Investigating heavy metals and other elements in Procambarus clarkii and environmental matrices from three wetlands of Sicily (Italy)

Abstract

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of 18 elements was conducted on Procambarus clarkii and its environmental samples to evaluate its potential as a bioindicator species. Analysis of biological samples was carried out to both assess the safety of the use of raw materials and, together with environmental samples, to assess the contamination status of the sampled sites. Significant differences highlighted by the PERMANOVA, HCA and PCA analyses confirmed the valid use of P. clarkii as a bioindicator of the health status of the studied ecosystem. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and the biotic sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), except in a few cases, reported values below the bioaccumulative criterion and showed the highest BAF values for manganese, iron and barium in the exoskeleton while the highest BSAF values concerned mercury, copper and zinc in the muscle and barium in the exoskeleton. These findings indicate that, for most of the trace elements (TEs), the extent of pollution at these sites is such that it does not result in significant bioaccumulation in the muscle and exoskeleton of P. clarkii. The TE concentration levels signalled mild contamination of the sampling sites, proving a good health status of the studied aquatic ecosystem. Finally, the results obtained in P. clarkii muscle were below the threshold limits of EU Regulation 2023/915 suggesting that these edible parts are safe for human consumption.