Author:
Rudovica Vita,Rotter Ana,Gaudêncio Susana P.,Novoveská Lucie,Akgül Füsun,Akslen-Hoel Linn Kristin,Alexandrino Diogo A. M.,Anne Olga,Arbidans Lauris,Atanassova Miroslava,Bełdowska Magdalena,Bełdowski Jacek,Bhatnagar Amit,Bikovens Oskars,Bisters Valdis,Carvalho Maria F.,Catalá Teresa S.,Dubnika Arita,Erdoğan Ayşegül,Ferrans Laura,Haznedaroglu Berat Z.,Setyobudi Roy Hendroko,Graca Bożena,Grinfelde Inga,Hogland William,Ioannou Efstathia,Jani Yahya,Kataržytė Marija,Kikionis Stefanos,Klun Katja,Kotta Jonne,Kriipsalu Mait,Labidi Jalel,Lukić Bilela Lada,Martínez-Sanz Marta,Oliveira Juliana,Ozola-Davidane Ruta,Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita,Pospiskova Kristyna,Rebours Céline,Roussis Vassilios,López-Rubio Amparo,Safarik Ivo,Schmieder Frank,Stankevica Karina,Tamm Toomas,Tasdemir Deniz,Torres Cristiana,Varese Giovanna Cristina,Vincevica-Gaile Zane,Zekker Ivar,Burlakovs Juris
Abstract
Biomass is defined as organic matter from living organisms represented in all kingdoms. It is recognized to be an excellent source of proteins, polysaccharides and lipids and, as such, embodies a tailored feedstock for new products and processes to apply in green industries. The industrial processes focused on the valorization of terrestrial biomass are well established, but marine sources still represent an untapped resource. Oceans and seas occupy over 70% of the Earth’s surface and are used intensively in worldwide economies through the fishery industry, as logistical routes, for mining ores and exploitation of fossil fuels, among others. All these activities produce waste. The other source of unused biomass derives from the beach wrack or washed-ashore organic material, especially in highly eutrophicated marine ecosystems. The development of high-added-value products from these side streams has been given priority in recent years due to the detection of a broad range of biopolymers, multiple nutrients and functional compounds that could find applications for human consumption or use in livestock/pet food, pharmaceutical and other industries. This review comprises a broad thematic approach in marine waste valorization, addressing the main achievements in marine biotechnology for advancing the circular economy, ranging from bioremediation applications for pollution treatment to energy and valorization for biomedical applications. It also includes a broad overview of the valorization of side streams in three selected case study areas: Norway, Scotland, and the Baltic Sea.
Subject
Ocean Engineering,Water Science and Technology,Aquatic Science,Global and Planetary Change,Oceanography