Identification of Waste Potential from Maritime Activity - Incorporating Polyethylene Cables into Building Construction

Abstract

Currently, the Azores face a significant problem due to the existence of a large quantity of marine debris derived from fishing activities and gear. This issue represents a threat to the social and environmental aspects of the region. The lack of adequate disposal of this waste produced by the fishing industries is leading to a disruption of the ecosystem. A broad study within the scope of the Azores Ecoblue project in partnership with the Regional Government of the Azores aims to quantify/parameterize and qualify waste from fishing gear. Focused on analyzing the possibility and opportunity of creating a source of revenue for the Region from these raw materials used by the stakeholders identified by a research project called Azores Ecoblue. This survey is being carried out with the aim of identifying adversities related to materials, resulting in the proposal of solutions, involving the recycling and transformation of the polymer, Polyethylene, typically used in mooring cables on fishing vessels. It is essential to raise awareness of the need to reconsider the collection of waste with sustainable potential and relevance in the social and economic context of the region. Polymer identification and characterization was performed in an attempt to address the problem at the source. In addition to identifying the material, this research focuses on characterizing its thermal properties. The development of a construction system composed of reused cables, to be included in a demonstrative prototype, was developed and is presented in this article, emphasizing the importance of implementing sustainable solutions to address the issue of marine litter on the Azorean coast and promote the circular economy.