Penaeus Notialis Research Articles

Plastic in the food chain: Investigating microplastic consumption by the blue-swimming crab (de Rochebrune, 1883) and shrimp (Pérez-Farfante, 1967) from an estuarine system in Ghana

Microplastics (MPs) are well documented as highly ubiquitous within the aquatic environment; with ingestion by species of both commercial and consumptive importance attracting public health concern globally. However, there is limited information on microplastics ingestion by shellfish within the estuarine confines of Ghana, considering the local consumption of the species being done wholly without thorough processing. In this study, we investigated microplastic ingestion by the blue-swimming crab (Callinectis aminicola) and shrimps (Penaeus notialis) from the Pra estuary, Ghana. The internal soft tissue of 38 specimens comprising 12 - Callinectis aminicola and 26 - Penaeus notialis were assessed for microplastics using a stereomicroscope and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscope. An overall average of 2.67 ± 1.44 MP items. individuals−1 and 1.64 ± 0.63 MP items. individuals−1 were detected in (91.67 %) Callinectis aminicola and (31 %) Penaeus notialis respectively. From the analysis, transparent fibrous-shaped MPs within a size range of < 0.5 mm were found to be dominant in the two species. The type of MPs occurring most were polyethylene followed by polyester, polypropylene and polystyrene microplastics in the sampled specimens. This finding provides supporting evidence for the ingestion of microplastics by the blue-swimming crab and shrimps in the Pra estuary echoing their prevalence and ecological relevance in the area which requires urgent policy consideration and local sensitization efforts.

Physico-chemical parameters, heavy-metals and soil particle distribution of Liverpool axis of Badagry Creek, Lagos, South-western Nigeria

Heavy metal pollution is a serious issue of concern worldwide because it can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and transferred through the food chain to harm humans. Information on the heavy metal pollution of aquatic ecosystems is essential to protect life. Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the physico-chemical parameters of surface water, soil particle distribution (SPD) and heavy metals in two shellfish species in Liverpool axis of Badagry Creek, Lagos State, Nigeria. Twelve physico-chemical parameters and four heavy metals were studied using standard methods. The results showed that maximum temperature was 31.0±1.00˚0C; turbidity, 118.00±50.90NTU; dissolved oxygen (DO), 13.3±3.8mg/l; dissolved carbon dioxide (COD), 67.7±19.1mg/l; total hardness, 173.0±63.1mg/l; conductivity, 39.2±12.2μS/cm and chloride was 2.0±0.7mg/l. Water quality parameters showed significant spatial variations (p&lt;0.05) among sample stations. Pearson’s correction matrices revealed high correlation of DO with nitrate (r = 0.61), total hardness (r=0.62) and COD (r=0.52) at p&lt;0.05. The heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in the shellfishes, Callinectes pallidus and Farfantepenaeus notialis were: lead, 0.05±0.05 and 0.04±0.02; copper, 2.03±0.17 and 0.84±0.18; zinc, 3.51±0.44 and 1.99±0.2 and cadmium, 0.02±0.02 and 0.03±0.04 respectively. These levels were not above the WHO standards (for heavy metals in fish and shell fish). The sediment particle distribution (SPD) showed that Liverpool Jetty had 19.05% coarse sand and 43.91% fine sand, while Apapa Jetty had the highest amount of clay 45.29% in the environment. Heavy metals in shellfishes were above the WHO standards.

Atlantic expansion of the pink shrimp Penaeus notialis Pérez Farfante, 1967 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae) to the southwesternmost coast of Europe

Atlantic expansion of the pink shrimp Penaeus notialis Pérez Farfante, 1967 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae) to the southwesternmost coast of Europe

Growth and reproduction of the shrimp population in a lagoon system in southern Benin (West Africa)

