Toward Transformation of Bivalve Shell Wastes into High Value-Added and Sustainable Products in South Korea: A Review

In Korea, as about 300,000 tons of oyster shell wastes are currently generated every year, the shell waste treatment has been an environmental, social, and economic issue. Despite a wide range of shell waste applications, the issue has remained a great challenge because it is not easy to achieve sound pathways to use the shell wastes as they are in a large quantity, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and secondary byproducts. In this regard, we have reviewed the global bivalve shell waste discharges and the treatment technologies developed so far, and this paper proposes a new pathway to utilize the shell wastes as raw materials for fabricating acrylic artificial stones. The study findings are also anticipated to solve the difficulties encountered in local society and to provide clues for environmental protection, revitalization of the national economy, and resolution of global climate problems.