Table 1 shows the protein and ash content of the fermented
residue. About 84% of the protein and 72% of
the minerals were removed from the shrimp shell at
the end of fermentation. To produce chitin of standard
quality, residual protein and ash content of the
fermented residue have to be removed by mild acid
and alkali treatments. Different concentrations of
hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were tried to
remove ash and protein, respectively (Figs. 3 and 4).
Considering the statistical significance (P < 0.05) in the
extent of demineralization trials, we have used 0.8 N
HCl for the demineralization study. Similarly, among
different alkali concentrations tried, 0.6 M NaOH was
used for the deprotenisation (P < 0.05)