Abstract The aim of this work was to characterize the growth and reproduction dynamics of shrimp in the Lac Nokoué-Chenal de Cotonou complex. The results of one year’s sampling from five stations (North, South, East, Central and West) of the lagoon complex revealed that linear growth in size in Lake Nokoué is decreasing over time in Macrobrachium macrobrachion (the most representative species of the genus Macrobrachium), but positive in Penaeus notialis (the most representative species of the genus Penaeus). Size-weight relationships indicate that the lowest growth coefficient () is obtained in immature males of Macrobrachium felicinum, while the highest growth coefficient () is obtained in mature females of Macrobrachium vollenhovenii, with an average of 2.84 for all shrimp species over both sexes considered. The test indicated that only the species Macrobrachium vollenhovenii has a significant sexual imbalance in favour of females in Lake Nokoué. Fisher’s Least Significant Difference test indicated that the estimated first sexual maturity sizes in Macrobrachium vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion are significantly different from those estimated in M. felicinum at the threshold. However, the same test indicates that there is not enough evidence to differentiate the sizes of first sexual maturation in M. vollenhovenii and M. macrobrachion. This work revealed that Penaeus monodon was the only species to show better positive growth within all its groups in Lake Nokoué while exposed to anthropogenic effects. A gradual average increase in the size of Penaeus notialis in Lake Nokoué is found between the beginning and end of the saline intrusion (which confirms the life cycle of the species presented). Species of the genus Macrobrachium showed good reproductive capacity, with the absence of sexually mature Penaeus in this lagoon.

Production and quality control of chitin and chitosan from shrimp (Farfantepenaeus notialis) shells obtained from Hendijan, Iran by sequence process

Aim: The study aims to evaluate and quality control chitin and chitosan of Rubian pink shrimp (F. notialis) shell in Iran. Methods: The solubility, moisture content, and degree of deacetylation (DD), pH, yield %, moisture and ash of chitosan were examined. The results showed that 3% HCI and 4% sodium hydroxide were suitable concentration for demineralization and deproteinization, respectively at ambient temperature (20±2 oC). Results: The study's outcome is expected yield%, moisture content and DD% of chitosan and chitin was 30.85% and40% 3.33% and 6.33% and 47% and 45% respectively. Chitosan high solubility obtained by deacetylation with 50% sodium hydroxide for 16 h at 60 °C. Conclusion: The present study showed F. notialis can be a source to produce chitin and chitosan for food industries.

Determination of physicochemical parameters and assessment of trace metals bioaccumulation in the Lagos lagoon and edible tissues of the southern pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus notialis - Pérez-Farfante, 1967)

Abstract. Bio-inorganic chemistry is found as an endearing aspect to research in today’s epoch. It deals with chemical reactions between the metals with natural resources, such as air, soil, water and byproducts (foods). To assess the decline in the quality of southern pink shrimps and water quality on samples from the Lagos lagoon, the morphometric assessment of the crustacean (Farfantepenaeus notialis – F. notialis), physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, salinity, conductivity, total hardness, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, sulphates, nitrate and phosphate) and levels of six (6) trace metals (Cadmium, Chromium, Zinc, Iron, Manganese and Copper) were collected from three sampling points with renowned anthropogenic activities along the stretch of the Lagos Lagoon using standard analytical procedures and the results were compared with standard acceptable limits. The crustaceans used had total length (4.0 – 14.4 cm), carapace length (1.6 – 6.4 cm), total weight (1.1 – 20.8 g) and carapace weight (0.9 – 11.5 g). The results obtained in the physicochemical analysis revealed that a few parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids were beyond acceptable limits, while the trace metals were present in the samples at different levels but still within the maximum residual levels in the edible tissues of the pink shrimps. The obtained results showed that the crustacean and water from the lagoon contained metals but did not exceed both local and international standards of limit and thus, they are still safe for consumption and domestic uses.

