Food Chemistry 131 (2012) 985–991

Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect

Food Chemistry
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/foodchem

Bio-accumulation of metals on reef associated organisms

of Lakshadweep Archipelago
Kottila Veettil Dhaneesh ⇑, Mohan Gopi, Raghunathan Ganeshamurthy,
Thipramalai Thankappan Ajith Kumar, Thangavel Balasubramanian
Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai, Tamil Nadu 608 502, India

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: Tissue samples of marine organisms from the coastal waters of Agatti Island were subjected to analysis of
Received 11 June 2011 metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc), using Inductively
Received in revised form 27 July 2011 Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the assessment of the present condition of
Accepted 22 September 2011
the Island ecosystem and compiling the baseline data for future monitoring, with respect of metal accu-
Available online 1 October 2011
mulation of marine organisms. Tissue samples of fish, shellfish and seaweed revealed that the metals
have different levels of accumulation viz. Cd = 0.08–0.14, Co = 0.01–0.02, Cu = 0.16–0.98, Fe = 3.19–5.3,
Keywords:
Mg = 86.73–152.45, Mn = 0.17–0.55, Ni = 0.06–0.26, Pb = 0.11–0.46 and Zn = 3.26–14.2 lg g1 dry wt.
Fish
Shellfish
Metal concentrations were more in shellfish and less in finfish. Concentrations of toxic metals such as
Seaweed Cd, Co, Ni and Pb were well below the permissible limits proposed by the World Health Organization.
Metal accumulation Ó 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Agatti Island

1. Introduction cadmium and mercury, have been included in the regulations of

the European Union for hazardous metals (EEC, 2001), while the
Marine organisms, in general, accumulate contaminants from USFDA has included further three elements, namely, chromium, ar-
the ambient environment, and therefore, have been extensively senic and nickel in the list (Sivaperumal, Sankar, & Nair, 2007).
used in marine pollution monitoring programmes (UNEP, 1993). A major part of the industrial development is at the coastal areas
The effect of metals at sub-cellular and biochemical levels had which lead to the discharge of various chemical effluents into the
been studied in several marine organisms (Diniz et al., 2007). coastal ecosystem, leading to damage of marine habitats. Heavy
When accumulated, metals in tissues reach the threshold level, metal discharged into the marine environment can damage both
detoxification mechanisms may be activated in order to prevent species diversity and ecosystems, due to their toxicity and accumu-
toxicity to the organisms. Sequestration and excretion are impor- lative behaviour (Matta, Milad, Manger, & Tosteson, 1999). As the
tant pathways to eliminate metals from the interaction with bio- spawning and nursery grounds of many marine organisms, includ-
logically relevant molecules (Engel & Brouwer, 1984). Heavy ing the commercially valuable shrimps and fishes, are within estu-
metals, normally occurring in nature, are not harmful to the envi- arine and coastal areas, they are directly affected by such influx of
ronment, because they play an essential role in tissue metabolism chemical contaminants into the coastal ecosystem (Gibson, 1994).
and growth of plants and animals (Amundsen et al., 1997). Bio- Heavy metals are taken up through different organs of the fish
availability of dietary metals is still not considered in regulatory and many are concentrated at different levels in different organs
guidelines (US Environmental Protection Agency, 1992), but die- of the body (Bervoets, Blust, & Verheyen, 2001).
tary exposure may be a major uptake route for many potentially Fishes are at the top of the aquatic food chain and may accumu-
toxic metals in the marine fish. late large amounts of metals from water, food or sediments.
Metals such as iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and manganese, Studies from field and laboratory experiments showed that accu-
are essential metals, since they play an important role in biological mulation of heavy metals in the tissue depends mainly on metal
systems, whereas non-essential metals, such as Ni, Pb, Co and Cd concentrations in water, as well as exposure period; however,
are toxic even in trace amounts. The essential metals can also pro- some other environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity,
duce toxic effects at higher concentrations. Only a few metals of pH and hardness play significant roles in metal accumulation.
proven hazardous nature are to be completely excluded in food Sex, size and moulting of marine animals are also affected due to
for human consumption. Thus, only three metals, namely lead, metal accumulation in their tissues (Yilmaz & Yilmaz, 2007). Heavy
metals, including both essential and non-essential elements have a
⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +91 9786 190700; fax: +91 04144 243555. particular significance in ecotoxicology, since they are highly per-
E-mail address: [email protected] (K.V. Dhaneesh). sistent and all have the potential to be toxic to living organisms

