An experimental study on the concentration of heavy metals and minerals found in some of the estuarine organisms in Thengaithittu estuary, Puducherry

It is a known fact that edible aquatic animals possess a rich source of minerals and metallic compounds. In order to analyze the composition of minerals and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr) present in these fauna, this study was conducted in two fishes mullet and cat fish (Mugil cephalus& Ictalurus punctatus), two crustaceans prawn and crab (Fenneropenaeus indicus& Portunus sanguinolentus) and mussel (Perna viridis) which were collected from Thengaithittu estuary region, Puducherry, India. The results showed that the Zinc concentration is maximum in prawn and minimum in catfish, Copper concentration is maximum in catfish and minimum in mullet fish, Iron concentration is higher in catfish and minimum in mussel, Manganese concentration is maximum in mussel and minimum in prawn, Cadmium concentration is higher in crab and minimum in mussel, lead content is maximum in mullet and minimum in crab and Chromium concentration is higher in mussel and minimum in mullet. Mineral analysis reveals that the prawn had the good source of sodium, potassium and calcium and least in mussel. In this context the heavy metals and minerals concentration in estuarine fish, prawn, crab and mussel perceived in the current study was within the tolerable limits. The results of the current study suggest that eating fish, prawns, crab, and mussels from the Thengaithittu estuary in Puducherry may not have any negative effects.