The Effects of Sex and Seasonality on the Metal Levels of Warty Crab (Eriphia verrucosa) in the Black Sea

Abstract

The present paper examines the impacts of gender and season variables on the nutritional composition and metal levels of warty crab caught in the central Black Sea region (Ordu). Crab samples were caught over four seasons, using gillnets, trammel net, and SCUBA diving. Results of chemical analysis showed that protein, lipid, moisture, and total mineral substance level ranges of male crabs were 20.45-22.64%, 0.95-1.27%, 75.44-77.09%, and 1.63-2.08%, while these ranges in female individuals were determined as 19.45-21.46%, 0.63-0.92%, 75.44-77.44%, and 2.08-3.28%, respectively. Macro and trace element levels in crab muscle tissue were determined as K>P>Na>Ca>Mg and Zn>Fe>Cu>Mn>Se>Ni>Mo>Co, respectively. Cd and Pb levels in crab muscle tissue were determined to be lower than the limit values given in codices independent of the seasonal variables. However, as the levels were found to be above the limit values, metal concentrations in crabs were also evaluated based on provisional tolerable daily intake and provisional tolerable weekly intake limits.