Abstract

The recovery of water soluble proteins from the discharge waters of fishing in fish meal plants by means of ultrafiltration membrane separation techniques was studied. The water soluble fish proteins ultrafiltration was significantly influenced by the type of membrane, operating pressure, temperature and liquid pretretment. Best results were obtained with polysufone membrane (molecular weight cut off 6000 Daltons), ambient temperature, applied pressure 3.4 bar, and using centrifugation prior to UF. On this basis, an industrial process for the recovery of water soluble fish, is proposed. The global recovery of water soluble fish proteins from the waste effluent reaches 94%. The protein concentrate obtained can be recycled to the fish meal plant.