Assay of Biochemical Compositions of Two Indian Fresh Water Eel with Special Emphasis on Accumulation of Toxic Heavy Metals

Abstract

This study investigated lipid and protein composition of two river eel available in India, Mastacembelus armatus and Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis, to ascertain their nutritional value. The carnivorous nature of eel makes it susceptible for bioaccumulation and biomagnification of toxic metal in their body; therefore, the measurement of two toxic heavy metals, mercury and arsenic, in the muscle tissues of these two eel species was also determined. The results showed that though the lipid content of both the species was quite low in comparison to European or Japanese eel, the protein content was appreciably high, and the value was quite similar in both species (∼24%). The fatty acid profile and amino acid profile of the two species were also determined to quantify the amount of essential fatty acid as well as essential amino acid in their muscle tissue. The amount of total mercury, organic mercury, and arsenic was found to be non-remarkable which indicates the beneficial and safe consumption of these species.