Assessing Durability Properties and Economic Potential of Shellfish Aquaculture Waste in the Construction Industry: A Circular Economy Perspective

Begoña Peceño, José Bakit, Niris Cortes, Bernabé Alonso-Fariñas, Enzo Bonilla and Carlos Leiva
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Begoña Peceño: Escuela de Prevención de Riesgos y Medioambiente, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile
José Bakit: Departamento de Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile
Niris Cortes: Escuela de Prevención de Riesgos y Medioambiente, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile
Bernabé Alonso-Fariñas: Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Ambiental, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n 41092, 41004 Seville, Spain
Enzo Bonilla: Escuela de Prevención de Riesgos y Medioambiente, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile
Carlos Leiva: Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Ambiental, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad de Sevilla, Camino de los Descubrimientos s/n 41092, 41004 Seville, Spain

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: The construction industry’s high demand for natural resources, combined with the waste generated by agriculture, creates an opportunity for the circular economy. This experiment used the CaCO 3 found in scallop shells as an ingredient for the manufacture of fire-resistant materials, replacing gypsum in compositions of 40% and 50% by weight. The mechanical compressive strength was estimated for both freeze-thaw cycles and acid and sulfate attacks. The cost of disposing of scallop shell waste in landfills, savings from substitution, and the payback period relative to the amount of production were determined. The compressive strength of the materials decreased by 80% when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and sulfate attack. In response to acid attack, they showed a 100% increase in strength during the first three weeks and a decrease thereafter. The savings amounted to $46.36 (22.4%) for 40% replacement and $58.93 (28.4%) for 50%. Respectively, return on investment is achieved at 800- and 630-per-metric ton produced. The difference between the costs of waste disposal (in aquaculture) and the potential savings from using CaCO 3 as a raw material (in construction) creates an opportunity for commercialization between the two industries, serves as a reference for decision-makers, and complies with circular economy principles, reducing both inputs of raw materials and outputs of waste.

Keywords: construction materials; durability; circular economy; aquaculture waste; Argopecten purpuratus; seashells wastes; freeze-thaw cycles; recycling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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