A Meta Analysis on The Heavy Metal Content of Two Shrimp Species, Penaeus Semisulcatus (De Hann, 1844) and Metapenaeus Monoceros (Fabricius, 1798) From Iskenderun Bay

Different studies even on same shrimp species and same heavy metals from same locations may be inconsistent with each other. Because of their importance on a food safety risk, a meta-analysis is required to evaluate the true risk level to human consumption for these aquatic organisms. In this study, commercially important two shrimp species, Penaeus semisulcatus (de Hann, 1844) and Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius, 1798), from Iskenderun Bay were subjected to a meta-analysis for some heavy metal contents (Cadmium-Cd, Zinc-Zn, Lead-Pb, and Copper-Cu). Meta-analysis results (mean +/- Sd) were evaluated according to the reference values that are maximum permissible limit (dry-wet, mg kg(-1)) for shrimp as follow; Cd (1 mg kg(-1)), Zn (50 mg kg(-1)), Pb (2 mg kg(-1)) and Cu (20 mg kg(-1)). For Cd, M. monoceros (0.93 +/- 0.02 mg kg(-1)) was not exceeded the reference limit (P>0.05), while, P. semisulcatus (3.93 +/- 0.12 mg kg(-1)) was exceeded (P<0.05). For Zn, M. monoceros (58.69 +/- 7.25 mg kg(-1)) was exceeded the reference limit (P< 0.05), but P. semisulcatus (50.28 +/- 8.00 mg kg(-1)) was not exceeded (P>0.05). For Pb, both M. monoceros ( 10.14 +/- 4.09 mg kg(-1)) and P. semisulcatus (6.30 +/- 2.02 mg kg(-1)) were exceeded the reference limit (P<0.05). For Cu, M. monoceros (23.25 +/- 4.34 mg kg(-1)) was not exceeded the reference limit (P>0.05), while P. semisulcatus (49.68 +/- 14.71 mg kg(-1)) was exceeded (P<0.05). Despite the meta-analysis results, the harmful effects of heavy metals on human health only occur when long-term consumption of contaminated crustaceans occurs, much more well-organized studies (with more samples, suitable sampling strategy, etc.,) are needed to make an ultimate decision on whether the contents of these considered heavy metals in these two shrimp species.

Automated summary

Different studies may yield inconsistent results, requiring a meta-analysis to evaluate the food safety risk of aquatic organisms to human consumption. This study found that two commercially important shrimp species differed in their heavy metal contents, with some exceeding the safe limits.