Odour Control in Fish and Shrimp Feed Manufacturing: Strategies for a Cleaner Production Process

Introduction

The fish and shrimp feed manufacturing industry plays a vital role in aquaculture, providing essential nutrition for farmed species. However, one of the major challenges faced by feed producers is odour emissions during processing. Strong, unpleasant odours can arise from raw materials like fishmeal, fish oil, and other protein-rich ingredients, leading to environmental concerns and potential regulatory issues.

Effective odour control is crucial not only for maintaining a healthy work environment but also for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and fostering good community relations. In this blog, we will explore the sources of odour in fish and shrimp feed production and discuss practical strategies to mitigate them

Common Sources of Odour in Fish and Shrimp Feed Manufacturing

1. Raw Materials

1. Fish Meal: Made from whole fish or fish byproducts; has a strong, pungent odour due to the presence of volatile nitrogen compounds like trimethylamine.
2. Shrimp Shell meal: Often contains chitin, protein residues, and fats that decompose quickly and emit foul smells.
3. Other Marine Ingredients: Algae, krill, squid, and crustacean byproducts all contribute to the distinctive odour due to high protein and oil content.
4. Animal Fats and Oils: These can oxidize and emit rancid smells.

2. Processing Stages

1. Grinding and Mixing: Releases dust and odorous particles from protein-rich materials.
2. Cooking/Extrusion: High temperatures volatilize amines, sulfur compounds, and fatty acids, leading to a cooked or burnt protein smell.
3. Drying: Moisture evaporation carries volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, intensifying odour.
4. Cooling and Packaging: Residual heat and exposed feed particles can continue to release odours if not quickly cooled or sealed.

3. Storage and Waste Handling

1. Spoiled Raw Materials: Decomposition of ingredients in storage can produce ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, and VOCs.
2. Wastewater and Solid Waste: Effluents from wash water and organic solids (like sludge or leftover ingredients) decay and emit unpleasant odours.

4. Microbial Activity

Bacteria and fungi acting on proteins and fats in raw materials and waste streams produce odorous compounds such as:

1. Ammonia
2. Hydrogen sulfide
3. Volatile fatty acids
4. Putrescine and cadaverine (from protein decay)

Environmental and Community Impact of Odour in Fish and Shrimp Feed Manufacturing

Odour emissions from fish and shrimp feed manufacturing plants are a significant environmental concern affecting air quality and local communities. These odours, mainly caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogenous compounds released during processing, contribute to air pollution and can lead to frequent community complaints. Persistent and strong odours from aquafeed production can also negatively impact local biodiversity by disturbing nearby ecosystems and sensitive wildlife.

Effective odour control in fish feed manufacturing not only reduces these environmental impacts but also helps improve relations with surrounding communities. By managing odour emissions proactively, feed manufacturers can prevent complaints, avoid costly fines, and reduce the risk of legal action. Strong odour management practices enhance a company’s reputation and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable and responsible aquaculture production.

Regulatory Framework and Compliance for Aquafeed Odour Control

The fish and shrimp feed manufacturing industry must comply with strict environmental regulations related to odour emissions and air pollution control. In India, agencies like the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) enforce standards for odour limits and air quality that feed producers must meet. Globally, regulations from bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Union (EU) provide guidelines for industrial odour control and emissions management in aquafeed production.

Compliance with these odour regulations is essential for legal operation and plays a vital role in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability reporting. Meeting regulatory requirements helps aquafeed manufacturers avoid penalties, ensures operational continuity, and supports environmental stewardship goals. Integrating advanced odour control technologies and following regulatory frameworks enable companies to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and improve air quality, fostering sustainable fish and shrimp feed production.

Proven Odour Control Strategies in Aquafeed Production

To address these challenges, manufacturers can adopt the following strategies:

1. Optimize Raw Material Handling

1. Proper Storage: Store fish meal and oil in sealed, temperature-controlled environments to minimize oxidation and VOC release.
2. Quality Control: Use fresh, high-quality raw materials to reduce the presence of odorous compounds.
3. Inventory Management: Implement first-in, first-out (FIFO) systems to prevent spoilage.

2. Install Odour Control Systems

1. Biofilters: These use microorganisms to break down odourous compounds. They are cost-effective and environmentally friendly for treating exhaust air from processing areas.
2. Scrubbers: Wet scrubbers can neutralize odours by passing exhaust gases through a liquid solution, capturing VOCs and amines.
3. Thermal Oxidizers: For high-odour loads, thermal oxidizers burn off volatile compounds, converting them into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water.

3. Enhance Processing Techniques

1. Low-Temperature Processing: Use lower temperatures during drying and extrusion to reduce the release of volatile compounds.
2. Enclosed Systems: Design processing equipment with enclosed systems to contain odours and direct them to treatment units.
3. Ventilation: Install high-efficiency ventilation systems to capture and treat odourous air before release.

4. Waste Management

1. Effluent Treatment: Treat wastewater and processing byproducts promptly to prevent odor generation. Anaerobic digesters can convert waste into biogas, reducing odour and generating energy.
2. Regular Cleaning: Clean equipment and storage areas regularly to prevent residue buildup, which can contribute to odours.

