ABSTRACT
The purpose of depuration is to reduce microorganisms in molluscan shellfish so that they will be safe for human consumption. Live shellfish are depurated by being held in a controlled clean water environment where they can naturally purge their digestive systems of harmful microorganisms. Depuration has recognized limitations. It is not intended to reduce organic or inorganic chemicals since the requisite purification time is too long to be economically feasible. The biological ramifications of the depuration process with respect to design and construction are quite extensive. Shellfish are handled many times from harvest to process completion. The basic plant requirements include loading/unloading areas, washing and culling areas for incoming and outgoing shellfish, depuration tanks, seawater systems, and some storage space. Although seawater quality is the most important aspect of a depuration plant, without adequate tank design shellfish may not reliably purify. The depuration unit is the heart of the overall plant scheme layout and operation.