The feeding regime of the Spanish mackerel (Scomber colias Gmelin, 1789) under ordeal by time: A change to the detriment of prey-species of the genus Sardinella

Sardinellas are amongst the principal fishery resources of the Ivorian coastal areas, being the prey of predatory fishes, of which tunas. A close observation of the trophic ecology and fisheries data in the scientific literature permitted to gain insights into previously-held relationship between the Spanish mackerel and the Sardinellas regarding feeding. We recall past facts accounting for the disappearance of both species from the landings, following the scarceness of the round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita). This study was carried out to investigate the current relationship between both species, selecting a fishery for its heavy catches for Sardinellas. Samples of Scomber colias were taken each week of July and August from that fishery in 2022. A total of 115 specimens were collected at the landing stage of Sassandra (Southwestern Côte d’Ivoire). The fish were measured and weighed, and stages for sexual maturity of their gonads were estimated. The results indicated that specimens ranged in size from 20.4 to 35.5 cmFL while their stomachs measured between 1.8 and 9.6 cm. Stomach contents weights ranged from 0.05 to 36.5 g. The stomach contents analysis showed a feeding regime made up mainly of small organism-prey, of which the mantel shrimp Scyllarides herklotsii, the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus notialis, the spiny lobster Nephropsis atlantica, juvenile fish species of the Myctophidae family, juvenile Cephalopods (squids), and almost no fish of the genus Sardinella. The occurrence of a large proportion of empty stomachs (whose weight was &lt;2.0 g) was noticeable, since the Spanish mackerel mainly fed on small prey.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Shrimps Using Different Smoking Method

The study assessed the effects of smoking on the nutrient attributes of penaeus notialis shrimps in Ghana. Terminalia ivorensis, Petersianthus macrocarpus and Albizia zygia were used as fuel woods to smoolder the shrimps. Descriptive and experimental research designs were adopted to guide the entire study. A Random sampling technique was used to select 88 second year students of the Catering and Hospitality Department at the Kumasi Technical University. Frequency and percentage were used to analyse the background information of the respondents. One way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for significant differences among the types of wood used. The study revealed that seven nutrients (Dry Matter, Moisture, Ash, Protein, Fibre, Fat/Oil and Carbohydrate) were found. There is a significant difference in nutritional and chemical properties of the shrimps based on the types of wood used for smoking. The study, therefore, recommended that, care must be taken not to use any wood for fuel in smoking shrimps.

Distribution model of shrimp species in Lake Nokoué, southern Benin, West Africa

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of shrimp species in the Lake Nokoué-Cotonou Channel complex for an efficient management of the fishery. The results of one year sampling from five stations (North, South, East, Central and West) in the complex revealed the following proportions: Penaeus notialis 73.68%, Macrobrachium macrobrachion 13.81%, Macrobrachium vollenhovenii 5.36%, Penaeus monodon 2.68%, Macrobrachium felicinum 2.20%, Penaeus kerathurus 1.72%, Macrobrachium cf. zariquieyi 0.27%, and Macrobrachium equidens 0.27%. The species M. cf. zariquieyi and M. equidens were never reported from Benin, but are now found in Lake Nokoué. Spatially, Penaeus (Penaeus notialis) are more abundant in the west (Acadja concentration zone), while Macrobrachium (Macrobrachium macrobrachion) are more dominant in the east (near the Ouémé entrance) and north (near the Sô entrance) of the lake. Penaeus are strongly present in the lagoon complex from January to August, while Macrobrachium are more abundant in Lake Nokoué from September to December. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that increasing salinity, pH, transparency and total dissolved solids (TDS) positively influenced the abundance of P. notialis, while increasing salinity, pH, transparency, and TDS negatively influenced the abundance of M. macrobrachion at the 5% significance level. For an efficient management of the shrimp fishery, it is desirable that the shrimp fishery in Lake Nokoué, mainly in the Cotonou Channel, which is a very sensitive area for their seasonal migrations, benefits from at least three months of respite per year, from November to January. This period corresponds to the strong migration of juvenile Penaeus towards the lake. This should allow many Penaeus to grow up and breed at least once in their lives, according to the species’ life cycle presented.

