Evaluation of nutritional profile and potentially toxic metal accumulation in cephalopods from the Rameswaram coast, southeastern India

These study evaluates proximate value, bioaccumulation of potentially toxic metals and fatty acid levels in selected cuttle fish (Sepia officinalis) and squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) in pre-monsoon season during 2024 from the Rameswaram, south east coast of India. Both species cuttle fish and squid detected (mantle, head and wings) potentially toxic metal levels mg/100 g⁻¹ of Al (250.6 and 244.12), As (330.02 and 116.25), Pb (5.23 and 1.00, Cu (3.56 and 2.44), Cd (0.53 and ND), Cr (7.72 and 5.32), Zn (790.19 and 142.07), Se (11.06 and 2.94), Sr (1004.08 and 145.48), and Mn (116.46 and 74.51) higher than the permissible limit. The present study revealed that the level of potentially toxic metals, were significantly high in the cephalopods collected from Rameswaram fish landing center and proximate composition and fatty acids components insignificantly lower level in the both species. As a result, in anthropogenic stress within the organisms. They provide evidence of potentially toxic metal bioaccumulation in cuttlefish and squid, reflecting the untoward marine pollution of the coastal environment of Rameswaram. This study provides the significant data on potentially toxic metal contamination in commercial marine cephalopods from the Rameswaram south east coast of India that will help in maintain the quality of sea food sustainably, increase commercial export credentials and regular monitoring on the coast.