Physicochemical characterization of flour based on waste shrimp exoskeleton obtained by dehydration processes

Abstract

The present work shows a quantitative study with an exploratory descriptive approach that investigates the potential use of flour based on the exoskeleton of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), through documentary review, using information collection techniques such as surveys and field interviews. Shrimp shells were collected from fishmonger waste containers, processed and analyzed for their proximal chemical composition and micronutrients. The results show that discarded shrimp shells represent a waste of 2.5 Tons in the area of ​​Alvarado, Veracruz, and that the flour obtained from these shells has a high protein content of 44.40%, minerals such as Ca with 11.17%, N with 6.86%, Fe with 237 mg/Kg-1, Zn with 77 mg/Kg-1 among other nutrients. The study indicates that the use of this flour could add value to shrimp waste, having potential applications in the food industry and in the formulation of balanced animal feed, thus contributing to the reduction of pollution of the lagoon system in Alvarado.