Deliverables A.3.3 – Preliminary tests of BP socks
The objective of this sub-action was to produce the meshes with the biopolymer formulations
selected in sub-action A.3.1, considered as the most promising for the application; to optimize the extrusion process; and to characterize the obtained networks, in terms of mechanical properties (PE).
Deliverables B.3.1 – Characterization report of recycled polypropylene
Mechanical, thermal and spectroscopic characterization of virgin PP and recovered PP, by Sapienza University of Rome. The preliminary results have demonstrated the possibility of mechanically recycling the PP of used socks for the production of new products to be used in the same supply chain or in other production sectors.
DELIVERABLE A.3.2 – Report on mechanical and ecotoxicological characterization of biopolymers
The objective of this sub-action was to continue the characterization of the
biomaterials selected in sub-action A3.1 and identified as the most promising for
the application. This characterization consisted in the evaluation of the mechanical properties and
of the environmental impact, in ecotoxicological terms, compared to the standard polymers used
currently for the production of mussel nets (PP or PE).
DELIVERABLE B.5.1 DEFINITION OF THE BACKGROUND DATA OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS OF THE PILOT SITES BEFORE THE APPLICATION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL SOCKS
The objective of action B.5.1 is to analyze the microplastics dispersed in the water column in the two pilot sites (La Spezia and Gargano Nord) to verify the levels of background of contamination of the two areas before the implementation of the project actions and subsequently verify the potential presence of fragments of PP and BP due to the degradation of the socks during the production cycle.
REPORTS A.2 "MYTHICULTURE IN ITALY, CURRENT DATA AND REGULATIONS" AND RELATED ANNEXES
This report includes a qualitative and descriptive approach to the mussel industry in Europe and in the Mediterranean and Italian communities. After a brief introduction on the meaning and description of the mussel farming activity, the report provides some information on the characteristics of the mussel farming sector in Italy, focusing the attention on the 2 pilot areas: La Spezia (Liguria) and the north of Gargano (Puglia ).
The report will also demonstrate, with a section dedicated to the identification of environmental impacts, that the development of the sector has influenced the pollution of marine waters, such as the production, voluntary or otherwise, of waste that can be dispersed on the seabed or reach the coast.
REPORT A.3.1 "SCREENING AND IDENTIFICATION OF BIOPOLYMERS"
The objective of sub-action A.3.1 was to develop and select biodegradable and compostable biomaterials suitable to be used for the production of mussel socks. For the development of suitable biopolymer formulations for the aquaculture sector and, in particular, for mussel farming, it is of paramount importance to balance the functionality (i.e. strength, durability of the biomaterial during mussel farming) and the biodegradation behavior of the product (sock) in a marine environment, starting from the intrinsic biodegradability of the material (biopolymer) of which it is made.
REPORT B.1.1/B.1.2 "THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STANDARD SOCK AND THE OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR USE FOR MULTICULTURE"
Report that defines the guidelines regarding the properties and use of nets in mussel farms, in order to provide stakeholders with a technical report on the state of use and current performance of stockings commonly used on the Italian territory and to define the reference parameters which will then be used to evaluate the expected performance of recycled and biopolymer socks. This report is the result of actions B.1.1 and B.1.2 of the Life Muscles project, which involved the stakeholders, the mussel farmers who were given a technical questionnaire to collect information on the retinas in use.
