Dhanaraj V., M. Sukumaran and S. Velavan
Abstract
In the present study, the mangrove crab Episesarma tetragonum (Fabricius) was collected from the Kollidam estuary, on the southeast coast of India, to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the gills, muscle, hepatopancreas, and intestine. Episesarma tetragonum crabs were collected from Kollidam estuary at Mayiladuthurai located along the Southeast coast of India in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Bioconcentration of heavy metals (copper, chromium, cadmium, mercury, zinc, and lead) in Episesarma tetragonum crab organs, such as gills, muscle, hepatopancreas, and intestine, was measured by the preconcentration methodology. The highest heavy concentration was observed in the organ of gills, compared to intestine, hepatopancreas, and muscle, by copper, chromium, cadmium, mercury, zinc, and lead. The outcome unequivocally shows that when exposed to heavy metal contamination, the mangrove crab Episesarma tetragonum experiences increased stress. Understanding the levels of metals in crab is crucial for managing the environment and for human consumption. The finding indicated that in attempt to confirm the role of this crab species as a possible bio-indicator of metal contamination in the marine and estuarine environment, evaluation of heavy metal bioaccumulation should be investigated in future monitoring.