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Oysters and mussels

Powder supplement from shells

Oysters and mussels are a gastronomic option that is being consumed more and more. The internal edible part is separated and the shells are thrown into the garbage or even discarded in unsuitable places, thus becoming an environmental problem. In South Korea, the number of oyster shells has reached 300,000 tons a year. In Brazil there are no data about the volume of this natural material that is discarded, but environmental concern exists, as shown by an experiment carried out by researchers from Joinville in Santa Catarina, the state where 90% of these mollusks are produced. They have developed a process that uses the calcium carbonate found in 95% to 98% of both oyster and mussel shells for use as raw material in polymer compounds, such as polypropylene, polyethylene and PVC. “The process burns this material and transforms it into a powder for industrial use,” says Professor Daniela Becker, from the State University of Santa Catarina (Udesc). Calcium carbonate is used by producers of tubes and connections as filling material for adding to polymers. The carbonate used in industry is taken from deposits. The next step of the researchers is to check the financial feasibility of the production, which is likely to be conducted by shellfish producers.

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