Sustainable Development
Overview
Project Goals
Our project aims to utilize innovative biotechnology to convert waste from shrimp and crab shells generated by the food service industry into high-value chitobiose, addressing the technical challenges of current waste management while promoting sustainable development.
Technical Challenges
As one of the world's largest producers of shrimp and crab, China generates a significant amount of shell waste each year. According to the 2023 National Fishery Economic Statistical Bulletin, the annual production of shrimp and crab products reaches 9.4189 million tons, with aquaculture accounting for 7.3835 million tons and capture fisheries for 2.0254 million tons. The waste generated from consumption is not effectively recycled and is ultimately disposed of through landfill or incineration, leading to resource wastage and environmental burden.
Solution
Our project employs an innovative dual-enzyme catalytic process that combines chitinase (CDA) and genetically modified chitosanase (CsnB) to efficiently convert the chitin in shrimp and crab shells into chitobiose. The core of this process lies in the optimization of the CsnB enzyme’s characteristics through genetic engineering, significantly enhancing conversion efficiency and product purity, thus ensuring that the final extracted chitobiose meets the strict standards of the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.
Advantages
Our project has achieved significant improvements in production efficiency, with the optimized dual-enzyme catalytic process yielding higher chitobiose production compared to traditional methods. Additionally, the process operates under mild conditions, reducing reliance on chemical agents and minimizing environmental pollution risks. By converting waste into valuable resources, the project actively promotes the concepts of sustainable consumption and production, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and is committed to supporting global sustainability.
Stakeholder Feedback
Our project involves multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, aquaculture enterprises, the catering industry, consumers, research institutions, and environmental organizations. The following is an analysis of feedback from each party:
Government Agencies
The government plays a supportive and regulatory role in the project. According to discussions with the Vice President of the Guangdong Clean Production Association, the government holds a positive attitude towards the recycling of shrimp and crab shell waste, particularly in alignment with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The government encourages technological innovation and resource recycling among enterprises. Support is reflected in the promotion of relevant policies and incentive measures, such as encouraging aquaculture and catering industries to implement waste classification and recycling, thereby creating a favorable policy environment for project implementation. Additionally, the government can further enhance resource recovery rates by incentivizing local governments and enterprises to invest in waste management.
Aquaculture Enterprises
Aquaculture enterprises are the main producers of shrimp and crab shells. According to the 2023 National Fisheries Economic Statistical Bulletin, China’s annual production of shrimp and crab products reaches 9.4189 million tons, generating a substantial amount of shell waste. Most aquaculture enterprises have yet to implement separate classification and recycling of shells. Currently, substandard crabs are often directly sunk into lakes, while qualified crabs flow into the consumer market. Feedback from enterprises indicates that collaboration with Our project can lead to higher resource utilization rates, thereby reducing negative impacts on the marine environment, which aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Effective recovery of shrimp and crab shells contributes to lowering marine waste emissions and protecting marine ecosystems.
Catering Industry
As the primary consumer of shrimp and crab products, the catering industry generates a significant amount of shell waste. Surveys reveal that the public has a limited understanding of the recycling value of shrimp and crab shells, but 86.6% of consumers are willing to participate in classified recycling. This indicates a growing concern for environmental issues among consumers, along with a positive attitude toward participating in recycling efforts. Catering enterprises express support for the government's proposed recycling mechanism, believing it will improve their environmental responsibilities. This initiative aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), promoting community sustainability by enhancing residents' sense of participation in environmental protection and facilitating the sustainable use of resources.
Consumers
Consumers are the ultimate beneficiaries of the products, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. Although the public has a limited understanding of the recycling value of shrimp and crab shells, they show a strong willingness to participate in classified recycling. To build consumer trust and recognition, it is essential to strengthen the promotion of chito-oligosaccharides, highlighting their health and safety benefits. Additionally, consumer participation in recycling will also advance the goals of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), ensuring that the safety and efficacy of products have a positive impact on public health.
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Environmental Organizations
Environmental organizations play a vital role in promoting project implementation and raising public awareness. They have a strong focus on reducing marine pollution and promoting sustainable development. Through collaboration, these organizations can help Our project enhance public environmental awareness and advocate for resource recycling, aligning with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), which emphasize the importance of addressing climate change. By reducing the incineration and landfilling of waste, the project can effectively lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting global climate action.
Expert Interview
During the advancement of our project, we had the privilege of interviewing Professor Deng from Wuhan University, who has extensive research experience in the recycling and utilization of shrimp and crab shells, as well as in-depth insights into relevant technologies and market dynamics.
