The researchers from Bari Polytechnic University are transforming two waste products into a new construction material, DW (Deutsche Welle) reports. 

Mussel shells, which come from local seafood businesses, alongside sediment that has been dredged from harbours, are now being combined to form cement that is bio-friendly. 

The material is being developed for a European research project carried out by Rossella Petti and Claudia Vitone from the university in Bari. 

The project intends to cut down on waste, decrease disposal costs and produce a more sustainable source of calcium carbonate, which is a key part of cement production. 

Three Mediterranean ports will be testing the material out for breakwaters, paving and wider infrastructure. These are the Greek Port of Piraeus in Athens, the Port of La Spezia in Italy’s Liguria and the Italian Port of Bari.

Vitone said: “Mussel shells are composed of calcium carbonate, the same material we get from limestone mining. 

“But this calcium carbonate comes from a biogenetic source.”

While Calcium carbonate is vital for cement production, it is typically extracted from limestone - high levels of Co2 are emitted in this process.

The researchers are hoping to use the new material to build breakwaters that safeguard big harbours as well as for paving port areas. 

The researchers are also testing the material out to determine whether it can also be used for road substrate.

Vitone added: “In the coming months, production will be shifted to the various ports where the sediments will be extracted and processed using the mixing formulas we developed here at the university. 

“The products can then be used directly on site at the ports.”