Shaping the Future of Shrimp Waste: Hydrothermal Technologies for Valuable Hydrochar and Chitin

Our research project aims to transform shrimp waste into valuable resources, chitin, and hydrochar, benefiting seafood companies by improving waste management and profitability. The problem we are tackling is the harmful
disposal of shrimp waste by these companies, causing environmental damage, economic losses, and missed opportunities. Hydrothermal uses heat, pressure, and water to potentially separate chitin from shrimp waste and
produce a hydrochar. Our research aims to determine the feasibility of chitin and/or hydrochar quality as a function of HTC conditions in order to provide a potential profit stream from “waste”. The benefit to the partner organization is significant, as they can use our system to turn waste into profit.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kelly Hawboldt;Stephanie MacQuarrie

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment; Green/Alternative Energy; Natural Resources

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: