Evaluation of Minerals Composition in Fish Bone Meal as Organic Fertilizer Development for Sustainable Environment

The improper disposal of agricultural waste leads to soil degradation and environmental harm, but this issue can be addressed by converting the waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices. This study evaluates mineral content in fish bones waste which may support plant growth. FBM was prepared from fish bones collected from the local food processing industry in Terengganu, Malaysia, and nutrient composition was analyzed using the ICP-OES and CHNS equipment. Macronutrient and micronutrient content were compared among Sardinella fimbriata commonly known as Tamban fish, Decapterus tabl, commonly known as Selayang fish, and Chirocentrus dorab, commonly known as Parang fish. Among the species studied, Tamban fish had the highest phosphorus content of 105.59 g/kg, important for energy storage in plants, while Parang fish had the highest potassium content of 2.99 g/kg, important for root development. The Selayang fish expressed the highest values of calcium at 125.05 g/kg, which helps to mitigate soil salinity; other nutrient contents such as magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and boron were highly variable. These findings highlight the potential of FBM as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, supplying critical nutrients for plant growth as well as offering solutions to challenges related to waste management. To optimize its use, further research on blending FBM with other organic materials is recommended in order to balance nutrient availability for improved crop development, and thus support sustainable agriculture and circular economy.