Macro and trace elements in edible tissues of Carcinus maenas and Necora puber

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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Macro and trace elements have significant impacts on human health. Yet, information of elemental content in seafood is still scarce. Green crab Carcinus maenas and velvet crab Necora puber are mainly caught off English, Scottish and French coastal waters and live transported to Southern Europe, where they are consumed. During transportation, mortalities can reach 50% and dead animals are regularly commercialized for human consumption. The present study characterises the elemental composition of both species.RESULTS: C. maenas exhibited higher K, Fe and Br contents than N. puber, and lower Mn, Cu, As, Hg and Pb levels. Hepatopancreas was the most distinct tissue, with higher Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Br, Sr, Cd and Pb levels compared to muscle and gonads. Differences between live and dead crabs were species and tissue dependent, though live C. maenas had higher Fe content and lower Mg and Se levels, whereas live N. puber exhibited higher As content and lower Na, Mg, Cl, Br, Sr and Cd values.CONCLUSION: Both species were considered as safe food items since toxic elements were always below the maximum level or action level. In addition, they are good sources of Na, Cl, Ca, Cu, Zn and Se. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry

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