Center for Integrative Petroleum Research (CIPR) Researchers have successfully converted shrimp shells into green and sustainable polymers, which showed excellent potential for enhancing oil recovery and preventing pipeline corrosion significantly. This innovative approach uses shrimp shell waste to extract chitosan, a natural polymer known for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and scalability. This research supports the KFUPM Grand Challenges, which aim to bolster the national key focus areas of energy and industrial leadership.
Nauqua farm produces around 50,000 tons of shrimp shell waste annually, which can be transformed into approximately 135 tons of chitosan. This conversion offers an eco-friendly solution to waste management and adds value to shrimp farming by-products.
Looking ahead, the Nauqua farm plans to scale up its seafood production to 250,000 tons by 2030. This expansion promises an even greater supply of raw materials for chitosan production, further supporting sustainable practices in various industries, including oil production. This initiative highlights the innovative use of biowaste which aligns with broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship.