Scientists in the United Arab Emirates Repurpose Shrimp Waste into Efficient Carbon Absorption Substance
In a groundbreaking innovation, researchers at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates have developed a method to convert shrimp waste into activated carbon. This development, published in the prestigious journal Nanoscale, offers a cost-effective and efficient solution to tackle environmental issues while addressing both pollution and climate change.
The research supports international efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by demonstrating the activated carbon's strong carbon capture capacity and stability across multiple usage cycles. The activated carbon, derived from shrimp waste, can capture carbon dioxide (CO2), making it a valuable resource in the fight against climate change.
This innovation is significant for various industries such as power generation, cement, steel, and petrochemicals under carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) strategies. The potential applications of the activated carbon extend beyond carbon capture, including air and water purification, solvent recovery, and medical uses.
The method for producing activated carbon from shrimp waste is a multi-step process, involving pyrolysis, acid treatment, chemical activation, and ball milling. The shrimp waste used in this research was collected from Souq Al Jubail in Sharjah and originally harvested in Oman.
The research is part of the UAE's advancements in energy transition, including solar, hydrogen, and carbon capture initiatives. Wendy Lam, CEO of Capsol Technologies, has stated that North America will be the largest market for carbon capture, indicating a promising future for this innovation.
Interestingly, this innovation also addresses environmental issues linked to seafood waste on a global scale. Shellfish processing generates up to 8 million tons of waste annually, and this new method taps into a significant waste stream, potentially helping to tackle these issues.
In China, researchers at the University of Zhejiang have developed a similar project, converting crab waste into activated carbon capable of capturing carbon dioxide. Around 2 million tons of crab waste are produced globally each year, offering another opportunity to utilise waste in a sustainable and valuable way.
This innovation underscores the potential of waste valorization and sustainable material science, transforming waste into valuable resources and advancing the principles of a circular economy. As the world continues to grapple with environmental pollution and climate change, innovations such as this one hold the key to a more sustainable future.
