The LimoFish Circular Economy Process for the Marine Bioeconomy.

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Green Chemistry
• Biorefinery Processes

Background:

• Fish processing waste presents a significant disposal challenge.
• Conventional solvent extraction methods often rely on petroleum-derived chemicals.
• There is a growing need for sustainable practices in the marine industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the LimoFish process for defatting fish processing waste.
• To compare the LimoFish process with conventional solvent extraction methods.
• To assess the potential of LimoFish in advancing the marine bioeconomy through circular economy principles.

Main Methods:

• Application of the LimoFish zero-waste extraction process using limonene.
• Processing of waste from European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus).
• Comparative analysis against extraction using n-hexane and petroleum ether.

Main Results:

• The LimoFish process demonstrated general applicability across different fish species.
• The process aligns with green extraction principles and marine biorefinery requirements.
• High process efficiency was achieved, supporting a circular economy model.

Conclusions:

• The LimoFish process offers a sustainable and efficient method for utilizing fish processing waste.
• This innovation facilitates a circular economy, enhancing the marine bioeconomy.
• The study confirms the broad applicability of limonene-based extraction in marine resource management.