Proximate and Mineral Composition of Freshwater Snails of Tripura, North-East India

Abstract

Four freshwater snails (Brotia costula, Bellamya bengalensis, Bellamya dissimilis and Pila globosa) were assessed for proximate and mineral compositions with an aim of establishing their nutritive values. Analysis of muscle tissues showed crude protein levels from 11.18 (B. dissimilis) to 15.59% (P. globosa), moisture 65.80 (B. bengalensis) to 73.80% (P. globosa), lipid 0.82 (B. costula) to 1.15% (P. globosa), ash 3.82 (P. globosa) to 8.11% (Bellamya spp.) and carbohydrate 5.62 (P. globosa) to 11.97% (Bellamya spp.). Among the minerals, calcium content varied from 142 (B. dissimilis) to 312.50 mg% (P. globosa), phosphorus 55.39 (B. dissimilis) to 121.17 mg% (P. globosa), potassium 118.20 (B. dissimilis) to 182.28 mg% (P. globosa), magnesium 13.37 (B. dissimilis) to 21.43 mg% (B. bengalensis), iron 4.03 (B. dissimilis) to 68.64 mg% (P. globosa), copper 0.41 (B. dissimilis) to 0.84 mg% (P. globosa), zinc 1.47 (B. costula) to 2.17 mg% (P. globosa) and manganese 3.13 (B. costula) to 5.33 mg% (P. globosa). These values were significantly different (p<0.05) among the snails. Crude fibre was not detected. Mercury and arsenic were not detected in any of the samples. From this study, it is clear that freshwater snails of Tripura are rich in macro and micro nutrients needed for human body; they are safe from heavy metal contamination, hence recommended for regular consumption.