Background
Aquaculture sludge represents an untapped resource with significant potential for circular utilization. By collecting and integrating sludge into new value chains, we can reduce environmental impact, recycle valuable nutrients, bind CO₂, and improve energy utilization.
This project examines how the salt content in fish sludge affects the production and application of biochar. The insights gained will be crucial for developing new, sustainable solutions for sludge from aquaculture.
The project builds upon “Industrial Symbiosis from Land-Based Aquaculture” (2023-0430) and will contribute valuable knowledge to strengthen the development of circular value chains in the industry.
Project Goals
The project aims to test how biochar from pyrolyzed fish sludge can be used as a growing medium while developing a circular business model for the process.
Main Goal – Biochar:
- Identify how salt content affects biochar as a growing medium.
Subgoals:
- Document and describe biochar derived from salt-rich fish sludge.
- Identify plants that can grow in salt-containing biochar.
- Explore methods for removing salt from biochar.
- Conduct a life cycle analysis of biochar from fish sludge.
Main Goal – Circular Business Model:
- Develop a business model for the value chain:
Land-based aquaculture → Sludge → Pyrolysis → Cultivation → Carbon storage
Subgoals:
- Enhance knowledge among stakeholders regarding circular business modeling.
- Increase awareness within the seafood industry about circular utilization opportunities.
Progress
The project will identify the best ways to build circular value chains to optimize resource use, increase profitability, reduce CO₂ emissions, and minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, it will explore how cross-sector collaboration can drive the development of a more sustainable aquaculture industry.
Additionally, the project will examine how circular business models and green business development can be created through better utilization of sludge from land-based aquaculture.
Through the “Land Meets Ocean” initiative, we will share experiences and project results across the blue and green bioeconomy.