Shells to Solutions: Dual Circular Economy Benefits from Local Waste Shells to Clean up Our Lady's Island Lake and Ballyteige Channels

About the Project

Applications are invited for suitably qualified candidates interested in pursuing a Research Masters by completing an industrial and societal relevant research project within the PMBRC/EIRC at SETU Waterford. The candidate will be enrolled on the 2-year Research Masters programme at SETU which will allow them to gain experience and develop further skills in the fields of chemistry, environmental analysis, circular bioeconomy, analytical chemistry and nutrient management.

The marine environment is a diverse source of currently underutilised potential with resources such as seaweed, fish, and shells containing compounds with varying applications. Of particular interest is the shellfish sector, which generates a significant amount of waste shells that are of no commercial value currently, but carries a cost of disposal. The proposed research builds on previous research projects at SETU where waste shells have been proven to be efficient at removal of nutrients and inhibiting certain bacterial strains from water. The main aim of this project will be the development of a cost-effective, scalable and environmentally friendly application of waste shells as local, low-cost adsorbents of nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate from wastewater and contaminated water from local water bodies, for example Our Lady’s Island and Ballyteige Channels in Wexford.