Mortality and Quality Indices of Live West African Hard-Shell Clams (Galatea Paradoxa Born) During Wet and Dry Postharvest Storage

Abstract

Freshly harvested clams (Galatea paradoxa Born) obtained from the Cross River, Nigeria were subjected to live storage for 7 days in or outside of water. The objective was to study the effects of storage method and duration on mortality, weight changes and selected physical and physicochemical properties of the clams. Overall, 62 or 35% of the stored clams died over the 7‐day duration under wet (potable water) or dry storage, respectively. No deaths were recorded in day 1 (wet storage) or in days 1–3 (dry storage). Regression analysis showed linear relationships between storage duration and each of the dependent‐quality variables of weight change, density, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) evaluated under both storage methods. The regression coefficients (β1, β2) for assayed quality parameters in wet or dry storage were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). R2were generally larger for dry storage than for wet storage. Initial clam weights did not significantly (P ≥ 0.05) affect weight change during storage, indicating that weight loss during dry storage was statistically invariant with clam weight. The study concludes that priority should be given to prompt sale and utilization (<3 days) of clams, particularly large clams. The use of dry storage to reduce postharvest mortality and weight losses will potentially increase the profitability of the clam industry.

Establishment of kinetic models based on electrical conductivity and freshness indictors for the forecasting of crucian carp (Carassius carassius) freshness

“…As an index of the concentration of electrolytes in the muscle tissues, EC can impact body-fluid balance, survival and meat quality (Ekanem and Achinewhu, 2006). During the storage of muscle, the muscle tissues get decomposed and fluids flow out.…”

“…Hundred and twenty pieces of fresh crucian carps were procured from aquatic products wholesale market in Beijing (China), The electrical conductivity of crucian carp was measured using the method described by Ekanem and Achinewhu (2006) with a little change. Homogenize 10 g of crucian carp flesh with 100 ml of distilled water and stirring for 30 min.…”

Evaluation of the effects of frozen storage on the microstructure of tilapia (Perciformes: Cichlidae) through fractal dimension method

“…In the reports, the increase trend was attributed to the enhanced membrane permeability and decreased water content in muscle fibers during frozen storage (Lepetit, Sale, Favier, & Dalle, 2002), and different variation rates were due to the inhibitory effect of lower temperatures on the tissues decomposition and bacteria growth (Lopez-Luna et al, 2013). Actually, as an indicator of electrolyte concentration in muscle tissues, electrical conductivity is dependent on the body-fluid balance and membrane structures in cells (Ekanem & Achinewhu, 2006). Also, the decay of muscle tissues and fluid loss could alter the structure of muscle tissues (Byrne, Troy, & Buckley, 2000).…”

Quality assessment of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets during super chilling and chilled storage

“…As an index of the concentration of electrolytes in the muscle tissues, EC can impact body fluid balance, survival and meat quality (Ekanem and Achinewhu 2006). EC was widely used in meat research to evaluate the quality of meat.…”