What do we know about the utilization of the Sargassum species as biosorbents of trace metals in Brazil

•The Sargassum spp. has biosorbent potential for metal removal in Brazil.•Metal synergism and physical-chemical parameters affect the biosorption.•Copper presented the highest affinity with Sargassum among tested metals.•Metal biosorption by Sargassum may be more cost-effective than traditional methods.