Process Standardization for Production of Fish Leather from Basa (Pangasius Hypophthalmus) and Comparison of Quality Parameters for Development of Value Added Products

Abstract- The increasing demand of Pangasius hypophthalmus (Basa) in seafood processing industries produce huge amount of skin waste. Leather processing is called an activity that utilizes the potential wastes like skin from meat processing industries. The leather production from basa skin can reduce the waste load of seafood proceesing industries. The process of tanning makes skin a stable material and prevent putrefaction. The increasing tannery waste from chrome tanning process and high cost involved in vegetable tanning agents are the majpr problems faced by leather industries. The use of environmental friendly and reusable-tanning agents is solution to these problems, which improve the quality of leather processed. The main objective of the present study was to produce leather from the skin of basa by the use of environmental friendly reusable tanning agents and development of value added products. The use of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and glycerin as tanning agents at different proportions on pretreated basa skin showed better yield of leather. The strength of leather was analyzed by checking the physical parameters such as tear resistance and tensile strength and the changes in structure of skin and leather were analyzed by histological study. The results were statistically compared with the parameters of treatment and days using SPSS statistic computer program which showed that the average yield was significant to the treatment and days at p<0.05. It gives an inference that the tanning agent ratio of 1:1(PA: Glycerin) without lime treatment with 14 days of treatment is the better combination of treatment for producing leather from basa skin.