Abstract
In this study, we determined the levels of essential and non-essential elements in the Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii, Maitland, 1874) from the southern Baltic Sea. Results revealed high levels of Ca (246,000 ppm), Mg (11,000 ppm), Na (8160 ppm), K (3,780 ppm), and Fe (1830 ppm). The concentrations of essential metals such as Zn (62.5 ppm) and Cu (25 ppm) were similar to those recorded in other crab species. The concentrations of non-essential metals such as Pb (0.140 ppm), Cd (0.0017 ppm), and As (0.288 ppm) were well below the International Standards for Maximum Levels for Food. In view of the above, the Harris mud crab from the southern Baltic is safe to be used as a component of well-balanced feeds for terrestrial and aquatic animals.
Highlights
The natural habitat of the Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii) is the brackish estuarine waters of the Atlantic coast, stretching from the northern regions of the Gulf of Mexico to Nova Scotia in Canada (Petersen 2006)
According to Szefer (2002), heavy metals exhibiting affinity for fine particles and organic matter do not accumulate in these shallow sediments, which results in lower concentrations of heavy metals found in bottom sediments in this area compared with deeper Baltic sub-basins (Uścinowicz et al 2011)
In the results presented by Normant et al (2004) and Roche and Torchin (2007), crabs caught on the central coast of the southern Baltic were quite large in size, which indicates that they were mature and ready for breeding
Summary
The natural habitat of the Harris mud crab (Rhithropanopeus harrisii) is the brackish estuarine waters of the Atlantic coast, stretching from the northern regions of the Gulf of Mexico to Nova Scotia in Canada (Petersen 2006). Analyses by Turoboyski (1973), Normant et al (2004), and Czerniejewski (2009) showed that these small crustaceans, with a carapace width not exceeding 27 mm, are euryhaline animals that mainly feed on detritus and fine zoobenthos. They are preyed upon by fish which are able to regulate their populations in many waters (Turoboyski 1973; Fowler et al 2013)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
