A. Francis
Addis Ababa University,
Ethiopia
Keywords: black soldier fly, membrane, chitin, chitosan, circular economy, biopolymer
Summary:
The circular economy, a crucial framework within sustainable development goals, emphasizes reducing material consumption, promoting value-added goods from waste, and fostering sustainable production. Addis Ababa generates 3.2–3.7 million m³ of solid waste annually (2016–2020), projected to reach 3,569 tons/day by 2030. Organic waste comprises 60–76% of the total, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity amidst rising urbanization and associated socio-economic and environmental impacts. Efficient recycling and reuse strategies are imperative to mitigate these effects. Black Soldier Flies (BSF), as nature’s efficient waste processors, offer a sustainable solution by converting organic waste into valuable products like chitin. Chitin, a polysaccharide found in insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, can be chemically or enzymatically N-deacetylated to produce chitosan, a biopolymer with versatile applications. Chitosan, composed of 1,4-linked 2-deoxy-2-aminoglucose units, is renowned for its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. These characteristics make it highly promising for environmental, medical, and industrial applications. Chitosan has demonstrated utility in wastewater treatment, bioplastic production, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and packaging, aligning with circular economy principles by addressing waste reduction and resource optimization. Given the abundance of organic waste in Addis Ababa and the inherent potential of BSF in waste valorisation, this study explores the production of chitin and chitosan as a sustainable waste management strategy. By integrating BSF processing with the biochemical conversion of chitin into chitosan, the approach not only minimizes waste but also produces high-value biopolymers. The process exemplifies the principles of the circular economy, contributing to waste reduction and the creation of renewable resources. This framework offers a scalable, eco-friendly solution to urban waste challenges, underscoring the role of biological waste conversion in achieving sustainable development goals.