Assessment of copper (cu) accumulation in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) marketed in greater Kolkata of West Bengal

Abstract

Shellfish are being consumed and exported in large amount from India. But it can cause health problems in human due to the accumulation of heavy metals in them. So, a study was carried out to assess the accumulation of Cu in different tissues of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and their probable human health hazards in adult females and males of West Bengal, India. Samples were collected from Sealdah, Garia and Sonarpur fish markets in and around Kolkata of West Bengal during January-June 2016 and Cu concentration was determined through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean concentration of Cu in the meat, offal and whole body were 17.74 ± 9.00 µg/g, 32.70 ± 19.26 µg/g and 50.44 ± 27.00 µg/g respectively. The maximum Cu contents were 33.12 µg/g, 63.43 µg/g and 93.01 µg/g and the maximum EWI reported in female and male were 4.61 µg/kg/w and 4.05 µg/kg/w. All these values were below the permissible limits. But the cumulative effect of all the metals can be harmful and we should equip ourselves to overcome the future threats from the heavy metal pollution.