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Alternative Uses of a Hybrid Solar Dryer: Effects of Pre-treatments on Drying Efficiency and Quality of Dried Fish

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting  2600519.(doi:10.13031/aim.202600519)
Authors:   Chayan Kumer Saha, Md. Rayhanul Karim, Taslimun Nahar, Arnab Majumder, Poly Karmoker
Keywords:   Fish drying, hybrid solar drying, pretreatment, salting, Setipinna phasa

Abstract. Bangladesh is one of the major dried-fish-producing and exporting countries in South Asia, where fish drying supports the livelihoods of many coastal communities in Cox‘s Bazar. However, traditional open-sun drying (OSD) faces challenges such as weather dependency, poor hygiene, long drying times, and reduced product quality. To address these issues, this study evaluated a BAU-Hybrid Solar Dryer (HSD), previously developed for fruits and vegetables, as an alternative for drying fish. Three field trials were conducted at Nazirertek Shutki Palli, Cox‘s Bazar, using Setipinna phasa (“Phassya”), a high-fat fish commonly processed in the region. Four pre-drying treatments were tested: salting (10%) + gutting (P1), salting only (P2), gutting only (P3), and control (P4). The HSD achieved final moisture contents of 13.38%, 13.87%, 15.87%, and 17.61% for P1–P4, respectively, within 15 hours, whereas OSD samples retained much higher moisture levels (24.93–29.02%) and required an additional 3 hours to reach similar dryness. The highest drying rate (4.53%/hr) was obtained for P1. The average drying efficiency of the HSD was 39.9 ± 0.25%, with minimal effects from pre-treatments. Salting increased ash content but reduced protein content, while gutting reduced fat content without significantly affecting ash or protein levels. No fungal growth or insect larvae were observed in any samples after one year of dark storage at room temperature, indicating good storage stability.

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