Trace elements accumulation and health risk assessment of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) from monoculture and rice-crab co-culture mode

Abstract

The rice-crab co-culture system has become the dominant mode of farming due to its advantageous production of crabs. To investigate the effects of different culture modes on trace element accumulation and health risks though consumption, we determined the concentrations of 16 trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, V, Zn) in Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) from conventional monoculture (CM) and rice-crab co-culture system (RCCS) in two primary producing areas of China. Significant variations were found between CM and RCCS concerning trace element accumulation, with most trace elements showing higher levels in CM than in RCCS, except for Mn and Al. Correlation and PCA analysis indicate that RCCS has less environmental impact than CM. Moreover, the metal pollution index was also higher in CM than in RCCS. Based on the target hazard quotient (THQ), RCCS reduces the health risk associated with trace elements intake compared to CM. THQ values for both modes of culture are less than 1, indicating no or low health risks posed by trace elements in crabs. Further studies are needed in comparing the trace element accumulation in crabs from CM and RCCS within the same geographic area.