GO BIVALVOS: Development of sustainable processes for the integral valorisation of bivalve mollusc by-products into different bioproducts with high added value

Type Grupo operativo
Status In progress
Execution 2024 -2026
Scope Supraautonómico
Autonomous community Comunitat Valenciana
Main source of financing PEPAC 2023-2027

Abstract

The project aims to transform bivalve waste into high-value products, such as biostimulants from free amino acids, nutritious mussel snacks, and plastic/ceramic supports for water purification. This initiative promises significant economic benefits by converting disposal costs into profits, thus improving the competitiveness of aquaculture producers. It also reduces environmental impact, aligning with sustainable practices and supporting a circular bioeconomy. Farmers can use the biostimulants to increase crop yields, while producers can offer immunostimulant snacks to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, innovative support materials can improve water quality in bivalve farming operations. This multifaceted approach not only offers new market opportunities, but also promotes sustainability and economic growth within the aquaculture sector.

Description

The BIVALVOS Operational Group, made up of 5 entities from different regions, seeks to valorise bivalve mollusc by-products, promoting sustainability and the circular bioeconomy. These by-products will be transformed into agricultural biostimulants, healthy mussel snacks and supports for water purification. The project involves the selection, washing, mechanical separation and formulation of products, complying with regulations and promoting efficiency in specific applications.

Description of activities

Separation of the shell and protein part of bivalve mollusc by-products produced during the production chain and implementation of production chain efficiency.
Extraction and characterization of protein hydrolysates obtained from bivalve mollusc by-products.
Obtaining and formulation of an innovative biostimulant based on the protein part of bivalve mollusc by-products.
Validation of the formulated biostimulant in a controlled real environment and evaluation of its viability for commercialization in the agricultural sector.
Design of the qualitative and quantitative formulation and identification of technological processing strategies for the development of a mussel snack with the capacity to strengthen the immune system.
Organoleptic, microbiological and physicochemical validation of the functional snack.
Study and adaptation of the particle size of bio-carbonate (inorganic fraction of the waste) to the applications considered.
Validation of ceramic and plastic supports developed with the highest possible bio-carbonate load.

Contextual description

Bivalve production is one of the most important in aquaculture, with a global production of more than 17.7 million tonnes. The main producing countries are Spain, Chile, China, New Zealand, France and the Netherlands. In the EU, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Greece accounted for 74% of aquaculture production in 2017.

Bivalves, such as mussels, oysters and clams, are mainly consumed fresh, but also canned, frozen and processed. The mussel industry is the most important and is considered one of the most sustainable forms of seafood production. Bivalve aquaculture in Spain generates employment and contributes to food security and exports. The mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) is the most produced bivalve in Spain, cultivated in rafts. Mussel farming does not require feed, as it is based on plankton filtering.

The industry is subject to strict quality and food safety controls. In 2023, aquaculture production in Spain reached 327,309 tonnes, worth 629 million euros, of which 255,303 tonnes were mussels. There are 5,102 aquaculture farms, of which 4,842 are for molluscs. Galicia is the leading region in bivalve production, although other areas such as the Ebro Delta, Valencia and Andalusia are also important.

Approximately 62% of mussels are sold fresh and 38% are destined for the processing industry. The rates of loss and waste generation in mussel production can range from 10% to 50%, depending on the type of mussel. The main waste is the shell, which makes up 33% of the weight of the mussel.

In Spain, approximately 25,530 tonnes of shell waste are generated each year, with a management cost of up to €400/tonne. Bivalve producing companies need solutions to valorise these by-products and contribute to the circular bioeconomy. Clóchinas Navarro, a participant in the project, generates 800 kg of SANDACH Category 3 by-product and 1,500 kg of mussel waste per week, with an annual cost of almost €20,000. BIVALVOS proposes strategies for the comprehensive valorisation of bivalve mollusc waste, which can be implemented by aquaculture companies.

Objectives

Objective 1: Develop a process for the separation of organic and inorganic fractions from bivalve mollusc remains.
Objective 2: Develop a biostimulant based on free amino acids from bivalve mollusc waste. The organic fraction, rich in nutrients, will be studied for protein extraction and production of protein hydrolysates. These will be characterized and optimized for use as biostimulants, testing and validating them in the field.
Objective 3: To develop a mussel snack with immunomodulatory properties from the organic fraction of molluscs. The nutritional composition and its behaviour in different treatments will be evaluated. The snack will be formulated with appropriate ingredients, validating its organoleptic, microbiological and physicochemical properties, in addition to carrying out an analytical evaluation for labelling.
Objective 4: Develop plastic and ceramic supports with the inorganic fraction of mollusc waste for water purification. Different types of grinding will be evaluated to obtain the appropriate particle size of biocarbonate. The influence of biocarbonate on the processability and properties of the filters will be studied, optimizing its introduction into the supports. The optimal composition will be used to form supports similar to those existing in the MBBR reactor at Clóchinas Navarro.

Contact information

Coordinator name: RESEARCH ASSOCIATION FOR THE FOOTWEAR AND RELATED INDUSTRY
Postal address: C/ ALEMANIA 102, PICA
Coordinator email: inescop@inescop.es
Telephone: 0034965395213

Coordinators