Every year, large amounts of marine biomass residues are produced and disposed of around the world. In the case of crustaceans, there is an opportunity to convert this waste into important and industrially relevant materials such as chitin, minerals, proteins, chitosan, and other nitrogen-containing materials. Current processes to produce materials from marine biomass rely on wasteful, chemically- and energy-intensive methods that are harmful to health and the environment. Herein, an overview of the current status of marine biomass valorization is presented, as well as a comparison between traditional and more sustainable methods for the extraction of chemicals from waste crustacean shells.<br/>Moreover, a connection between the implementation of a biorefinery and a systemic change in chemistry education will be discussed, as the implementation of Green Chemistry in science is fundamental for the achievement of a sustainable future. In this context, the work and different programs developed and executed by Beyond Benign will be discussed. Beyond Benign is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the chemistry community to practice sustainability at the molecular level through Green Chemistry, and its Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) Program acts as a catalyst for the development of a scientific workforce prepared to think, design, and act sustainably.

Marine biorefinery and green chemistry education: A crossroad towards a sustainable future

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.