Importance of Recycling
Professor Deng emphasized the significance of recycling shrimp and crab shells, pointing out that traditional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration place a burden on the environment while failing to fully exploit the resource potential of these waste materials. With the increasing awareness of sustainable development, both businesses and the public are gradually paying more attention to waste recycling, which is closely related to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Exploration of Innovative Technologies
He mentioned that many innovative technologies are currently being explored, with the extraction and application of chitosan being a typical example. By converting shrimp and crab shells into chito-oligosaccharides, not only can environmental pollution be reduced, but it can also promote the achievement of SDG 14 (Life Below Water), thereby protecting marine ecosystems.
Recommendations for Intelligent Recycling Systems
When discussing recycling mechanisms, Professor Deng suggested utilizing smart devices and blockchain technology to build a transparent and efficient tracking system for the recycling of shrimp and crab shells. This system would ensure the traceability of the recycling process, increase data transparency, and encourage enterprises and consumers to actively participate in recycling efforts. This innovation aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), promoting community sustainability.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
Goal Identification
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, with a particular focus on reducing maternal and child mortality, combating communicable diseases, and ensuring universal access to essential health services. Our project closely aligns with this goal, especially with the following specific targets:
- 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention, treatment, and promotion of mental health and well-being.
- 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- 3.b: Support research and development of vaccines and medicines to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries.
Problem Identification
In the current health and well-being context, our project responds to the increasing demand for sustainable sources of bioproducts that contribute to health. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are increasingly seeking safe and effective natural ingredients to replace traditional synthetic additives. Conventional waste management practices for shrimp and crab shells lead to resource waste and environmental pollution, further threatening public health.
Implementation Plan
Our project utilizes an innovative dual-enzyme catalytic process to convert shrimp and crab shell waste into high-value chito-oligosaccharides. This process employs chitinase (CDA) and genetically modified chitosanase (CsnB) to efficiently transform chitin into chito-oligosaccharides. These compounds offer various health benefits, including:
- Antibacterial Properties: Chito-oligosaccharides demonstrate strong antibacterial activity, aiding in infection prevention and enhancing public health.
- Immune Enhancement: They are known to boost immune responses, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Natural Ingredients: By utilizing waste from shrimp and crab shells, the project provides safe, natural alternatives for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, enhancing product safety and efficacy.
Long-term Impact
Our project will significantly contribute to public health by providing a sustainable source of chito-oligosaccharides. By reducing waste and promoting the use of natural, safe ingredients, the project aims to:
- Improve Health Outcomes: Facilitate easier access to natural health products for communities, thereby enhancing overall health levels.
- Promote Environmental Health: Address waste management issues, reduce pollution, and enhance quality of life to prevent disease transmission.
- Increase Public Awareness: Raise awareness of the health benefits of chito-oligosaccharides through educational initiatives, encouraging broader sustainable consumption behaviors.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to ensure inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements. This goal closely aligns with the following specific targets relevant to our project:
- 11.6: By 2030, reduce the per capita environmental impact of cities, with a focus on air quality and waste management.
- 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and affected people caused by disasters, with a particular emphasis on protecting the poor and vulnerable.
According to the 2023 National Fisheries Economic Statistical Bulletin, China produces 9.4189 million tons of shrimp and crab products annually, generating a substantial amount of waste. A significant portion of this shrimp and crab shell waste remains unrecovered and is often disposed of through landfilling or incineration, leading to resource waste and environmental pollution. This not only exacerbates the waste management burden in urban areas but also negatively impacts air and water quality, threatening the health and quality of life of residents.
Implementation Plan
Our project employs an innovative dual-enzyme catalytic process to convert shrimp and crab shell waste into high-value chito-oligosaccharides. The project aims to support the achievement of SDG 11 through the following measures:
- Reducing Environmental Impact: By effectively recycling and utilizing shrimp and crab shells, the project will reduce solid waste emissions in urban areas, thus lowering environmental pollution, aligning with SDG 11.6.
- Disaster Risk Management: The project promotes sustainable waste management, thereby reducing environmental issues caused by improper waste disposal, which in turn lowers urban disaster risks and supports SDG 11.5.
Recycling Initiatives
For Aquaculture Enterprises:
- Collaboration Mechanism: Establish direct partnerships with aquaculture enterprises, providing technical and financial support to encourage the classification and recycling of shrimp and crab shells during production.
- Centralized Processing Facilities: Set up centralized recycling and processing facilities near aquaculture areas to facilitate efficient collection and processing.
- Policy Incentives: Utilize government-provided policy support and incentives, such as tax reductions and subsidies, to lower the costs of enterprise participation in recycling.
For Individuals and Communities:
- Community Recycling Programs: Promote shrimp and crab shell recycling programs within communities by setting up dedicated recycling bins and providing regular collection services to encourage resident participation.
- Educational and Outreach Activities: Conduct educational and outreach campaigns to raise awareness of the value of shrimp and crab shell recycling and encourage community involvement.
- Reward Systems: Implement reward systems, such as points, discounts, or small gifts, to incentivize residents to participate in the classification and recycling of shrimp and crab shells.
