Assessment of the biochemical and nutritional values of Venerupis decussata from Tunisian lagoons submitted to different anthropogenic ranks.

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the biochemical status of Venerupis decussata collected seasonally from two Tunisian coastline lagoons (Ghar El Melh and Boughrara) submitted to different anthropogenic levels. Trace elements were significantly higher in clams from Boughrara, especially during the warm season. Fatty acids, proximate compositions, and nutritional value of both clam populations were higher, appearing to be the best for human consumption principally during the spring season. The principal component analysis was determined, including phospholipids and reserve lipids, revealing a great variation with the exogenous and endogenous factors. Generally, clams from Boughrara had a significant alteration in biochemical composition principally due to the anthropogenic levels and physicochemical fluctuation of this lagoon. Our results reflected the healthy benefit of clam consumption and the use of energy reserves and essential fatty acids as a great biomarker to assess ecological risk in lagoons and other coastal ecosystems.