0308-8146/$ - see front matter Ó 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.09.097
986 K.V. Dhaneesh et al. / Food Chemistry 131 (2012) 985–991

(Ebrahimpour & Mushrifah, 2009). Among the food products avail- July–August, 2010. Total fish lengths were measured and no signif-
able, fish is currently considered as one of the most important icant differences were found among the various species (P > 0.05)
foods (Carvalho, Santiago, & Nunes, 2005). (Table 1). For each species, five representative sample groups with
Information regarding the heavy metal concentration in the similar lengths were taken for the confirmation study.
marine resources of Lakshadweep region is limited (Anu, Nair, Ku-
mar, Jayalakshmi, & Pamalal, 2010). An assessment is thus neces- 2.3. Determination of metal concentration
sary to appraise the concentration of heavy metals in Agatti
region, so as to understand the present condition of the ecosystems Samples collected were immediately brought to the laboratory
and to compile the baseline data for future monitoring. Moreover, and the tissues were dissected using stainless steel dissection
the organisms analysed are having economic importance. Even instruments to gills, skin and muscle of each finfish. Body organs
though, there is not much industrial activity in and around Agatti of finfishes, muscle of octopus and clam, and seaweeds were cut
island, the area was selected to determine the levels of metals into small pieces and dried in Microwave oven (Samsung) at
viz. cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium 70 °C for 15 min. After complete drying, samples were fine pow-
(Mg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the dered using mortar and pestle and weighed to 1 g (± 0.01 g) using
body organs of twenty finfishes, one species each of octopus and an electronic weighing balance (Denver, USA). The weighed sam-
clam and two species of seaweeds, due to the anthropogenic activ- ples were digested in 100 ml glass beaker with concentrated nitric
ities such as tourism, ship and boat operations and oil based power acid (20 ml) overnight. It was then mixed with 10 ml of concen-
generation in the coastal areas of the Agatti Island, Lakshadweep. trated nitric and perchloric acid (4:1) followed by hotplate heating
at 120 °C up to complete dryness. The residue was then dissolved
2. Materials and methods and diluted with 20 ml of a solution of de-ionised water and conc.
nitric acid (4:1) (v:v) and then this solution is filtered through
2.1. Study area Whatman filter paper (11 lm) and metal concentrations were
determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission
Agatti Island lies in the Lakshadweep group of islands (latitude Spectrometer (Software – WinLab 32) (Perkin Elmer, Optima
10°480 –10°520 N; longitude 72°100 –72°120 E) in the Arabian Sea of 2100DV). The precision of the analytical procedure was checked
the Indian Ocean (Fig. 1) which is a part of Chagos – Maldives – by analysing standard reference materials of commercially avail-
Lakshadweep archipelago and is the largest atoll system in the able standards (Merck KGCA, 64271 Damstadt, Germany, ICP-Mul-
world with 12 atolls among 425 atolls of the world. tielement standard solution IV, 23 elements in nitric acid).
Instrument operating conditions and analytical lines for each ele-
ment are listed in Tables 2 and 3. De-ionised water was obtained
2.2. Sample collection using a Millipore water system. All acids and chemicals were of
analytical reagent grade. Metal concentrations were calculated in
Twenty marine fish species, two molluscan species and two microgrammes per gramme dry weight (lg metal g1 d.w.). Two
seaweed species were collected from the Agatti waters, during replicate analyses were made in order to have good accuracy. All
the glasswares were kept overnight in 10% nitric acid solution
and rinsed with deionised water and air dried before use.

2.4. Statistical analysis

Pearson Correlation Coefficient was employed for the better

understanding of relationship between the concentrations of vari-
ous metals with various tissue types using statistical package of
SPSS 16.0 for windows. One way ANOVA was employed to under-
stand the variation in the concentration of heavy metals with re-
spect to different species and organs.

