Heavy metals bioaccumulative capacity of some species of crustacea

The objectives of this study was to determine and compare the concentration levels of five selective essential trace metals ( Fe, Cu, Zn, Co and Se) and three non-essential metals (Hg, Pb and Cd) in the edible muscle tissues of commercially important species of male and female crustaceans (Erugosquilla massavensis, Penaeus semisulcatus, Metapenaeus monoceros, Portunus pelagicus). It was carried out also to evaluate the bioaccumulation process of the elements based on the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) as an attempt to use these organisms as bioindicators of pollution of Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea and the Arabian gulf and to ensure the seafood safety from these regions. The obtained results revealed that significant variations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Hg, Pb and Cd levels in edible muscles of crustacean and mollusk organisms were observed at different localities surveyed, as well as between sex of each species and environmental areas. Also this work estimate the nutritive quality of mantis shrimp Erugosquilla massavensis and study the interrelationships between this newly introduced commercial edible crustacean and pollution.