Efficacy of chitosan synthesized from shrimp (Penaeus notialis) shell against Aspergillus flavus of groundnut and wheat

Efficacy of chitosan synthesized from shrimp (Penaeus notialis) shell against Aspergillus flavus of groundnut and wheat

Efficacy of chitosan synthesized from shrimp (Penaeus notialis) shell against Aspergillus flavus of groundnut and wheat

Chitosan is a natural safe biopolymer that has received great attention in agriculture, food, biomedical, pharmaceutical and environmental industries because of their biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic. Chitosan used in this study was synthesized using shrimp shell through chemical processes viz. demineralization, deproteinization, decolourization and deacetylation. Antifungal activity of Chitosan Synthesized from Shrimp Shells (CSSS) was evaluated at different concentrations of 0.25mgml-1, 0.50 mgml-1, 0.75 mgml-1 and 1.0 mgml-1 against Aspergillus flavus. Shrimp shell synthesized chitosan gave off-white to light brownish semi-crystallized product. The protocol for the synthesis yield chitosan with 98.9% degree of deacetylation and Ultra Violet-visible spectra (UV-vis) at a wavelength of 232 nm. There were variations in mean mycelia growth of A. flavus at different concentrations of CSSS and incubation days. With increasing incubation days there was accompanying increase in mean mycelial growth of A. flavus. At day one mean mycelia growth were 0.75±.05, 1.40±.10, 1.55±.15 and 1.60±.10cm whilst at the fifth day of incubation, mycelia radial growth were 7.55±.55 3.10±2.4 , 6.45±.15 and 6.95±.95cm respectively at concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 (mgml-1) of CSSS. Control had highest mycelia radial growth (8.05) as compared to the different concentrations of treated samples. Highest Percentage Inhibition of A. flavus (61.7%) by CSSS was recorded in 0.5mgml-1, however 6.80%, 20.4%, 14.2% inhibition were recorded in 0.25, 0.75 and 1.0mgml-1 concentrations respectively which were significantly different. It is evident from the study that shrimp shell synthesized chitosan are likely biocontrol agent capable of preventing A. flavus growth and toxin production.

Preservation practices and safety of fresh shrimp (Penaeus notialis) sold in Beninese markets

The microbiological characteristics of fresh shrimps during storage in ice (FSPI) (1–4.5 °C) and at ambient temperature (FSKAT) (27.5–29.5 °C) was evaluated in Beninese selling market conditions to assess hygiene and shrimp safety in artisanal preservation practices. Furthermore, samples of FSPI and FSKAT sold at the retail markets were collected and analyzed using bacteriological and physicochemical methods. The acceptable limits for aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB) [7.0 Log10 (CFU/g)] and trimethylamine (TMA) (5 mg/100 g) were exceeded after 12 days (FSPI) and 9 h (FSKAT). Most market samples (75% FSPI, 92% FSKAT) were non-compliant with the acceptable limit for AMB. The maximal limits specified were exceeded regarding Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, and Salmonella, up to 75%, 92%, and 42%, respectively (FSKAT) and 33%, 67%, and 75% (FSPI). About 33% (FSPI) and 58% (FSKAT) samples were non-compliant with the TMA limit. All the samples were within the acceptable limits of histamine and tyramine. However, training stakeholders in good handling and hygienic practices is necessary.

Potential human health risks associated with ingestion of heavy metals through fish consumption in the Gulf of Guinea

Heavy metal pollution of the marine environment has toxic implications for both the aquatic biota and human health. We examined the levels of Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As) and Mercury (Hg) in muscles of Sardinella maderensis, Dentex angolensis, Sphyraena sphyraena and Penaeus notialis caught from the coastal waters of Ghana using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. Penaeus notialis recorded the highest concentrations of all the metals (Cu:12.08±1.46µg/g, Zn: 19.20±2.27µg/g, As: 8.46±2.42µg/g, and Cd: 0.03±0.01µg/g) except Hg. Mercury was relatively high in D. angolensis (0.14±0.03µg/g). Apart from As, all metals were within globally permissible daily limits for consumption by human per meal. The estimated Target Hazard Quotient due to the intake of Hg through D. angolensis consumption exceeded the threshold value across all age categories. Carcinogenic risks due to As intake through P. notialis consumption far exceeded the 10-6 threshold for all age groups in Ghana. It is recommended that the consumption of these fish species particularly, the shrimp P. notialis be done cautiously to avoid possible future health challenges.