3. Results

In the present study, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn con-
centrations (lg g1 dry wt) were determined in the fishes (skin,
gills and muscle), octopus, clam and seaweeds. The distribution
of heavy metal concentrations in tissue samples, collected from
different organisms of the Agatti Island are given in Figs. 2a–c.
Metals were found with significant variations in their concentra-
tions with respect to fish species. The edible fishes showed lower
concentrations for majority of metals than ornamental fishes,
whereas metals like Cd, Cu and Fe showed higher concentrations
in the edible fishes. Concentration of Co was found below detect-
able level (BDL) in seven out of ten tested ornamental fishes, eight
out of ten edible fishes and octopus. Among the nine metals stud-
ied, concentrations of Mg, Zn and Fe were higher, whereas lower
concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Mn were observed in ornamen-
tal and edible fishes, octopus, clam and seaweeds.
Molluscan samples recorded higher levels of Cu (0.98 ±
Fig. 1. Map showing the sampling area. 0.22 lg g1), Fe (5.3 ± 4.92 lg g1), Zn (14.2 ± 13.08 lg g1) and
 K.V. Dhaneesh et al. / Food Chemistry 131 (2012) 985–991 987

Table 1 Table 3
The marine organisms within feasible size range were used for the determination of Wavelength used for ICP-OES analysis for each metal.
metal accumulation at Agatti Island.
Element Wavelength
S. Species name Size range Mode of life Feeding
Cd 228.802
No. (cm) behaviour
Co 228.616
Ornamental fishes Cu 324.752
1 Bothus pantherinus 9.2–9.6 Demersal Detrivore and Fe 238.204
Carnivore Mg 285.213
2 Pseudobalistes 13.8–13.9 Benthopelagic Planktivore Mn 259.372
flavimarginatus Ni 231.604
3 Dascyllus 6.7–7.2 Benthopelagic Omnivore Pb 220.353
trimaculatus Zn 213.857
4 Myripristis murdjan 12.7–13.1 Benthopelagic Planktivore
5 Lutianus kasmira 13.5–13.9 Benthopelagic Carnivore
6 Spalerosophis 14.1–14.5 Benthopelagic Carnivore
diadema detectable level (BDL) in the muscle tissues. Considering all the fish
7 O. oligolepis 11.3–12.1 Demersal Carnivore species, the mean concentrations in the gill, muscle and skin tis-
8 Mulloidichthys 14.5–15.3 Benthopelagic Carnivore
vanicolensis
sues were 0.23, 0.06 and 0.05 (Cd); 0.04, 0 and 0.01 (Co); 0.27,
9 Acanthurus mata 9.2–9.5 Benthopelagic Planktivore 0.15 and 0.13 (Cu); 5.8, 3.64 and 3.11 (Fe); 99.84, 79.99 and
10 Pempheris 9.5–9.9 Benthopelagic Planktivore 80.07 (Mg); 0.75, 0.19 and 0.21 (Mn); 0.36, 0.13 and 0.05 (Ni);
vanicolensis 0.59, 0.24 and 0.15 (Pd) and 6.74, 3.55 and 5.71 lg g1 dry weight
Edible fishes for Zn respectively. Metals were found to be higher in gills and they
11 Tylosurus crocodilus 38–39 Pelagic Carnivore were positively correlated to skin and muscle (significant at 0.01
crocodilus
level), irrespective of the fish species. Metal concentrations were
12 Elagatis bipinnulata 14.2–15.3 Epipelagic Carnivore
13 Kyphosus 32–34 Benthopelagic Herbivore found significantly varied with the body organs of the fishes (one
cinerascens way ANOVA P < 0.05). Mean metal concentrations in the ornamen-
14 Katsuwonus pelamis 31.2–32.4 Epipelagic Carnivore tal and edible fishes, molluscs and seaweeds are given in Table 5.
15 Halichoeres 24.3–25.2 Epipelagic Carnivore The analysed metals were categorised into three groups on the
dussumieri
16 Scomberoides lysan 15.6–16.1 Epipelagic Carnivore
basis of their available concentrations in the tested organisms. Dis-
17 Valamugil engeli 13.3–13.9 Benthopelagic Detrivore and tribution of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Pb in the ornamental fish samples is
Planktivore given in Fig. 4a, and Fe, Mn and Zn is given in Fig. 4b. Distribution
18 Carangoides 17.3–18.1 Pelagic Carnivore of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Pb in the edible fish samples is given in Fig. 4c,
orthogrammus
and Fe, Mn and Zn is given in Fig. 4d. Distribution of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni
19 Carcharhinus 41.3–42.1 Pelagic Carnivore
melanopterus and Pb in the mollusc and seaweed samples is given in Fig. 4e, and
20 Torenia baillonii 17.1–17.6 Pelagic Carnivore Fe, Mn and Zn is given in Fig. 4f. The distribution of Mg in all the
Molluscs samples is given in Fig. 4g.
21 Meretrix meretrix – Demersal Herbivore Frequency histograms and associated distribution curves for the
22 Octopus cyanea – Demersal Carnivore heavy metals are given in Fig. 5a–i. Frequency of occurrence of Cd,
Seaweeds Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn concentrations was more in lower metal
23 Halimedes – Demersal Autotrophs
micronesica
concentration ranges, whereas in the case of Fe and Mg, compara-
24 Gongora arcuata – Demersal Autotrophs tively higher frequency of occurrence of elemental concentrations
was in the middle of the sampled concentrations. This indicated
that the distribution of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn in analysed
samples was very low rather than Fe and Mg. The relationship be-
Table 2 tween metals [Cd (R2 = 0.019), Co (R2 = 0.123), Cu (R2 = 0.116), Fe
Operating parameters for the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission
(R2 = 0.040), Mg (R2 = 0.216), Mn (R2 = 0.197), Ni (R2 = 0.091), Pb
Spectrometer.
(R2 = 0.217) and Zn (R2 = 0.004)] and analysed samples were evalu-
Parameters Conditions ated by the regression method.
Plasma capacity (W) 1300
Plasma flow rate (L min1) 15
Nebulizer gas flow rate (L min1) 0.8 4. Discussion
Sample flow rate (mL min1) 1.5

