Trace metals and macrominerals in common seaweeds in the Marchica (a restored lagoon, Mediterranean Sea): Nutritional value and health risk assessment

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2023-11, Vol.196, p.115665-115665, Article 115665
• Main Authors: Rahhou, Abderrahmane, Layachi, Mostafa, Akodad, Mustapha, Ouamari, Najib E.L., Aknaf, Asmae, Skalli, Ali, Oudra, Brahim, Kolar, Mitja, Imperl, Jernej, Petrova, Petranka, Baghour, Mourad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dietary allowance; Intake; Metals; Nutrition; Seaweeds
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115665

This study investigated the contents of macrominerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg and P) and essential trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se) in four species of seaweeds (Gracilaria sp., Alsidium corallinum, Caulerpa prolifera, and Chaetomorpha sp.) from Marchica Lagoon. The contents of macrominerals with mean values (% dw) can be sequenced in this descending order, [Ca > Mg > Na > K > P] for Caulerpa prolifera, and the decreasing sequence [K > Ca > Mg > P > Na] for Chaetomorpha sp. In red seaweeds, Gracilaria sp. and Alsidiumcorallinum followed these orders: [K > Ca > Na > Mg > P] and [K > Na > Ca > Mg > P] respectively. The essential trace metals mean values (mg kg−1) followed the decreasing order [Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Se] for Alsidiumcorallinum, Chaetomorpha sp. and Gracilaria sp., and the following order [Fe > Mn > Zn > Se > Cu] for Caulerpa prolifera. Based on the calculated recommended dietary allowance (RDA), targeted hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI), the studied seaweeds did not pose any health risk for human consumption. •Major and essential trace elements were analyzed in seaweeds from Marchica lagoon.•The studied species have a significant nutritional value depending on species.•Green seaweeds revealed high amounts of calcium, selenium, and magnesium.•Red seaweeds showed high values of, iron, manganese, and copper.•The studied seaweeds have no hazardous effects related to the elements studied.