Fish Processing Wastewater Treatment
Sector Overview
Contents
Every fish factory is different—each producing specific products using unique manufacturing processes. With the right plant design and process technology, it’s entirely possible to treat fish processing wastewater to meet environmental compliance—or even enable safe reuse.
Designed for Your Factory’s Needs
ClearFox® offers tailored wastewater treatment systems designed to simplify even the most complex challenges. We specialise in custom-engineered wastewater treatment plants for fish factories. Our systems are designed to fit your operations—whether you’re expanding, starting a new site, or facing compliance issues. Continue reading to learn more.
Sources and characteristics of wastewater from fish processing
Wastewater in the fish processing sector originates from multiple areas across the production chain. Each source contributes different contaminants, making treatment a complex but essential task.
Production
During fish processing, water and various chemicals are used extensively. The resulting wastewater typically contains:
Blood and tissue residues
Fats and oils
Organic solids
Cleaning agents and processing chemicals
Storage and Transport
To maintain freshness, fish must be kept at low temperatures during storage and transport. Wastewater generated from cleaning refrigeration units and transport containers often includes:
Detergents and disinfectants
Chemical residues
Traces of refrigerants
Cleaning of Equipment and Facilities (CIP)
Regular cleaning of machinery and production surfaces (CIP – Clean-in-Place) produces wastewater rich in:
Blood, fats, and scales
Protein residues
Cleaning chemicals and sanitizers
Types of Fish Products and Their Impact on Wastewater Composition
Most fish processing facilities manufacture a wide range of products, each contributing differently to the composition of the wastewater. Common product lines include:
Fresh fish
Fish fillets
Smoked fish
Canned fish
Fish salads
Baked or breaded fish products
Each product type involves different processing methods, which result in varied wastewater volumes and pollutant loads. This variability highlights the need for a customised treatment solution tailored to the specific operations of each facility.
| Component | Amount (mg/l) |
|---|---|
| Filterable substances | 1290 |
| BOD₅ | 2300 |
| COD | 4000 |
| Chlorine | 1320 |
| Nₜₒₜ | 250 |
| NH₄–N | 45 |
| Pₜₒₜ | 45 |
| Fats and oils | 290 |
Options for Fish Processing Wastewater Management
Fish processing companies have three main options for managing their wastewater:
Pre-treatment with Discharge to the Sewer System
Treatment for Direct Discharge to the Environment
Treatment for Partial Reuse
Pre-treatment with Sewer Discharge
Discharging wastewater into the public sewer system requires a permit from the local or regional authority. Once in the sewer, the wastewater is transferred to a municipal treatment plant for final treatment before discharge into a public water body.
For fish processing facilities, pre-treatment is mandatory. The more thorough the pre-treatment, the lower the discharge fees—especially when fees are calculated based on pollution loads.
Typical pre-treatment begins with screening, which removes coarse solids such as bones, scales, and occasionally innards, heads, or fins. Advanced dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems follow, effectively removing suspended solids, fats, oils, and blood components. Our DAF systems, specifically designed for the food and beverage industry, significantly reduce COD and BOD₅, making them highly effective for fish processing applications.
Treatment for Direct Environmental Discharge
In some cases, treated wastewater is reused for irrigation or discharged directly into natural bodies of water, such as rivers or the sea. This option requires a more advanced level of treatment to meet strict environmental regulations.
To achieve the necessary effluent quality, a multi-stage treatment process is typically used. This includes:
Pre-treatment
Dissolved air flotation
Biological treatment using fixed-bed technology
Optional phosphorus precipitation
Final filtration via reverse osmosis
These advanced treatment stages ensure compliance with any required discharge standards and offer a sustainable wastewater solution.
Treatment for Partial Reuse
Wastewater treated for partial reuse is commonly repurposed for cooling and cleaning within the facility. Reusing treated water not only reduces environmental impact but also lowers operational costs by conserving fresh water.
Choosing the Right Solution
Selecting the most appropriate treatment process is essential for achieving a reliable, cost-effective solution with optimal operational (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) expenditure. Our team of experts can help design the right system based on your specific production needs and regulatory requirements.
Planning and purchasing a wastewater treatment plant for fish Processing
Final Steps: Designing Your Wastewater Treatment Plant
After identifying the source and composition of your fish processing wastewater and selecting the right process technology, you’re now ready to explore the final design factors needed to get a precise quotation and determine system pricing.
Why Choose ClearFox®?
With many equipment suppliers on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right partner. That’s why customers across Europe and 50 countries worldwide trust ClearFox® for integrated solutions backed by process guarantees.
Our core advantages:
✅Compact footprint — saves valuable space
✅Automated operation with optional remote monitoring
✅Low OPEX with energy-efficient process technologies
✅Seamless onsite integration into existing systems
✅Simple solutions for complex treatment challenges
✅Budget-conscious design with no compromise on quality
✅Customer-first approach to support and satisfaction
Proven Technology & Real Results
Our modular process steps—including Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) and Fixed Bed Biofilm Reactor (FBBR)—are independently tested and certified by PIA GmbH.
✅ Lowest operational costs on the market
✅ Modular & scalable systems
✅ Leasing options available for short-term or pilot projects
We Understand Process Wastewater
Each fish product—from frozen to canned fish—generates a unique wastewater profile. That’s why it’s critical to work with a supplier who understands the specific processes and challenges of the industry.
We’ve partnered with some of Europe’s largest factories to implement efficient, cost-effective, and compliant treatment systems tailored to their exact operations.
Global Support, Local Expertise
With a dedicated service team that travels internationally every month, ClearFox® provides ongoing support for seamless, reliable operation. Your system is backed by our team long after commissioning.
Ready to Plan Your System?
Click below to access our quick guide on:
• Key design questions
• Common mistakes to avoid
• Factors that influence pricing
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Fish Processing Wastewater Treatment
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to plan, design, and procure an effective fish processing wastewater treatment system tailored to your operations.
Fish industry wastewater treatment plant design
This page gives you an in-depth insight into the most important process technologies for wastewater treatment in the fish processing industry. In addition, we give you a detailed overview of how to put together your customised wastewater treatment solution. With our support, you are guaranteed the best process for treating your individual wastewater.
- 40,000+ treatment systems
- Installed in over 50 countries
- Treating 25 million litres daily
- Certified.
- Compact.
- Containerized.
- [Clever.]