5. Monitor and Maintain

1. Odour Monitoring: Use sensors to detect and measure odour levels in real-time, allowing for quick adjustments to control systems. Electronic noses and gas sensors such as Odosnese of Oizom provide continuous monitoring, enabling rapid response to odour spikes.
2. Maintenance of Equipment: Regularly maintain odour control systems like biofilters and scrubbers to ensure optimal performance.

Case Study: How Elixir Enviro Systems Helped a Shrimp Feed Plant Achieve 4 OU/m3 at outlet

A leading shrimp feed manufacturer with a production capacity of 400 tons per day was facing persistent and intense odour emissions at its facility. The primary raw materials—fishmeal, fish oil, soybean meal, vitamins, and minerals—generated strong, fishy odours, particularly during cooking, drying, and cooling phases. Additional odour sources included the grinder unit and material conveying systems.

The company approached Elixir Enviro Systems Pvt. Ltd. for an end-to-end odour control solution. After a detailed site audit and airflow assessment, Elixir designed and installed a high-performance odour abatement system consisting of:

1. Dust scrubbers to remove particulates and pre-condition the exhaust air
2. Two high-rate Ultrafil biofilters in parallel to biologically treat odourous compounds like trimethylamine, diamines, and ammonia
3. A blower system rated at 75,000 CMH, equipped with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for optimal flow control

The system was engineered to handle a process airflow of 75,000 CMH, blending hot air from the dryer and directing it efficiently into the biofilters. Performance testing revealed a remarkable odour removal efficiency with final odour concentration at the outlet measuring just 4 OU/m3 (Odour Units), when tested using field olfactometry—well below industry standards

💡 Outcomes:

• ✅ Extremly high odour reduction, ensuring environmental compliance
• ✅ Drastic improvement in workplace air quality
• ✅ Fewer complaints from neighbouring communities
• ✅ Enhanced brand reputation and community relations
• ✅ System designed for scalability and long-term operational efficiency

This successful implementation not only eliminated odour-related complaints but also helped the client align with environmental norms, boosting their sustainability credentials.

Elixir Enviro Systems – Experts in Aquafeed Odour Control

If you’re seeking reliable odour control solutions for fish and shrimp feed manufacturing, Elixir Enviro Systems is your trusted partner. We specialize in industrial odour treatment, wastewater management, and biofiltration systems for factories and processing plants.

With years of experience, Elixir offers complete turnkey solutions—from design and installation to testing and long-term maintenance. Whether your facility requires wet scrubbers, biofilters, regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), or real-time odour monitoring systems, Elixir has you covered.

Why Choose Elixir Enviro?

✅ Pioneer in Industrial Odour Control in India

✅ Largest player in India, treating about 1 Million cubic meters of air per hour

✅ Experts in aquafeed manufacturing odour control

✅ Custom solutions tailored to your industrial odour challenges

✅ In-house R&D and advanced simulation tools

✅ Onsite odour audits and pilot testing for optimized solutions

✅ Solutions designed to meet all local and global environmental regulations

Our expertise and innovative technology ensure your facility operates with minimal odour impact while maintaining productivity and compliance

Conclusion

As the aquafeed industry continues to grow, so does the responsibility to operate sustainably and sensitively—especially when it comes to odour emissions. Effective odour control in fish and shrimp feed manufacturing is not just about meeting regulations; it’s about protecting the health and well-being of plant workers, maintaining good relationships with surrounding communities, and upholding your company’s environmental integrity.

By implementing smart engineering controls, modern treatment technologies, and best operational practices, facilities can significantly reduce their odour footprint while improving overall efficiency and compliance.

At Elixir Enviro Systems, we specialise in designing and delivering tailored odour control solutions that work—from raw material intake to final air discharge. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or planning a new facility, we’re here to help you create a cleaner, safer production environment.

📞 Ready to tackle odour challenges at your aquafeed plant?

💬 Contact Elixir Enviro Systems today for expert consultation, onsite assessment, or a custom solution that meets your regulatory and operational goals.

FAQ

Q1: Why is odour control important in fish and shrimp feed manufacturing?

Odour control helps reduce environmental pollution, ensures compliance with regulations, protects worker health, and maintains good relations with nearby communities.

Q2: What are the main sources of odour in aquafeed production?

Odour mainly originates from raw materials like fishmeal and shrimp meal, processing stages (grinding, cooking, drying), storage of raw materials and waste, and microbial activity breaking down organic compounds.

Q3: Which technologies are effective for odour control in feed plants?

Common technologies include biofilters, wet scrubbers, thermal oxidizers, enclosed systems, and advanced ventilation combined with real-time odour monitoring.

Q4: How can wastewater treatment help with odour control?

Treating wastewater and organic solids promptly prevents decomposition that generates odours. Methods like anaerobic digestion reduce odours and produce useful biogas.

Q5: How often should odour control equipment be maintained?

Regular maintenance is essential and should be conducted based on manufacturer guidelines and site-specific needs to ensure continuous effective performance.