Powdered Ark Clam (Anadara transvera) as an Alternative Ingredient of Calcuim Carbonate for

Soap Making
By: Ivan Carlo Bibat and Daniel Brizuela

Significance

Soap making, an ancient craft with roots dating back centuries, continually evolves as

artisans seek innovative ingredients to enhance product quality. A promising alternative gaining attention

is powdered Ark Clam (Anadara transversa), a marine mollusk abundant in calcium carbonate (Xia et al.,

2014). Calcium carbonate, a traditional component in soap recipes, contributes to soap hardness and

lathering properties. In light of the growing emphasis on sustainability and uniqueness in product

formulations, this study explores the viability of incorporating powdered Ark Clam as a substitute for

conventional calcium carbonate in soap making.

The choice to investigate powdered Ark Clam is grounded in its natural abundance and inherent

calcium carbonate content. Ark Clam populations thrive in various coastal regions, presenting a potential

locally sourced and environmentally friendly option for soap makers (Kaur & Singh, 2023). Beyond its

availability, the calcium carbonate derived from Ark Clam shells possesses absorbent and abrasive

qualities, suggesting potential benefits for enhancing the exfoliating characteristics of soap formulations.

As the artisanal soap-making community increasingly embraces sustainable practices, the integration of

powdered Ark Clam emerges as an intriguing prospect aligned with the industry's demand for eco-

conscious and innovative ingredients.

This study aims to contribute valuable insights to soap makers by scientifically exploring the

efficacy of powdered Ark Clam as an alternative to conventional calcium carbonate (Opitz et al., 2021).

Rigorous analyses of its chemical composition and evaluation of its impact on soap properties will

provide a well-rounded understanding of the potential advantages and challenges associated with

incorporating this unique marine ingredient into soap formulations.

Objectives

1. To assess the effectiveness of powdered ark clam shell in contributing to the desired

properties of soap, such as lathering and cleansing abilities.

2. To evaluate the feasibility of utilizing powdered ark calm as a sustainable and

environmentally friendly source of calcium carbonate for soap production.

Methodology

Procedure in turning Ark clam shells (Anadara transvera) into lime:

 Collect Ark clam shells (Anadara transvera): Gather clean and dry the shells. Calcium

carbonate, the main component of lime, is present in these shells.

 Clean the Shells: Remove any dirt or debris from the seashells by rinsing them

thoroughly with water.

 Crush the Shells: Use a mortar and pestle or another crushing tool to grind the seashells

into a fine powder. This increases the surface area for better chemical reactions.

 Heat the Crushed Shells: Place the crushed shells in a heat-resistant container and heat

them in an oven or over an open flame. This process, known as calcination, drives off

carbon dioxide, leaving calcium oxide, which is quicklime.

 Cool and Store: Allow the heated shells to cool. The resulting material is lime. Store it in

a dry and airtight container.

Soap Making Procedure:

1. Ingredients and Materials

1.1. Raw Materials

 60g Olive oil

 20g Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

 40g Distilled water

 10g Calcium carbonate (Powdered Ark Clam (Anadara transvera) )

1.2. Equipment

 Beaker

 Digital scale

 Stirring Rod

 Molder

2. Procedure

2.1. Saponification

 Weigh 60g of olive oil, 20g sodium hydroxide, 40g distilled water, and 10g calcium

carbonate.

 Mix sodium hydroxide with distilled water until dissolved.

 Combine oils and lye solution, blend until creamier.

 If the desired consistency is achieved, then add the Calcium Carbonate (Powdered Ark

Clam (Anadara transvera) ).

2.2. Molding and Curing

 Pour soap into mold, cover, and insulate for 24 hours.

 Cure in 3 days, unmold, and cut into bars.
Major Activities

Task Duration Start Date End Date

Shell Collection 1 12/13/2023 12/13/2023

Powderization of the 1 12/15/2023 12/15/2023

collected ark clam
shell
Soap Making 2 12/16/2023 12/17/2023
Process
Product evaluation 1 12/18/2023 12/18/2023

Proposal 1 12/19/2023 12/19/2023

presentation

Figure 1: Gantt Chart

Expected Output

The project anticipates showcasing powdered Ark Clam (Anadara transversa) as a

potent substitute for Calcium Carbonate in soap production. Expected outcomes include soaps

with enhanced exfoliation properties, aligning nature with skincare excellence. The solid,

interacted particles of calcium carbonate make the soap look and feel more solid, gives it some

extra bulk. The calcium carbonate also acts as a mild abrasive and the product feels like you have

given yourself a good scrub. Furthermore, calcium carbonate powder can increase the hardness

and longevity of the soap. It can also be used as a natural whitening agent, giving the soap a

brighter appearance. Moreover, it can be used to adjust the pH of the soap, making it milder and

softer for the skin. Beyond science, the project aims to spotlight the environmental potential of

Ark Clam powder, revolutionizing sustainable practices in soap-making.

Target Beneficiaries

 Artisanal Soap Makers benefit by incorporating ark clam soap production, gaining

uniqueness, market differentiation, potential cost-effectiveness, appeal to natural product

seekers, and contributing to an environmentally conscious product line

 Sustainable and Eco-conscious Consumers, consumers who prioritize sustainable and

eco-friendly products stand benefit from soaps that incorporate powdered Ark Clam,.

 Ark Clam Harvesting Communities, communities engaged in the harvesting of Ark

Clams could experience economic benefits if there is increased demand for these clams

due to their application in soap making.

 Environmental Conservation Initiatives, by promoting the use of an abundant marine

resource like Ark Clam shells in soap making, the project indirectly supports
 environmental conservation initiatives by reducing waste and encouraging the

responsible use of natural resources.

References

Kaur, N., & Singh, K. (2023). A comparative study of Raman spectroscopic and photoluminescence

properties of the eggshell powder and conventional calcium carbonate. Journal of Physics:

Conference Series, 2426(1), 012001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2426/1/012001

Opitz, P., Besch, L., Panthöfer, M., Kabelitz, A., Unger, R. E., Emmerling, F., Mondeshki, M., & Tremel,

W. (2021). Insights into the In Vitro Formation of Apatite from Mg-Stabilized Amorphous

Calcium Carbonate. Advanced Functional Materials, 31(3), 2007830.

https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202007830

Xia, M., Yao, Z., Ge, L., Chen, T., & Li, H. (2014). A potential bio-filler: The substitution effect of furfural

modified clam shell for carbonate calcium in polypropylene. Journal of Composite Materials,

49(7), 807-816. https://doi.org/10.1177/0021998314525981