Long-term Impact
Our project will have profound effects on promoting sustainable cities and communities:
- Improving Urban Environmental Quality: By recycling and transforming shrimp and crab shell waste, the project will significantly improve air and water quality, providing a safer living environment for residents.
- Enhancing Public Awareness: Through educational and outreach initiatives, the project will elevate public understanding of resource recycling and sustainable development, encouraging community participation in environmental protection efforts.
- Promoting Policy Support: The project will help strengthen governmental support for urban solid waste management policies, facilitating the implementation of sustainable development plans and providing sustainable solutions for future urban development.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
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Goal Identification Our project actively responds to Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12), particularly focusing on the following targets:
- 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
- 12.2: By 2030, achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
- 12.4: By 2020, achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
Problem Identification China is the world's largest producer of shrimp and crab, generating a significant amount of shell waste annually. According to the 2023 National Fisheries Economic Statistical Bulletin, the annual production of shrimp and crab products reaches 9.4189 million tons, resulting in a considerable amount of shell waste that is not effectively recycled and is often sent to landfills or incinerated. This not only leads to resource waste but also severely impacts the environment, affecting marine ecosystems.
Ulink-SZ Implementation Plan
Our project employs an innovative dual-enzyme catalytic process, utilizing chitinase (CDA) and genetically modified chitosanase (CsnB) to efficiently convert chitin in shrimp and crab shells into chito-oligosaccharides. The core of this process lies in optimizing the characteristics of the CsnB enzyme through genetic engineering, significantly improving conversion efficiency and the purity of the final product, which meets the stringent standards of the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.
Long-term Impact
By effectively recovering and transforming shrimp and crab shell waste, Our project achieves resource circularity, reduces the demand for new resources, and lowers environmental pollution. Additionally, the project will enhance public awareness of resource recovery and sustainable consumption, encouraging more enterprises to participate in environmental protection actions and promoting a shift toward sustainable development. Through the recycling and utilization of shrimp and crab shells, our project contributes to the achievement of SDG 12, actively supporting environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
SDG 14: Life Below Water
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Goal Identification Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. This goal encompasses specific targets closely related to our project:
- 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution from all sources, particularly from land-based activities, including marine litter and nutrient pollution.
- 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts and take action for their restoration.
- 14.5: By 2020, conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas.
Problem Identification As the largest producer of shrimp and crab in the world, China generates a significant amount of shrimp and crab shell waste annually, amounting to approximately 9.4189 million tons according to the 2023 National Fisheries Economic Statistical Bulletin. A substantial portion of this waste, if not effectively recycled, is often improperly disposed of, leading to marine pollution and adversely affecting marine ecosystems.
Research indicates that inadequate waste management practices result in over 600,000 tons of marine debris entering coastal waters each year, contributing to pollution and threatening marine biodiversity. Specifically, shrimp and crab shells can contribute to nutrient pollution, further disrupting the ecological balance and endangering marine species. This waste not only presents environmental challenges but also hinders sustainable management of marine resources.
Implementation Plan
Our project employs an innovative dual-enzyme catalytic process to convert shrimp and crab shell waste into high-value chito-oligosaccharides, supporting the following objectives:
- Reduction of Marine Pollution: By effectively recycling shrimp and crab shells, the project aims to significantly reduce the amount of waste entering the ocean, aligning with SDG 14.1 and mitigating the risks associated with marine pollution.
- Protection of Marine Ecosystems: The project's approach to converting waste into valuable products promotes the sustainable management of marine resources and supports the goals of SDG 14.2, contributing to the health and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems.
- Support for Marine Area Conservation: By reducing the amount of shrimp and crab shell waste, our project indirectly supports the conservation of marine and coastal areas, contributing to the achievement of SDG 14.5.
Long-term Impact
Our project will have a positive impact on the marine environment and ecosystems:
- Improvement of Marine Ecosystem Health: Through effective recycling and utilization of shrimp and crab shell waste, the project will significantly improve marine ecosystem health and biodiversity.
- Enhancement of Public Environmental Awareness: The project will raise public awareness of marine conservation and sustainable development, encouraging active participation from all sectors of society in marine protection efforts.
- Promotion of Policy Development and Implementation: The project provides data support and practical case studies for governmental policies regarding marine ecological protection, facilitating the implementation of more effective conservation measures in coastal and marine areas.
Negative Impact Analysis
While our project aims to transform shrimp and crab shell waste into high-value chito-oligosaccharides and promote sustainable development, it is essential to critically analyze the potential negative impacts associated with the project. The following are the main areas of concern:
1. Technical Limitations
The innovative dual-enzyme catalytic process may face efficiency bottlenecks. Although experimental data indicate that dual-enzyme catalysis can enhance conversion efficiency under optimized conditions, environmental factors (such as temperature and pH fluctuations) may affect enzyme activity, leading to unstable production. These technical limitations could increase the production costs of chito-oligosaccharides, making it challenging to achieve the expected economic benefits.
