Edible Sea urchins Echinus esculentus from Norwegian waters- Effect of season on nutritional quality and chemical contaminants

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize Echinus esculentus gonads in terms of biometric parameters and nutritional quality at two sites in Mid-Norway at four different seasons. The chemical contamination of the gonads was also investigated for the first time through the evaluation of 28 macro- and trace elements and 32 components from the emerging and persistent group per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The spawning period was determined in summer, given that the gonad index was the lowest in this season for both sites. Protein concentrations were constant (8%-10%). However, lipid contents (1%-3%) were noticed to be higher in gonads during autumn and winter. The gonads had high contents of PUFA mainly EPA and DHA, followed by SFA, and MUFA year around for both locations. E. esculentus gonads constitute a good source of fatty acids, macro, and trace elements. This species could also be a bioindicator for the monitoring of marine environments.

Keywords: Chemical variation; Contaminants content; Echinus esculentus; Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances; Quality variation; Trace elements.