Profile of Mineral Compounds and Harmful Trace Elements in Different Parts of the Bigeye Ilisha (Ilisha megaloptera) Caught from the Northern Coast of Oman Sea

Abstract

Fish are a significant dietary source of various minerals essential for human health. This study examined the mineral profile (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, iodine, selenium, and chromium) and harmful trace elements (mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic) in different parts of the bigeye ilisha (Ilisha megaloptera), including the backbone, head, abdominal fin and viscera, caudal fin, and fillet, from the northern coast of the Oman Sea. Results revealed significant variations in element concentrations among different parts, with higher mineral levels often found in waste parts compared to the fillet. Most minerals were present in amounts exceeding human dietary requirements, suggesting that processing waste parts of bigeye ilisha could be beneficial as food or dietary supplements. Additionally, the levels of harmful elements—mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic—were below permissible limits for human consumption. These findings support the potential for developing value-added products from bigeye ilisha.

Keywords

• bigeye ilisha
• harmful trace elements
• minerals
• oman sea
• processing waste