Variable-Sized Green Mussel Shell Waste: A Sustainable Approach to Artificial Sand Production

An innovative approach is presented in this article as a potential alternative for reusing discarded green mussel shells from fishing and food sectors. This technique entails the use of harmless chemicals and the consumption of energy in an efficient manner to generate shell powder of different dimensions. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy assessed the purity of the treated shells, while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy examined their crystal structure. The microstructure of shell powder of different sizes was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, we analyzed the thermal characteristics of different sizes of crushed shell. In addition, we determined the changed surface color of the seashell before and during heat treatment, as it has a substantial impact on the ultimate product result. A diverse spectrum of particle sizes characterizes the shell powder, making it suitable for use in several industrial applications. Based on the available research regarding the benign characteristics of crushed shell particles, it is quite probable that they can be used as ecologically suitable artificial sand. Furthermore, the final part of the paper provides concrete illustrations of employing crushed shells as artificial sand.