Biochemical composition of Meretrix meretrix in the Bakkhali river Estuary, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the Bakkhali river estuary, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh from September 2012 to July 2013. Percentage of protein was the main component of the biochemical composition in the mussels followed by carbohydrate, ash, and lipid. The proximate composition of Meretrix Meretrix revealed that it contained protein (12.184-14.291%), lipid (0.721-0.922%), ash (2.435-3.201%), moisture (77.0-78.9%) and carbohydrate (4.914-5.907%). The mineral content of the Meretrix Meretrix were Ca (0.601-0.801 mg/g), Fe (0.070-0.099 mg/g) and phosphorus (0.300-0.794 mg/g). In the present investigation, the seasonal changes of protein and lipid were found to follow a similar pattern. Hence, a signifi cant positive correlation was found between the percentage of protein and lipid in Meretrix meretrix. A positive relationship was found between the percentage of protein and lipid, protein and ash and, lipid and ash. A signifi cant inverse correlation was found between protein and carbohydrates, carbohydrate and lipid and between carbohydrate and ash content of dry tissue of Meretrix meretrix (p<0.01). Further study on Meretrix meretrix should be carried out since their acceptability to the coastal dwelling community.