Animalia jatorridun hondakinen balio-ematea: aktibazio-estrategiak eta erabilgarritasuna hainbat industria-prozesutan

Abstract

Waste animal bones have become a serious concern due to the current consumer habits. After the so called “mad cow disease” crisis, hundreds of tons of waste animal bones, which were so far used to manufacture animal feed, had no way out anymore. Consequently, the amount of waste that reaches dumping sites notably increased. Several research studies, carried out since then, have concluded that bone char can be a useful material in several applications. For instance, in pollutant remediation, since its main constituent, apatite is a water-soluble mineral, which possess a high ion-exchange capacity. Bone char has also been successfully used as catalytic support and in electrochemical applications. Indeed, its applicability depends on its porous structure. This work aims to present the strategies that are nowadays in use for bone char preparation. Adequate porosity requires physical and/or chemical activation. A combination of chemical and physical activation is commonly a better choice since it provides a char with more advantageous properties, in terms of product yield and textural properties. Moreover, a previous chemical treatment allows reducing the highest treatment temperature. Different methods and techniques are available for the valorisation of waste animal bones. The development of adequate treatment strategies could reduce the waste disposal in landfills, with the consequent environmental benefit.