materials

In this initial phase, all materials required for the production of seaweed-based

bricks are collected. Brown seaweeds, specifically Sargassum, will be

sourced from coastal areas of Purok Libra, Tambongon, Lasang in Davao

City. These species are chosen for their polysaccharide content, particularly

alginate, which serves as a natural binder.

Phase 2: Cleaning of Seaweed

The seaweed will undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove impurities,

such as sand and debris, that may affect the quality of the bricks. This step is

crucial in ensuring that the final product is free from contaminants that could

compromise the performance of the bricks.

Phase 3: Drying of Seaweed

After cleaning, the seaweed will be air-dried at a low temperature, below

60°C, to preserve the integrity of its polysaccharides, especially alginate.

Proper drying prevents degradation and allows the seaweed to be stored for

future processing.

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Phase 4: Extraction of Polysaccharides (Alginate)

Once dried, the seaweed will undergo alkaline extraction using sodium

carbonate (Na₂CO₃) to release alginate. This process involves soaking the

seaweed in an alkaline solution at 40-60°C for several hours, followed by

filtration and acid precipitation to isolate the alginate. The extracted alginate

will then be washed and dried to retain its binding properties.

Phase 5: Shredding and Mixing of Ingredients

The remaining seaweed, along with the extracted alginate, will be shredded

into fine pieces or powder. This is mixed with other ingredients such as

cement or natural adhesives in specific ratios to form a homogeneous paste.

The alginate acts as a binder, enhancing the structural integrity of the final

bricks.

Phase 6: Molding of Bricks

The seaweed-based mixture will be placed into molds and compacted to

ensure proper shape and density. This molding step is crucial for achieving

the desired physical structure of the bricks.

Phase 7: Curing of Bricks

The bricks will be cured under controlled environmental conditions, allowing

the alginate to set and bond with the other materials. This slow drying and

curing process strengthens the bricks without causing cracks or structural

damage.

Phase 8: Testing

The finished bricks will be subjected to laboratory tests, including compressive

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strength, moisture absorption, and durability testing. These assessments will

compare the performance of seaweed-based bricks with traditional materials.

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