Determination of formaldehyde in wet marketed fish by HPLC analysis: A negligible concern for fish and food safety in Bangladesh

Formaldehyde (FA) content in nine commonly available marine and freshwater finfish and one shrimp species marketed in Dhaka was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Limit of detection and limit of quantification values of 6.90 and 22.90 µg kgâ1 were calculated respectively. The study revealed different levels of formaldehyde in analyzed samples. The Kawran bazaar, the Raiyer bazaar and the Mohakhali bazaar of Dhaka city fish were analyzed; the level of the content of formaldehyde was higher in Raiyer bazaar fish samples and lower in Kawran bazaar fish samples. The range of formaldehyde value in freshwater and marine finfish samples and shrimp samples ranged 5.1 ± 0.71â12.26 ± 1.67 mg kgâ1, 10.8 ± 1.72â39.68 ± 7.87 mg kgâ1 and 13.57 ± 1.93 mg kgâ1 respectively. The FA content was in the range of 5.1 ± 0.71â39.68 ± 7.87 mg kgâ1 eventually found in all marketed fish. Keywords: Marketed fish, Penaeus monodon, Food safety, Formaldehyde, HPL

Nutritional properties of wild and fattening mud crab (Scylla serrata) in the south-eastern district of Bangladesh

Mud crab (Scylla serrata) is one of the most important crustacean species in Bangladesh due to its high economic value. Crab fattening is widely practiced in the country to meet export demand while the supply for domestic consumption is mainly dependent on wild sources. This work reported for the first time a comparative evaluation of the nutritional properties of wild and fattening mud crabs. For this purpose, the proximate compositions were determined in terms of total contents of protein, moisture, ash, lipid, and minerals. Female fattening mud crabs had the highest levels of protein (17.07 ± 1.52%) and moisture (76.95 ± 1.39%) content, while the highest percentages of ash (4.9 ± 1.03%) were detected in male fattening mud crabs. Male fattening mud crabs also contained high amounts of minerals, especially calcium (1199.71 ± 343.43 mg/100g) and iron (14.21 ± 1.28 mg/100g). Male and female wild crabs showed the highest levels of magnesium and phosphorus, respectively. Additionally, the calculated percentage of recommended nutrient intake (RNI) value revealed that mud crab contributes 4.4–59.99%, 6.6–53.98%, and 7.33–54.53% for infants, adults, pregnant and lactating women, respectively. The present study indicates that mud crab had a balanced nutritional composition that would be nutrient-rich excellent diet for consumers

Nutritional analysis of indigenous sources: An approach to explore its potential application as alternative feedstuffs for Thai Koi (Anabas testudineus)

Aquaculture recently gained importance due to rising protein consumption and sustainable fisheries production. Any fish farm needs affordable, environmentally friendly feed to maximize profit. Bangladesh imports fish feed materials from neighboring countries at a considerable cost. Therefore, the present research aims to investigate the nutritive value of local organic resources and to evaluate their usage as feedstuffs thus reducing operational costs for Anabas testudineus (Thai koi) farming. The selected nineteen raw materials were subjected to proximate and minerals (Na, P, K, Ca, Fe) content analyses. The results revealed that each ingredient analyzed contains a substantial amount of protein (ranging from 6.07 to 58.76%). The recorded crude fat, moisture, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy contents varied within a range of 0.46–14.78%, 1.40–9.95%, 1.19–81.50%, 0–41.77%, 5.33–71.17%, and 58.77–399.81 kcal/100g respectively. The ingredients also contain an appreciable amount of potassium (78.64–3718.32 mg/100g), calcium (1.20–37175.41 mg/100g), and phosphorous (7.92–258.97 mg/100g). The results demonstrate that the analyzed indigenous raw materials were high in nutritional value and mineral contents and thus could be used as potential substitute compositions for Thai koi feed formulation

Biochemical analysis of commonly consumed fishes and shell fishes from the Tista and the Baral River in Bangladesh

