Factors influencing accumulation of the selected metals in the tissues of spiny-cheek crayfish (Orconectes limosus Raf.)

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of age and sex of crayfish on the degree of accumulation of selected metals in the meat and exoskeleton. A total of 50 males and 50 females of the spiny-cheek crayfish were caught in autumn (October 2019) after a period of intense feeding using fyke nets. Metal concentrations were determined in freeze dried samples of the abdominal meat, exoskeleton and bottom sediments and water using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with a SOLAR S4 spectrophotometer. The highest amounts of Zn were found in the meat of 4-year-old males, Cu of 3-year-old males, and Ca of 4-year-old males. As statistical calculations showed, both the age and sex of the crayfish were significant factors. BCF of Zn and Cu in the meat and exoskeleton of spiny-cheek crayfish was much higher from water than from sediments, unlike Ca. Only in a few cases the concentration of metals in the meat and exoskeleton significantly correlated with the total length (TL) of the crayfish. Consumption of 100 g of spiny-cheek crayfish meat could meet daily requirement for Zn up to 27.5% and for Ca in 12.4% and over 100% for Cu.