Estimating Biological Reference Points of the Pink Shrimp, Farfantepenaeus notialis (Perez-Farfante, 1967) Targeted by Shrimp Trawlers in Sierra Leone

Time series of catch and effort data for Farfantepenaeus notialis were analysed in ‘R’ using a data limited state-space Bayesian Catch-maximum Sustainbale Yield (CMSY) method for stock assessment from catch (tonnes) and abundance data (t/day). The study categorically compared the status of F.notialis in two periods (1981-1996) and (2008-2018) denoted as periods I and II, respectively. Results for management based on Bayesian Schaefer model (BSM) analysis for Period I gave (Prior relative biomass (B/k) = 0.06; MSY = 2.25t , 95% CL = 1.98 - 2.56; Fmsy = 0.379 yr-1 , 95% CL = 0.29 - 0.495; Bmsy = 5.94t , 95% CL = 4.69 - 7.51; Biomass = 4.78t; B/Bmsy = 0.806; Fishing mortality = 0.583yr-1 and Exploitation rate, F/Fmsy = 1.54) while that of Period II showed (Prior relative biomass (B/k) = 0.35; MSY = 0.662t, 95% CL = 0.567 - 0.773; Fmsy = 0.421yr-1 , 95% CL = 0.314 - 0.563; Bmsy = 1.58t , 95% CL = 1.22 - 2.04; Biomass = 1.09t; B/Bmsy = 0.69; Fishing mortality = 0.532yr-1 and Exploitation rate, F/Fmsy = 1.27). By implications, all estimated biological reference points portrayed an overfished status of F.notialis in 1989-1996 and in 2008-2018. Stock recovery measures are strongly advised for the stock in Sierra Leone.

Morphometric and Heavy Metals Accumulation in the Muscles of Five Demersal Seafoods Sampled in Nigerian Coastal Waters

This study examined the morphometric and heavy metals accumulated in the muscles of five demersal sea-foods: Parapenaeopsis atlantica, Penaeus monodon, Penaeus notialis, Portunus validus and Cynoglossus browni from Nigerian coastal waters. 506 deep frozen samples (at -200C) each of the five demersal species were taken upon arrival from thirty-one (31) industrial fishing trawler vessels owned by a private fishing company in Lagos, Nigeria. Samples were thawed and morphometric characteristics such as weight, total length, standard length, body depth and carapace length/head length were measured. The heavy metals [Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Cadmium (Cd)] were analyzed using 210 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The morphometric characteristics revealed that P. atlantica and P. notialis showed no significant difference in mean values only for their carapace lengths while both species showed statistically different observations for other variables. The order of the heavy metals mean concentration was Zn&gt;Fe&gt;Pb. As and Cd had relatively very low values of &lt;0.01mg/kg while Hg was not detected in all samples. The findings of this study revealed high and increasing values of Zinc in all five demersal species under consideration exceeding maximum limits for FAO/WHO and NIS (Nigerian Industrial Standard). The zinc value of the species appears to be contained in this order; P. notialis &gt; C. browni &gt; P. monodon &gt; P. validus &gt;P. atlantica. However, Iron value for P. atlantica is above the limit of FAO/WHO. Consumption of the species invariably leads to a rise in the Zinc contents in diets and in humans which may cause gastrointestinal disorders, kidney and liver abnormal functioning especially in infants and children while other heavy metals contained in the species do not pose a threat to human health.

Chemometric estimation of captured Farfantepenaeus notialis, P&amp;eacute;rez-Farfante 1967 (Crustacea: Penaeidae) [pdf

