Yesika, Yuana (2025) Feasibility study on hydrothermal carbonization of shrimp shell waste: emphasis on hydrochar characterization and chitin retention. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.
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Abstract
The Canadian shrimp processing industry generates substantial quantities of shell waste rich in chitin—a valuable biopolymer with broad applications, from biomedicine to environmental remediation. However, the high moisture content and rapid degradation of shrimp shell waste present challenges for efficient chitin extraction. This thesis investigates hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) as a sustainable pre-treatment method to stabilize shrimp shell biomass, enhance chitin isolation, and produce a versatile carbon-rich hydrochar by-product. HTC, effective for processing high-moisture biomass, offers an energy-efficient alternative to conventional drying and chemical treatments (e.g., hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide), providing a scalable solution for sustainable waste management. In this study, the effects of varying HTC conditions—including temperature, residence time, and water-to-biomass ratios—on shrimp shell hydrochar yield and characteristics were systematically examined. Detailed analyses, including surface area, ash content, pH, mineral composition, and functional group identification via FTIR, were conducted to assess the potential of HTC-treated hydrochar as an intermediate product for chitin extraction. Results indicate that optimized HTC conditions reduce organic impurities while retaining key structural properties of chitin, effectively streamlining its isolation. Furthermore, the residual hydrochar exhibits properties suitable for environmental applications, including potential uses as a bioadsorbent and soil amendment. This work offers a dual-benefit approach for the seafood industry, addressing waste stabilization and enhancing chitin recovery through HTC pre-treatment. Future research should focus on refining HTC parameters to maximize chitin purity and yield, investigating additional post-HTC purification steps, and exploring the functional performance of HTC-derived hydrochar in specific environmental applications, such as heavy metal adsorption and soil nutrient enhancement. These efforts will contribute to establishing a more comprehensive and sustainable waste valorization pathway, advancing circular economy principles within the seafood industry.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| URI: | http://research.library.mun.ca/id/eprint/16877 |
| Item ID: | 16877 |
| Additional Information: | Includes bibliographical references -- Restricted until January 10, 2026 |
| Keywords: | HTC, waste shrimp shells, shrimp chitin hydrochar |
| Department(s): | Engineering and Applied Science, Faculty of |
| Date: | February 2025 |
| Date Type: | Submission |
| Library of Congress Subject Heading: | Shrimp industry--By-products; Chitin; Hydrothermal carbonization; Mollusks |
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