EUBCE 2026 - Helen Caroly PAZ-MARTÍNEZ - Energetic Valorization of Mangrove Charcoal Dust to Support Local Producers Under Climate Change Challenges

Energetic Valorization of Mangrove Charcoal Dust to Support Local Producers Under Climate Change Challenges

Short Introductive summary

Climate change is a reality that disproportionately affects coastal areas worldwide. In the Gulf of Mexico, there is an ecotourism zone “Cinco lagunas”, which houses a set of bodies of water and has an extension of mangrove forests, in which work is being done to be declared a protected natural area. This zone provides wood of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) for charcoal production at low harvesting rates. However, the traditional charcoal production generates significant losses, such as charcoal dust, which accumulates without any use. This study examines the energetic valorization of this charcoal dust through the briquettes production employing semi-industrial equipment, considering a circular economy approach. For this purpose, a proximal and energetic characterization of residual biomass was made from charcoal to valorize it as a solid biofuel. The briquette production allows for diversifying the income of local producers and utilizes natural resources obtained from the mangrove forest more efficiently. The adoption of good practices contributes to the energy resilience of these vulnerable ecosystems that can be established in their management plan.

L. Pampillón-González, Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Centro, Tabasco, MEXICO
N.G. González-Canché, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Villahermosa, Centro, Tabasco, MEXICO
N.A. Vázquez-de la Cruz, Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Centro, Tabasco, MEXICO
H.C. Paz-Martínez, Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Centro, Tabasco, MEXICO
J.C. Hans Van der Wal, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Villahermosa, Centro, Tabasco, MEXICO