In aquatic ecosystems, fishes are considered as good representa-

tive indicators of overall system health, due to their relatively high
Mg (152.45 ± 19.16 lg g1). Cd (0.14 ± 0.21 lg g1) showed higher position in the food-chain (Adam, Brown, & Goede, 1993). Marine
concentration in edible fishes than other organisms. Concentration organisms, including fish, may accumulate heavy metals through
of Co (0.02 ± 0.04 lg g1), Mn (0.55 ± 0.41 lg g1), Ni (0.26 ± direct absorption, or via the food chain, and pass them to human
0.19 lg g1) and Pb (0.46 ± 0.43 lg g1) was higher in ornamental beings, due to consumption, causing chronic or acute disorders.
fishes (Table 4). Distribution graph of the heavy metals clearly Numerous reports describe metal residues in wild marine fish
indicated the variation in the concentrations of different metals species (Cogun, Yuzereroglu, Firat, Gok, & Kargin, 2006; Storelli,
(Figs. 2a–c). Concentration of each metal varied significantly in Barone, Storelli, & Marcotrigiano, 2006) and seaweeds (Riosme-
each species (one way ANOVA P < 0.05). na-Rodriguez, Talavera-Saenz, Acosta-Vargas, & Gardner, 2010;
Metal concentrations and the corresponding mean standard Rodriguez-Castaneda, Sanchez-Rodriguez, Shumilin, & Sapozhni-
deviations (expressed as lg g1 dry weight) were measured in gill, kov, 2006). The role of seaweeds in coastal lagoons are relevant
skin and muscle tissues for all fishes (Figs. 3a–c). All the metals because they are feeding grounds for black turtles (Chelonia mydas),
were found highly accumulated in gill tissues than muscle and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), olive Ridley turtles (Lepidoche-
skin. Magnesium showed the highest concentration in gill tissues lys olivacea), and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and
(99.84 lg g1) and the concentration of cobalt was below migratory birds like Brant geese (Branta bernicla) (Herzog &
988 K.V. Dhaneesh et al. / Food Chemistry 131 (2012) 985–991

Fig. 2a. Levels of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Pd (lg g1 dry wt) in fishes, molluscs and seaweeds.

Fig. 2b. Levels of Zn, Mn and Fe (lg g1 dry wt) in fishes, molluscs and seaweeds.

Fig. 2c. Levels of Mg (lg g1 dry wt) in fishes, molluscs and seaweeds.
 K.V. Dhaneesh et al. / Food Chemistry 131 (2012) 985–991 989

Table 4
Metal accumulation (lg metal g1 d. w.) is significantly varied among fishes, molluscs
and seaweeds (one way ANOVA P < 0.05). Among heavy metals Co, Mn, Ni and Pb
were highly accumulated in ornamental fishes.

