Strategies for the Utilization of Fish Estratégias para o Reaproveitamento das Escamas de Peixe

Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades, environmental issues have become one of society's main concerns, thanks to changes in ideologies and ethical values. The total value of fish is approximately 90 million tons, or nearly 53 percent, considered waste, and of these, 4.5 million tons (5 percent) are fish scales. Fish processing can generate up to 70 percent of the waste, which includes: head, carcass, viscera, skin, and scales.
Materials and methods: The process of extracting collagen and hydroxyapatite from fish scales of the croaker species (Micropogonias furnieri) was successfully carried out using the set of materials and reagents duly highlighted in the materials and methods.
Results: Since these wastes have no economic value, they are disposed of in any way, causing environmental pollution, such as unpleasant odors and countless other conditions that invite the presence of many insects and other organisms. thus causing numerous risks to public health, the community, and the environment. Fish scales are an excellent byproduct for reuse in the production of handcrafted pieces, as well as for the extraction of organic and inorganic compounds present in them as a way to minimize environmental pollution, promoting their reuse. At the artisanal level, the production of handcrafted pieces from fish scales has proven to be possible, viable, and easy to execute, as a way to minimize environmental pollution, enhancing the value of reusing this important byproduct derived from fishing activities.
Discussion: The amount of recovered hydroxyapatite (3 %) was lower than that obtained in previous studies, such as Lee et al. (2018), which reported yields of up to 10 % hydroxyapatite from scales of other marine species. This result can be attributed to variability between fish species, which influences the mineral composition of the scales. The croaker, being a fish species with a less dense bone structure than other marine species, may contain a lower amount of hydroxyapatite in its scales. However, the relevance of flake as a source of compost is not diminished, suggesting that optimizing the extraction process may result in higher yields.
Conclusions: The environmental scenario is one of the main global concerns, once human activities have a significant impact on ecosystems. In this context, both government and non-government organizations, together with general society, will increase their awareness of the negative effects of excessive exploration of natural resources. Waste generated in the fishing process, especially fish scales, are commonly discarded by-products improperly, or cause serious pollution and public health problems.