No traces of emerging and priority organic pollutants in the muscles of Procambarus clarkii suggest the feasibility of its regulated and sustainable control from uncontaminated environments

Abstract

A monitoring of organic contaminants in the muscles of the Procambarus clarkii and environmental samples of water and sediment was conducted in three Sicilian wetlands (Italy). The substances investigated in the biological samples were per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalic acid esters (PAEs), pesticides, antibiotics, and microcystins (MCs), all of which were below the detection limit. Given that the Louisiana red swamp crayfish is considered a bioaccumulator, the results of this study indicate that these environments are not significantly contaminated by the selected pollutants. Furthermore, the study suggests the potential uses of the edible portions of this alien species. Despite P. clarkii cannot be marketed in several countries, including Italy, it is possible that the animal biomass obtained in the frame of the monitoring, control and eradication activities carried out by local authorities, could be exploited for various purposes, such as food, feed and biotechnology. This would reduce the costs associated with disposal and make these activities more sustainable in the long term, thereby contributing to the preservation of ecosystems that are currently threatened by this invasive species.