Trace-minerals and lipid quality indices in seaweeds growing at Okha, India: A health risk assessment

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the presence of trace elements and heavy metals in marine macrophytes belonging to chlorophyceae and phaeophyceae collected from Okha, India, the North-eastern Arabian Sea. The result shows there is a mark of difference in the metal content among the seaweeds of different groups.In green seaweeds i.e chlorophyceae the trend of mineral content was Fe>Al>Zn>As>Pb>Cu>Cr and Cd, whereas the trend in phaeophyceae was Fe>Al>Zn>As>Cu>Pb>Cr>Cd. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Total Hazard Index (THI) were < 1, the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) were 0.83 (Ulva reticulata) to 7.39 (Padina tetrastromatica) . The​ result of MPI indicates that there is very-low to low contamination of heavy metals in the seaweeds. The cardiovascular indices of lipid viz. AI (Index of atherogenicity) (0.27-1.0), TI (Index of thrombogenicity) (0.13–0.41) were low and HH (Hypocholesterolomic/Hypercholesterolemic) (2.38–4.15)& UI (Unsaturation Index) (183.09-236) was high. The overall result indicates that the seaweed studied can be recommended for consumptions.