BACKGROUND Chemometrics can be used to analyze a wide range of food products for authentication, quality control, differentiation and the determination of nutrition quality. Owing to the scarcity of studies relating to the intrinsic physico-chemical characteristics of penaeid shrimps caught on the Nigerian coast, the aim of this research was to estimate the energy-supplying nutrients, mineral elements and functional characteristics of Farfantepenaeus notialis from the Lagos Lagoon. METHODS The proximate composition was determined using the AOAC method while the energy-providing nutrients were multiplied by the Atwater factors. The samples were digested in HNO3/HCl for mineral determination and the functional properties were estimated using optical measurements. RESULTS Higher concentrations of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate were recorded in the flesh while crude fibre and total ash were higher in the exoskeleton samples. The flesh had higher total metabolisable energy (1524 kJ 100 g-1) and utilizable energy due to protein (36.49 kJ). All the investigated minerals (Ca, Mg, K, P and Na) were more concentrated in the exoskeleton. In both samples, Na/K and Na/Mg ratios were within acceptable ideal ranges of 1.4-3.4 and 2-6, respectively. All values of the MSI (calculated) were lower than their comparative standard index values, having positive contrasts in both exoskeleton and flesh samples. The exoskeleton sample had better functional properties, but the flesh sample was higher in swelling strength. CONCLUSIONS In addition to good flesh quality, F. notialis contains considerable amounts of energy-providing nutrients. As the content of fibre is very low, F. notialis may be ideal as a weaning food for children.

Chemometric estimation of captured Farfantepenaeus notialis, Pérez-Farfante 1967 (Crustacea: Penaeidae).

Chemometrics can be used to analyze a wide range of food products for authentication, quality control, differentiation and the determination of nutrition quality. Owing to the scarcity of studies relating to the intrinsic physico-chemical characteristics of penaeid shrimps caught on the Nigerian coast, the aim of this research was to estimate the energy-supplying nutrients, mineral elements and functional characteristics of Farfantepenaeus notialis from the Lagos Lagoon. The proximate composition was determined using the AOAC method while the energy-providing nutrients were multiplied by the Atwater factors. The samples were digested in HNO3/HCl for mineral determination and the functional properties were estimated using optical measurements. Higher concentrations of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate were recorded in the flesh while crude fibre and total ash were higher in the exoskeleton samples. The flesh had higher total metabolisable energy (1524 kJ 100 g-1) and utilizable energy due to protein (36.49 kJ). All the investigated minerals (Ca, Mg, K, P and Na) were more concentrated in the exoskeleton. In both samples, Na/K and Na/Mg ratios were within acceptable ideal ranges of 1.4-3.4 and 2-6, respectively. All values of the MSI (calculated) were lower than their comparative standard index values, having positive contrasts in both exoskeleton and flesh samples. The exoskeleton sample had better functional properties, but the flesh sample was higher in swelling strength. In addition to good flesh quality, F. notialis contains considerable amounts of energy-providing nutrients. As the content of fibre is very low, F. notialis may be ideal as a weaning food for children.

Heavy-metals accumulation in five demersal marine species from Nigerian coastal waters (Eastern Central Atlantic, FAO Area 34)

The study was conducted on heavy-metals accumulation in five demersal marine species from the Nigerian coastal water (FAO, Area 34) to ascertain the bio-integrity and safety of the Sea foods for export. Five hundred and six (506) specimens (Parapenaeopsis atlantica, Penaeus monodon, Penaeus notialis, Portunus validus and Cynoglossus browni). were sampled from 32 fishing trawlers owned by a reputable private company and assessed fresh for biological (morphometric data) and heavy metals analysis (In-vivo) using 210 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Study revealed the Mean weight (Mean±SD) of P. atlantica, P. monodon, P. notialis, P. validus and C. browni were: 9.42 ±0.26, 96.79 ± 2.38, 26.82 ± 1.34, 284.09 ± 7.34 and 411.09 ± 15.27g respectively. Heavy-metal accumulated in the muscles (mg/kg) showed Lead (Pb): 0.15 ± 0.05 for P. atlantica; 0.12 ± 0.06 for P. monodon; 0.15 ± 0.02 for P. notialis; 0.14 ± 0.07 for C. browni; and 0.14 ± 0.08 for P. validus. Iron (Fe) revealed: 2.7 ±0.07, 2.26 ± 0.06, 2.32 ± 0.08, 2.43 ± 0.12, and 2.42 ± 0.09 respectively. Zinc (Zn) also showed: 8.68 ± 0.12, 8.97 ± 0.14, 9.13 ± 0.12, 8.99 ± 0.11 and 8.86 ± 0.08 respectively. Zn and Fe value for P. atlantica were above acceptable limit by FAO/WHO standard. The decreasing order of mean concentrations was Zn&gt;Fe&gt;Pb. Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) had values of &lt;0.01 for all the species. This report concludes that Mercury (Hg) was not detected throughout the study for all the species. But the detection of lead, iron and zinc in the muscles of species under study cast grey light on the integrity and safety of the fish species and thus relevant agencies are required to respond to reduce this trend for the safety of humans.