Metal Ornamental Edible fishes Molluscs Seaweeds

fishes (mean ± S D) (mean ± SD) (mean ± SD)
(mean ± SD)
Cd 0.1 ± 0.14 0.14 ± 0.21 0.08 ± 0.03 0.11 ± 0.02
Co 0.02 ± 0.04 0.01 ± 0.02 0.01 ± 0.02 0.01 ± 0
Cu 0.16 ± 0.09 0.22 ± 0.12 0.98 ± 0.22 0.91 ± 0.01
Fe 3.58 ± 1.28 5.14 ± 3.32 5.3 ± 4.92 3.19 ± 0.81
Mg 90.98 ± 17.89 86.73 ± 9.76 152.45 ± 19.16 108.25 ± 70.57
Mn 0.55 ± 0.41 0.31 ± 0.16 0.18 ± 0.08 0.17 ± 0.01
Ni 0.26 ± 0.19 0.14 ± 0.13 0.14 ± 0.08 0.06 ± 0.05
Pb 0.46 ± 0.43 0.24 ± 0.13 0.11 ± 0.03 0.16 ± 0.04
Zn 5.87 ± 3.79 5.36 ± 3.02 14.2 ± 13.08 3.26 ± 0.05 Fig. 3c. Comparison of mean concentrations (± SD) of Mg (lg g1 dry wt) between
muscle, skin and gill tissues of fishes. Bars represent mean and vertical lines the SD.

Table 5
The mean concentration of Mg, Zn and Fe were higher in all the marine resources,
while mollusc were highly accumulated with these metals compared to other
organisms.

Species Metal concentration

Ornamental fishes Mg > Zn > Fe > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Co > Cd
Edible fishes Mg > Zn > Fe > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Ni > Co
Molluscs Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Ni > Pb > Cd > Co
Sea weeds Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cd > Ni > Co

Among the tested tissues, gills showed higher level of metal

compared to skin and muscles. It is evident from the present re-
sults that gills are directly exposed to the surrounding environ-
Fig. 3a. Comparison of mean concentrations (± SD) of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Pb (lg g1 ment. Paradoxically, they are highly vulnerable to toxic
dry wt) between muscle, skin and gill tissues of fishes. Bars represent mean and chemicals because firstly, their large surface area facilitates greater
vertical lines the SD.
toxicant interaction and absorption and secondly, their detoxifica-
tion system is not as robust as that of the liver (Evans, 1987; Mall-
att, 1985). Additionally, absorption of toxic chemicals through gills
is rapid and therefore toxic response in gills is also rapid (Evans,
1987; Mallatt, 1985).
Cobalt is an essential nutrient for man and is an integral part of
vitamin B12. Underwood (1977) reported that the average daily in-
take of cobalt, in all forms, ranges from 0.30 to 1.77 mg/day. Cobalt
has also been implicated in blood pressure regulation and has been
found to be necessary for proper thyroid function (Blakhima,
1970). Turkmen, Turkmen, Tepe, and Akyurt (2005) reported that
cobalt concentration varied between 0.73 and 1.91 mg kg1in the
muscles of fishes of the Iskenderun Bay and lower Co levels in fish
muscles (<0.001–0.002 mg kg1) have been reported from the
Mediterranean Sea region. These levels are in good agreement with
the present values for finfish (0.014 ± 0.03 lg g1 d.w.), shellfish
(0.01 ± 0.02 lg g1 d.w.) and seaweed species (0.01 ± 0 lg g1 d.w.).
Fig. 3b. Comparison of mean concentrations (± SD) of Fe, Mn and Zn (lg g1 dry wt) Nobi, Dilipan, Thangaradjou, Sivakumar, and Kannan (2010)
between muscle, skin and gill tissues of fishes. Bars represent mean and vertical studied the distribution pattern of heavy metals viz. Al, Cd, Co,
lines the SD. Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediments of mangroves,
seagrasses, dead corals and sandy beach environs of the Andaman
Sedinger, 2004; Seminoff, 2000). These studies are largely based on islands. They concluded that among the 11 metals studied, concen-
accumulation of higher levels of heavy metals in different tissues trations of Mg and Fe were higher, whereas lower concentrations
such as liver, gills and muscle. Gill has a tendency to accumulate of Cd and Co were recorded in the different sampling locations of
metals to higher degree than muscle tissue, which usually exhibits the Andaman islands. The study by Anu et al. (2010) focused on
a low accumulation potential of metals. Muscle was chosen in the the pattern of enrichment of trace metals (Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn,
present study for determining the metal concentration because it is Cd, Mn and Fe) in the different sedimentary environments of six
the part consumed and skin was chosen because of its direct con- inhabited islands of Lakshadweep. According to this study, the is-
tact with the surrounding water. Although fish skin is also con- lands (Kavaratti, Kadamat, Minicoy, Agatti, Androth and Kiltan) re-
sumed, only little research has been done on the residues of main unpolluted with respect to metal contamination and the
metals in fish skin (Storelli et al., 2006). The present results also present study has also revealed a similar trend in the Agatti island.
confirmed that the accumulation of metals is more in gill followed Manganese is an essential element for both animals and plants
by muscle and skin. and its deficiency results in severe skeletal and reproductive
990 K.V. Dhaneesh et al. / Food Chemistry 131 (2012) 985–991

