Category

BCHM

L04

Toward Making Extrudable, Water-Soluble Plastic From the

Shells of Gulf Shrimp

Abstract

As the human population increases at a rate of 3.1 percent

(Worldometers 2017) trash and pollution is creating a major problem on

a global level. This pollution is causing an increase in greenhouse gas

emissions, in the amount of space landfills use to store all of this trash,

and in the amount of plastic in oceans. Most of the plastic produced is

thrown away, not recycled. Trash in the ocean is collecting at an

alarming rate; 14 billion tons are dumped in the major oceans every

year (Echo360 2012). This is a serious problem, with very few simple

solutions. However, there are some solutions that are easier than

others. Gulf Shrimp have been eaten for as long as humans have been

aware of them. Their shells, for the most part, have been a waste

product. These shells, composed of m mostly chitin, when m

manipulated, can be transformed into a biodegradable plastic. The

chemical manipulation of the chitin in the shells involves the synthesis

of chitosan, which can be altered to form a natural plastic. When this is

made, it can be strengthened with lignin, an organ polymer found in

plants. When the chitosan and lignin are combined, the polymer

becomes fluid, but remains biodegradable. The reinforced chitosan can

be transformed into practically anything. This research project may

contribute to the current literature on the creation and uses of chitosan

and assist in efforts to address global pollution levels.

Bibliography

"Current World Population." World Population Clock: 7.5 Billion People

(2017) - Worldometers. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2017.

<http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/>.

Administrator. "Plastic Garbage." Plastic Garbage. N.p., n.d. Web. 10

Jan. 2017. <http://www.sustainablecommunication.org/eco360/what-is-

eco360s-causes/plastic-garbage>.

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