Survey and extraction of fish scales from local fish species in Bihar for the development of biofertilizers

Chhabi Chaudhary^a, Sunil Kumar Singh^b, Gazala Ruhi Fatma^a & Anita Kumari^a*
^aUniversity Department of Zoology, B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India
^bDepartment of Zoology, L.N.T. College, B. R. Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India

Received : 15th January, 2025 ; Revised : 14th February, 2025
DOI:-https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16396770

Abstract– This research explores the potential use of fish scales, a byproduct of the fishing industry, as biofertilizers. The study focuses on 10 common local fish species from Bihar, including Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala), Bata (Labeo bata), Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Singhi (Heteropneustes fossilis), Magur (Clarias batrachus), Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), and Chitala (Chitala chitala). The study involves the survey of these fish species, scale extraction, and nutrient analysis to evaluate their suitability for agricultural use. The findings reveal that these fish scales are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium, which are critical for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth, phosphorus supports root development and energy transfer, and calcium strengthens cell walls. This study aims to provide a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and address waste management challenges in the fishing industry by repurposing fish scales into valuable biofertilizers. Utilizing these scales can improve soil fertility, enhance crop yields, and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords: Fish scales, biofertilizer, nutrient analysis, sustainable agriculture, local fish species, Bihar

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