abnormalities in mammals (Sivaperumal et al., 2007). According to and muscle. It may be concluded that consumption of these species
NAS-NRC (1977), total daily intake of Mg varies from 2.5 to 7 mg in from the region is not a problem for human health, since the metal
humans. In the present study, the levels of Mn and Mg were ranged concentration is negligible. However, concentrations are below the
from 0.17 ± 0.01 (seaweed) to 0.55 ± 0.41 lg g1 d.w. (ornamental threshold for fish at present, a potential risk may emerge in the fu-
fish) and 86.73 ± 9.76 (edible fish) to 152.45 ± 19.16 (mollusc) ture, depending on the increasing domestic waste water disposal,
lg g1 d.w. respectively. As copper is an essential part of several ship and boat transports. It is anticipated that, in future, the Lak-
enzymes and necessary for the synthesis of haemoglobin, most shadweep Sea may receive a huge amount of heavy metals due
marine organisms have evolved mechanisms to regulate the to the new arrivals of ship and fishing boats in this region. Though
concentrations of this metal in their tissues. The richest sources bioaccumulation levels are not yet critical, future monitoring pro-
of copper are shellfish, especially oysters and clams (Underwood, grammes are essential. Further, present values of metals concen-
1977), which has been noticed in the present study (0.98 ± trations can be used as baseline data for future comparisons with
0.22 lg g1 d.w.) followed by seaweeds (0.91 ± 0.01 lg g1 d.w.). regard to heavy metal pollution.
Zinc, an essential micronutrient for both animals and humans,
has been a cofactor for nearly 300 enzymes in the marine organ- Acknowledgements
isms. As a constituent of many enzymes, Zn is responsible for cer-
tain biological functions, for which a relatively higher level is The authors are thankful to the authorities of Annamalai Uni-
required to maintain them (Heath, 2000). The recommended daily versity for the facilities and the Centre for Marine Living Resources
allowance is 10 mg/day in growing children and 15 mg/day for and Ecology (Ministry of Earth Sciences), Kochi for financial assis-
adults (NAS-NRC, 1974). A deficiency of zinc is marked by retarded tance. We also thankfully acknowledge the valuable comments ob-
growth, loss of taste and hypogonadism, leading to decreased fer- tained from two anonymous reviewers, which greatly improved
tility. Zinc toxicity is rare but, concentrations in water, up to the manuscript and special thanks go to K. Mohammed Noushad
40 mg/kg, may induce toxicity, characterised by symptoms of irri- and Aboobacker Koya for their timely help in sample collection.
tability, muscular stiffness and pain, loss of appetite and nausea
(NAS-NRC, 1974). Cronin, Davies, Newton, Pirie, Topping and Swan Appendix A. Supplementary data
(1998) suggested that concentrations of this metal in fish muscle
increased with depth. In the present study, Zn accumulation was Supplementary data associated with this article can be found, in
higher in the molluscan tissue (14.2 ± 13.08 lg g1 d.w.) when the online version, at doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.09.097.
compared to fish (5.61 ± 3.34 lg g1 d.w.) and seaweed (3.26 ±
0.05 lg g1 d.w.). References
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