2. Market Acceptance
Surveys show that the public has limited awareness of the recycling value of shrimp and crab shells. While 86.6% of respondents expressed willingness to participate in waste segregation, the acceptance of new derivative products remains relatively low. A report indicates that only 40% of consumers are willing to purchase products derived from waste, highlighting the need for more market education and outreach to build consumer trust.
3. Environmental Issues
The project's goal is to reduce marine pollution; however, the processes involved in waste collection, transportation, and processing could generate additional carbon emissions. Research from environmental organizations suggests that the carbon emissions during the transport of each ton of waste can reach up to 0.25 tons. If not managed effectively, these emissions may counteract the intended reduction in marine pollution.
4. Economic Viability
Establishing recycling facilities requires significant initial investment. Industry data shows that the cost of building a small recycling facility can range from $1 million to $2 million, which may deter small businesses from participating. Furthermore, the project's economic viability relies on stable market demand and government support policies; any changes in governmental subsidy programs could adversely affect the project's sustainability.
5. Resource Competition
The sourcing of shrimp and crab shells may compete with other uses, such as animal feed and fertilizer production. Data indicate that approximately 30% of shrimp and crab shells in China are currently used for animal feed, necessitating a balanced approach to recycling programs to avoid resource waste.
Sustainable Education: Cultivating the Future
Background and Project Goals To deepen the public's understanding of sustainable development and promote the technology of synthetic biology, our educational project is dedicated to multi-layered popular science activities encompassing schools, communities, and online platforms. The goal of us is to spread the potential of sustainable development and biotechnology through educational activities, fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and community leaders with sustainability awareness.
Activity Design and Implementation
We has developed a dual-track educational strategy, conducting activities both on campus and in the community simultaneously:
Campus Activities
Utilizing the platform of Suzhou Uink High School, We established an iGEM club and collaborated with other academic societies to organize several productive discussion sessions. These activities provide a platform for students to exchange ideas and ignite their passion for synthetic biology. The club conducts seminars and sharing sessions to teach fellow students about resource recycling, the biosynthesis process of chito-oligosaccharides, and the applications of synthetic biology.
Figure : in School
Community Promotion
We closely collaborates with local communities, particularly in restaurants and street-side lobster sales points, to conduct promotional activities. Through these practical cases and demonstrations, we educates the public about the resource potential of table waste. For instance, residents are introduced to how shrimp and crab shells can be transformed into high-value chito-oligosaccharides and showcased their extensive applications in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
Figure : in the Community
Online Education
To expand the reach of education, we has launched social media accounts and regularly conducts online live broadcasts. Through these modern communication methods, we aims to reach a broader audience and enhance public awareness of synthetic biology.
Figure : in the Community
Key Achievements and Impact
Educational Impact
Through cooperation with schools, communities, and online platforms, we has successfully held numerous educational activities. For example, during a sharing session at Ulink High School, students actively participated in discussions and showed strong interest in the biosynthesis process of chito-oligosaccharides. Furthermore, we has reached a wider community and families through sharing sessions and online lectures, educating the public on how synthetic biology technology can address environmental issues.
Academic Support and Feedback
Teachers and students have given high praise to our activities. For instance, in discussions with students, questions about production costs, environmental impacts, and other practical issues were raised, reflecting their critical thinking and deep understanding of sustainable technology. we recognizes that these exchange activities can better promote knowledge of synthetic biology.
Future Plans
In the future, we plans to continue expanding the scope of education, focusing on more community outreach and interdisciplinary integration. For example, Ulink-SZ will collaborate with other academic institutions and enterprises to encourage more individuals to understand and participate in the innovations of synthetic biology. Additionally, we plans to produce more diverse promotional materials, including animated videos and online courses, ensuring the public can easily access information and stimulate their interest in science and technology.
Conclusion
Our project demonstrates a significant commitment to advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly in addressing the pressing issue of shrimp and crab shell waste. By transforming these waste materials into high-value chito-oligosaccharides, the project not only promotes responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) but also supports marine life sustainability (SDG 14) and fosters good health and well-being (SDG 3). Additionally, we actively contributes to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) by improving community resource management and waste recycling systems, enhancing residents' quality of life and environmental awareness.
Through proactive engagement with stakeholders, including government agencies, aquatic enterprises, and consumers, we has developed a comprehensive strategy aligned with key SDG targets. The project emphasizes sustainable waste management practices, enhances resource utilization efficiency, and reduces environmental impact, effectively addressing the challenges posed by marine pollution and improper waste management.
Furthermore, the educational initiatives implemented by we play a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of synthetic biology and sustainable practices within communities. By promoting public participation and collaboration, the project strengthens local involvement in sustainability efforts and nurtures a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.