Transforming Waste from Invasive Alien Animal Species into High Value-Added Output

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that the intentional or accidental introduction of alien animal species has a negative impact on local biodiversity. Indeed, since new environments are often devoid of their natural predators, alien animal species quickly become invasive (such as the blue crab in north-eastern Italy), causing ecological, environmental, and/or economic damage. Ecological impacts include local extinction or a reduction in the diversity of native species, as well as various types of ecosystem-level changes, such as changes in nutrient cycling or water quality. If not managed at a very early stage, the eradication of alien animal species can be very costly and often unachievable. Another aspect to consider is the production of a significant quantity of animal waste, the disposal of which poses a serious sustainability problem. This Topic aims to promote interdisciplinary eco-innovations to convert waste from alien animal species into new resources so that they can be reused for the benefit of human wellbeing, environmental protection and sustainable expansion.

The challenge is therefore to transform a potentially catastrophic event into a means to creating high value-added products, such as the following:

• Medical treatments;
• Intelligent nanomaterials;
• Nano-sensors;
• Sustainable batteries;
• Bio-sustainable fertilizers;
• Opportunities to reduce dependence on raw materials;
• Materials for bio-architecture.

Dr. Elena Ferretti
Prof. Dr. Marco Corradi
Topic Editors