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Waste seashells can solve waste water problem

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The thousands of tonnes of waste seashells created by the edible seafood sector could be put to use by the University of Bath’s Department of Chemical Engineering in a new waste water cleaning project.

Dr Darrell Patterson, who leads the Nanostructured and Tuneable Materials laboratory at Bath and is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Chemical Engineering at the University, used waste mussel shells to create a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way of ‘polishing’ waste water, which could be used to remove unwanted substances like hormones, pharmaceuticals or fertilisers.

Traditional wastewater treatment broadly takes three stages. The first involves the removal of any solids and oils, the second filters the water and degrades the biological content of the sewage which are derived from human waste, food waste, soaps and detergent.

Finally a tertiary treatment is used to further improve the quality of the water before it is released. There are different methods of tertiary treatment, and one of the most effective is the photocatalysis of water to remove any final trace contaminants.

This process normally uses titanium dioxide which is expensive. By replacing this with a material from the calcium derived from seashells called hydroxyapatite, which can also be found in teeth and bones, Dr Patterson is aiming to significantly reduce the cost and reusing a renewable unwanted waste product.

Dr Patterson said: “Mussel and other seashell farming is a fast growing industry around the world and the increase in the production of shellfish generates a large amount of shell waste.

“Shells are a calcium rich resource that can be used to produce calcium oxide (lime). This lime can be used in several different ways in environmental technologies, and our study has shown that the hydroxyapatite formed from them is an effective, green and potentially cost-efficient alternative photocatalyst for waste water treatment.”

The research was carried out using mussel shells, but other types of seashell could feasibly be used to produce photocatalysts, making this technique globally applicable.

The project will now go on to look at the wider applicability of this technology and the scaling up of shell-based photocatalysts to industrial level.

The University of Bath are building a large portfolio of water-related research, having recently announced a new partnership with Wessex Water.

For more information on this area of research you can follow @DrDAPatterson on Twitter or access the full text research paper in Opus.

 

Source: www.bath.ac.uk

Gear News

Introducing the RF-40 Fins from DYNAMICNORD

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With the sporty RF-40 open-heel fin by DYNAMICNORD, you enjoy maximum effectiveness and fun. The innovative design guarantees ease and power – exactly what every diver wants.

Designed and engineered in Germany. Made in Europe.

The RF-40 open-heel fin delivers. Its harder blade will especially delight sporty divers.

The powerful blade of the RF-40 fin and its dynamic design with innovative water channels allow to perform both technical and recreational kicks with maximum propulsion. The power is efficiently transmitted from the foot pocket and sole to the blade for outstanding kick stability and manoeuvrability. With the RF-40 fin, sporty divers are guaranteed to have a blast underwater.

The foot pocket of the open-heel fin is comfortable, and the smart bungee strap enables to make small length adjustments without using any tools. This way, the fin can be used with neoprene boots or with a drysuit. The heel pad has a large finger loop that is easy to grasp even when wearing gloves, making donning and doffing the fin a breeze.

The RF-40 fins are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers in six great colours.

Recommended sales price: £127.00

Sizes: M-XL

Colours: Blue, grey, orange, purple, red, yellow

DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Master Your GoPro: Join an Underwater Video Workshop in the Cayman Islands with Carlos Villoch

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underwater video

Capture Your Best Dive Moments in April 2025 at Ocean Frontiers

For the first time, Ocean Frontiers presents an exclusive underwater video workshop series, hosted by renowned videographer Carlos Villoch at the award-winning Compass Point Dive Resort, Grand Cayman. Designed for GoPro enthusiasts, this workshop is your chance to master your camera and capture documentary-quality footage beneath the waves.

underwater video

Why Join?

Expert Training: Carlos Villoch, a BBC-Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year and underwater videography expert, will teach everything from GoPro basics to advanced techniques.

Unparalleled Access: Dive with a dedicated boat, curated dive sites, and expert guidance to help you shoot action-packed, frame-worthy footage.

Custom Gear: Try out Carlos’ unique ‘Glowdive’ accessories, specifically designed for GoPro filming, and take advantage of GoPro features developed with Carlos’ input.

World-Class Diving: Enjoy 15 dives, including reef, wall, wreck, and macro dives, as well as snorkel trips to Stingray City Sandbar.

 

underwater video

2025 Workshop Dates

 
Workshop 1: April 5th to 12th, 2025
 
Workshop 2: April 12th to 19th, 2025
 

Dive and Learn Itinerary Highlights

 
15 dives and 2 snorkel trips, featuring iconic Cayman dive sites.
 
4 classroom sessions on video techniques:
 
*Basics of underwater video*
 
*Accessory usage for optimal results*
 
*Mastering GoPro settings*
 
* Advanced lighting, movement, and editing techniques*
 
Dedicated time with Carlos for personalized guidance and gear testing.
 
Unique dives, including Stingray City, the Kittiwake wreck, and a macro-focused dive.
Social events: Welcome Cruise, optional group dinner, and Farewell Caribbean Buffet.
 
underwater video
 

Stay at Compass Point Dive Resort

 
Experience the ultimate “liveaboard on land” with beachfront condos, roll-out-of-bed access to dive boats, and top-tier amenities. Voted the Caribbean’s Best Dive Resort for two consecutive years, Compass Point is the perfect home base for your underwater videography adventure.
 
underwater video
 

Rates

Dive & Stay Packages (7 nights):

1-bed condo, double diver: US$2,995 per person

2-bed condo, double diver: US$3,395 per person

2-bed condo, quad diver: US$2,570 per person

Add-ons:

Unlimited Nitrox: US$99

Little Cayman Bloody Bay Wall Expedition (3-tank): US$325 (weather permitting)

Diving Only Package:

Workshop & dives: US$1,695 per person

underwater video

Book Now!

Email: reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

USA Toll-Free: 1-800-348-6096

Cayman Direct: 1-345-640-0000

www.oceanfrontiers.com

 

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