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Recycling Ophthalmic Lens Wastewater in a Circular Economy Context: A Case Study with Microalgae Integration
Telma Encarnação1,2,3, Nadia Nicolau3, Pedro Ramos3,4
1Coimbra Chemistry Centre-Institute of Molecular Sciences (CQC-IMS), Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 11, 2024
Summary
This study presents a circular economy approach to treat wastewater pollutants from spectacle lens production. It transforms waste into valuable products like biopolymers using microalgae, offering environmental and economic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Wastewater pollution, including nano- and microplastics, is a global threat, with most wastewater released untreated.
- Ophthalmic spectacle lens production generates wastewater containing emerging pollutants.
- A circular economy model is needed to transform waste into valuable resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a circular economy-based solution for treating wastewater from ophthalmic spectacle lens production.
- To integrate solid waste materials and wastewater for biomass generation and economic valorisation.
- To explore the use of microalgae for producing biobased feedstock for ophthalmic lens manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Integration of solid waste into polymeric and cement matrices.
- Utilization of wastewater for microalgae (Nannochloropsis sp.) cultivation.
- Interdisciplinary approach combining microalgae technology, analytical chemistry, cement production, and polymer processing.
Main Results:
- Successful transformation of wastewater pollutants into valuable organic products.
- Generation of microalgae biomass rich in lipids, suitable as biobased feedstock.
- Development of a sustainable model for producing biopolymers for ophthalmic lens manufacturing.
Conclusions:
- The circular economy model effectively addresses environmental concerns associated with wastewater pollution.
- Harnessing high-value products from waste streams offers significant economic benefits.
- This approach highlights the importance of circular economy principles in tackling pollution and resource challenges.
