Evaluation of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic accumulation, and fatty acids' profile in muscle and cephalothorax of Parapenaeus longirostris (Mediterranean shrimp) and of Pandalus borealis (northern shrimp)

The aim of the present work was to assess the nutritional value of shrimps in terms of the essential fatty acids versus the toxicological concern as regards elements' accumulation in their tissues. The concentrations of lead (Pb). mercury (Hg). cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), and the fatty acid (FA) profiles in the muscle and cephalothorax of Parapenaeus longirostris (Mediterranean shrimp) and Pandalus borealis (northern shrimp) were evaluated and comparatively studied.

The results indicated a substantial association of the Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations with the shrimp fishing area and the tissue type. Moreover. Cd. Pb and Hg levels, found in the tissues of shrimps, were below EU maximum levels for human consumption. Total As concentration was highest (p < 0.05) in all tissues studied, mainly in the organic As form.

Fatty acid patterns were found significantly different between shrimp species and tissues. Palmitic (C16:0). oleic (C18:1 omega-9), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5 omega-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic (C22:6 omega-3, DHA) acids were found to be the major FA in all tissues. The highest DHA/EPA and omega-3/omega-6 ratios were found in Parapenaeus longirostris and Pandalus borealis tissues, respectively.

A positive feature, arising from the FA comparison, was the low values for both the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, related to the high unsaturated/saturated FA ratio. (C) All Rights Reserved