Abstract
Bivalves are filter feeders that can accumulate and concentrate waterborne contaminants present in the water in which they live. Biotoxins, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and heavy metals present in the aquaculture environment constitute the main hazards for human health. The most common method employed for combating waterborne pollutants in bivalves is depuration with purified seawater. Although this method is effective at increasing the microbiological quality of bivalves, in most cases, it is ineffective at eliminating other risks, such as, for example, viruses or heavy metals. Biological (bacteriocins and bacteriophages), physical (UV light, ozone, and gamma-irradiation), chemical (metallothioneins and chitosan), and other industrial processing methods have been found to be useful for eliminating some contaminants from seawater. The aim of this work was to provide a review of academic articles concerning the use of treatments complementary to conventional depuration, aiming to improve depuration process efficiency by reducing depuration times and decreasing the levels of the most difficult-to-erase contaminants. We conclude that there are different lab-tested strategies that can reduce depuration times and increase the food safety of bivalve produce, with possible short- and long-term industrial applications that could improve the competitivity of the aquaculture industry.
Highlights
The great challenge facing humanity in the coming decades is to secure food for the 9.8 billion people who are expected to inhabit the planet by around 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100 [1]
The results show a reduction of nearly 6 log CFU/g in V. parahaemolyticus in oysters (O. plicatula) after a combined purification process with phages for 72 h
There is no single method that can be successfully applied to all species of bivalves and protects against all sanitary risks
Summary
The great challenge facing humanity in the coming decades is to secure food for the 9.8 billion people who are expected to inhabit the planet by around 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100 [1]. In order to properly feed such a large population, it will be necessary to increase food production while respecting ecosystems and natural resources. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations states that aquaculture contributes to the efficient use of natural resources, food security, and economic development, with a limited and controllable impact on the environment [1]. Aquaculture is an activity that can contribute to obtaining higher yields of production by optimizing the breeding process. The world fish production reached, in 2016, a maximum of approximately 171 million tons, of which aquaculture represented 47% of the total [2]. Regarding European aquaculture, the most produced species in Europe are bivalves, such as mussels
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