The Tista and Baral rivers in Bangladesh are important water bodies that provide fish and shellfish as a significant food source for the local population. However, there is limited research on the biochemical composition of commonly consumed fish and shellfish species from these rivers. This study aimed to analyze the proximate composition of 16 species of fish and shellfish from the Tista and Baral rivers, focusing on their nutritional profiles and potential as protein sources. The findings indicate that all 16 species from the two rivers contain significant levels of moisture, ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy content, with percentages ranging from (82.18±0.29 to 62.79±0.67)%, (28.77±0.08 to 6.6±0.07)%, (38.16±0.16 to 6.39±0.04)%, (70.69±1.30 to 36.81±0.82)%, (18.30±0.07 to 0.46±0.03)%, (21.41±0.08 to 1.37±0.01)%, and (319±0.44 to 532.45±0.45) kcal/100 g, respectively. Anabas testudineus and Barilius barila from the Tista and Baral rivers, respectively, contained significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of fat and energy content than those of other species. Paratelphusa lamellifrons from Tista river showed significantly (p<0.05) higher ash content compared to others. Mastacembelus pancalus from the Baral River showed the highest moisture and carbohydrate content, which differ significantly (p<0.05) compared to others in the case of carbohydrate content and differ significantly (p<0.05) compared to others except Ompok pabda in the case of moisture content. Ompok pabda from the Baral River showed significantly (p<0.05) higher protein and fiber content compared to others. The study concludes that commonly consumed fish and shellfish are moderate sources of high-quality protein and essential micronutrients. Thus, their consumption can mitigate protein malnutrition and ensure the security of nutrition and livelihoods in Bangladesh. The results emphasize the nutritional significance of these resources as potential protein sources, warranting further exploration and utilization to address nutritional challenges and enhance food security in the region

Exploring the impact of culture media on life history characteristics of the house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Insects, particularly house fly pupae (M. domestica L.), are increasingly promoted as a rich and sustainable protein source, presenting a practical solution for organic waste management. These insects possess the capability to transform animal waste into valuable biomass, underscoring the necessity to evaluate housefly larval growth on diverse waste mixtures. The primary objective was to comprehend how different culture media influence the life history traits of this species. To address this, the research aimed to assess the growth and development performance of housefly larvae reared on various waste mixtures. Adult house flies (M. domestica) were sourced from meat and fish markets in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, employing systematic sampling from different market sections for a representative selection. Experimental diets were formulated with combinations of cattle blood, cattle manure, rice bran, wheat bran, and kitchen waste, categorized into Diet-A (kitchen waste:cattle manure:wheat bran), Diet-B (cattle blood:rice bran), Diet-C (cattle manure:wheat bran), and Diet-D (cattle blood:kitchen waste:rice bran). Additionally, a control group comprised a mixture of waste materials, including yeast, egg white, milk powder, and wheat bran. The findings revealed that larvae, pupae, and adults reared on Diet-B, incorporating cattle blood and rice bran, demonstrated increased length compared to other diets. This varied diet also produced the heaviest larvae, pupae, and adults, exhibiting the highest morphometric parameters. The moisture content of pupae varied across the different diets, ranging from 53.23±0.17 % to 65.47±1.32 %. The pupae reared on Diet-B had the highest levels of crude protein (53.44±0.05 %, p < 0.05), while those reared on Diet-C had the highest levels of fat (18.56±0.05 %, p < 0.05 except for diet A). The findings demonstrate that housefly larvae can be reared on diets containing rice bran and cattle blood, which have different nutritional profiles and biological capacities. However, the ideal rearing strategy should depend on how M. domestica will be utilized in the future. The study highlights insects, especially housefly pupae, as a sustainable protein source and an organic waste management solution. Therefore, the results of this study contribute to the broader understanding of Musca domestica and offer practical implications for both scientific research and pest management practices