Chitin and Chitosan: Potential Purification Powerhouses in the Fishing Industry.

Red Tilapia Fish [Image by Adobe Stock]

Water quality directly impacts seafood safety, sustainability, and economic viability. As concerns about pollution and environmental impact continue to rise, innovative solutions are required to safeguard our aquaculture systems. Enter chitin and chitosan—two remarkable biopolymers derived from natural sources that offer significant promise in water purification.

Chitin and Chitosan: Nature’s Biopolymers

Chitin accounts for roughly 20% of the Earth’s biomass. When processed with an alkaline treatment, chitin is converted into chitosan, which is water soluble and contains unique properties that allow it to absorb various contaminants. Both compounds have garnered attention in recent years for their potential in water treatment applications (see also The Role that Chitin and Chitosan Could Play in Wound Healing and Stress Reduction in the Fisheries Industry, and Reviving the River Wye: Challenges and Innovative Solutions.)

Water Pollution in the Fishing Industry

The fishing industry faces numerous environmental challenges, including runoff from agricultural practices, heavy metal contamination, and the accumulation of organic waste. These pollutants not only degrade water quality but also pose risks to marine life and human health. Conventional water treatment methods can be costly and often produce hazardous byproducts - highlighting an urgent need for sustainable alternatives.

Chitin and Chitosan in Action

School of fish [Image by Adobe Stock]

Research has shown that chitosan, due to its cationic nature, possesses a high affinity for negatively charged contaminants. According to Sarode et al., 2019, chitosan can effectively remove different heavy metals—the most common culprits in industrial discharge—such as lead, copper, and cadmium from wastewater. Its ability to flocculate particulate matter enhances sedimentation, leading to cleaner water.

Moreover, chitosan’s biocompatibility and biodegradability make it an environmentally friendly choice. Studies such as those mentioned by Lichtfouse et al., 2019 have suggested that using chitosan for wastewater treatment not only improves clarity and quality but does so without introducing harmful substances back into the ecosystem.

Closing Thoughts

The potential benefits of chitin and chitosan in water purification highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving environmental challenges. Academic research and practical applications must interlace to develop effective strategies that safeguard aquatic ecosystems while considering economic implications.

As the fishing industry continues to expand globally, the adoption of eco-friendly and effective water treatment solutions like chitin and chitosan can play a pivotal role in ensuring a sustainable future.

At Entoplast, we extract chitin from black soldier flies.​

Our pioneering production process uses greener methods to create chitin and chitosan that can be tailored to your needs.

Speak to one of our team today:  hello@entoplast.com