VALORIZATION OF MUSSEL SHELL FOR ITS USE AS AN AGGREGATE IN UNBOUND APPLICATIONS: LIFE-CYCLE SUSTAINABILITY INDICATORS.

Abstract

Canneries produce large amounts of mussel shell waste. In addition to the extra cost of its management, this waste can cause a significant environmental impact. This is a major problem in Galicia (Spain), one of the world's largest producers. Other countries like Chile and Korea have similar problems with a variety of bivalve waste. Mussel shell from the canning industry can be transformed into a valuable byproduct, by recycling it as granular material for construction applications. Elimination of organic matter and grinding or milling are required steps for the raw waste to be used as a recycled material. The construction system to which the shell is incorporated will set the specifics of these treatments. The objective of this paper is to analyze the life cycle associated with the valorization of mussel shell for its use as aggregate in the construction sector. The focus is put on its use in unbound applications such as filling material in thermal and acoustic insulation, or correction of gravel in road surfaces. A set of environmental, social and economic indicators that allows the sustainability assessment of these construction systems is also presented.