Genetic structure of the pink shrimp Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) notialis (Pérez-Farfante, 1967) (Decapoda: Penaeidae) in the Colombian Caribbean

The pink shrimp Penaeus notialis is one of the most important commercial species of the world. In the Caribbean Sea of Colombia, they represent 70 % of the catches in industrial fisheries, but since the 90’s it has shown a significant decrease in its abundances because of overexploitation of the resource. Because there are no studies on the genetic status of their populations in the Colombian Caribbean, the current management strategies for the pink shrimp can be improved with genetic criteria. Hence, the objective of this study was to examine the genetic diversity (Ho, He and Fis), structure population (Fst, AMOVA, Bayesian analysis, DAPC, Mantel test) and the connectivity (assignment analysis) in five localities distributed in the Caribbean Sea of Colombia (Zapatá, Arbolete, Isla Fuerte, Punta Canoa y Manaure). Additionally, we assessed the spatial distribution of size structure by geostatistical analysis to identify possible nursery areas and a relationship with the genetic structure observed. The genetic analyses using seven microsatellites loci, showed low genetic diversity (Ho < 0,35), high genetic potential (He < 0,93), high inbreeding (Fis> 0,6) and the presence of three populations (ФST2, 98 = 0,065; P < 0.001) showing significant adjustment to the isolation-by-distance model (r = 0,78, z = −27,92; p = 0,031). It is discussed how the life cycle of the species, geomorphological variations on the continental shelf and marine currents influence the spatial distribution of size structure and genetic lineages of the pink shrimp, as well as the implications of this type of studies in the sustainable management of this valuable fishing resource.

Comparative effects of Lime and Garlic extracts on the Bacterial Load and Nutritional Quality of processed Shrimps (Penaeus notialis) from Sombreiro River, River State

Shrimps are highly valued worldwide. They deteriorate rapidly after harvest except preserved. This study was undertaken to determine the bacterial load and nutritional quality of shrimps subjected to 20% lime juice, 50% garlic extract and distilled water followed by smoking and storage at ambient (room) temperature for 28 days. Fresh shrimp samples from Sombreiro River in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State were used for this study. The Shrimps were analyzed for total viable counts (TVCs), Coliform, Staphylococcal, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Shigella counts. The control samples had highest protein content of 21.2±0.018 immediately after treatment while after smoking, samples treated with lime and garlic had higher protein content; highest in samples treated with lime juice with protein content of 63.27±1.20, garlic-treated samples and control sample had protein content of 60.5±2.49 and 51.27±10.76 respectively at end of storage. Garlic-treated samples had highest ash content of 15.46±0.11, lime-treated samples and control had ash content of 13.29±0.11 and 11.75±0.11 at the end of storage period. There were slight increases in nutrient level with storage. Samples treated with lime juice had lowest bacterial count throughout the four weeks of storage. At day 0, samples treated with lime, garlic- treated samples and control had total viable count of 1.7×103, 2.11×103 and 4.5×104 respectively, at the end of storage period. Lime-treated samples, garlic-treated samples and control had coliform count of 2.3×102, 5.89×102 and 5.27×104 respectively at the end of storage period. Total Staphylococcal count for lime-treated samples, garlic-treated samples and control at the end storage period were 4.9×102, 4.8×102 and3.5×103 respectively. Samples treated with lime and garlic had no Vibrio, Salmonella and Shigella after smoking till end of storage. In this study 20% lime juice proved more effective against bacteria though with no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) and increased the nutritional value of smoked shrimps more than 50% garlic extract.