Trace and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Squilla (Oratosquilla nepa) off Saurashtra Coast

Abstract

Information on the concentration of trace metals in
stomatopod crustaceans is scarce. In the present
investigation, an attempt was made to determine the
proximate composition, mineral and heavy metal
content of stomatopod Oratosquilla nepa (squilla) off
Saurashtra coast. The moisture, crude protein, total
lipid and total ash contents of squilla were 81, 10.15,
0.6 and 5.1%, respectively. Potassium, sodium and
iron content in squilla were 86.09, 76.45 mg% and
42.03 ppm, respectively. Comparison of trace and
heavy metal residue accumulation in squilla weighing
5-8 and 8–12 g were compared for gut,
exoskeleton and edible meat portion. Significant
difference (p<0.05) was observed between the two
size groups in the accumulation of copper and
nickel contents in gut. No significant variation was
observed in exoskeleton between the two size
groups. Higher level of cadmium (1.94 ppm) was
observed in the gut of squilla, however other heavy
metals like mercury and lead and trace metals like
cobalt were below the detectable limit.