Determination of Morphological Features, Seasonal Biochemical Composition and Heavy Metal Load
Project no. 1160 · Status: Kapanmış · 2016
Summary
In this study, the relationship between the seasonal carcass meat weight, body length, muscle weight and correlation relationship, seasonal nutritional composition and heavy metal load of Stichopus regalis (Cuvier, 1817), one of the sea cucumber species that are exported in our country and which have a growing potential for aquaculture, were investigated. Every month S. regalis catched from Ildır Çeşme Coast in Agean Sea, Türkiye. By measuring the weight of the carcass meat (eviscerated body weight) and its length and the muscular bad length of the species, the biochemical composition and heavy metal contents of 30 individuals of each season were homogenized and analyzed. At the end of the study, we had the highest weight and length in sipring and autumn when individuals were active. At the same time, an important relationship was found between individual’s eviscerated weight and body length. The highest correlation coefficient was calculated in spring (r=0,782). In general, as eviscerated body weight increases, muscle weight also increases. The correlation coefficient between eviscerated body weight and muscle weigh was recorded in the summer (r = 0,940) and the lowest in the spring. Muscle tissue of S. regalis had higher protein and fat content than carcass meat. It was observed that the season had an effect on the biochemical content of both carcass meat and muscle tissue. Generally, it was found that heavy metal accumulation was higher in the muscle. Therefore, it is seen that temperature and related nutrition are important in enriching the nutritional composition for the cultivation of the species. However, in terms of heavy metal, it should be cultivated in a clean environment. Especially the muscle tissue of S. regalis species is rich in zinc. However, it was found that it would be appropriate to determine the acceptable limits of sea cucumber in the regulations by monitoring the species and the environment for toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and copper.