MICROBIAL ENHANCEMENT OF THE PINK SHRIMP (Penaeus notialis) WASTE

Abstract

Shellfish processing generates a large amount of wastes which is rich in chitin and protein. This shrimp waste is
indiscriminately disposed resulting in environmental pollution. Biofermentation of this waste could enhance its
protein content and improve digestibility, making it a cheap alternative for supplementing fish meal, which is
expensive. In this study, bacteria and fungi were isolated from shrimp waste. Two bacteria (Bacillus subtilis,
Serratiamercescens) and 2 fungi (Thanatephoruscucumeris,Penicilliumcorylophilum)were selected (based on
their ability to degrade chitin) and used for solid state fermentation of shrimp waste and then proximate
analyses of the fermented products were carried out. The fermentation of the shrimp waste with the four
organisms increased the nutritional quality of the substrates.Bacillus subtilis gave the highest increase in crude
protein (28.95%) Hence, the bioconversion of shrimp waste into products with enriched microbial biomass
could be achieved through solid state fermentation. In addition, such products could be used to develop simpler
components with higher nutritional value. These simpler components could be applied as a feed ingredient in
livestock and aquaculture industries.
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