Extraction and Characterization of Chitosan from Indian Prawn (Fenneropenaeus Indicus) and its Applications on Waste Water Treatment of Local Ghee Industry

Abstract

Chitosan; an organic biopolymer, a natural biodegradable material with high molecular weight was derived and extracted locally from Indian prawn (Fenneropenaeus Indicus) through deacetylation process. Chitosan carries charges at different pH levels, below pH 6.5 it carries strong cationic charges and above this pH strong anionic charges, therefore it has strong affinity for ions because it comprises of sequenced amino groups (-NH 2) and hydroxyl groups (-OH). In present study, extracted chitosan was characterized by FTIR, SEM and EDS, the same was successfully applied for the treatment of industrial waste water of ghee industry located in SITE area of Hyderabad (Sindh), Pakistan. The experimental conditions such as; chitosan dosage, optimum pH and mixing times were examined for flocculation process. The chitosan showed marked difference by successfully flocculated the negatively charged suspended particles, thereby reducing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Conductivity levels in industrial waste water. The secondary parameter equally important determined was Dissolved Oxygen (DO) which is required to sustain aquatic life. The experimental optimum conditions were obtained at 1% chitosan in 1M acetic acid, pH 4 and 5 minutes of mixing time at 1000 rpm and 25 minutes of settling time. The highest flocculation efficiency of chitosan observed under these conditions was 80.1% COD removal, 91.8% Turbidity removal, 72.5% TDS removal and 73.7% reduction in conductivity. It is found to absorb grease, toxic material, fats and oils. The main advantages of chitosan are; biodegradability, nontoxic in nature having fast settling velocity, low dosage, high removal efficiency, being economical, and cost efficient.