Monthly variation of fatty acids, lipid quality index and metal content of Pontastacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) in Atikhisar Dam Lake (Çanakkale, Türkiye)

This study aims to investigate the metal content, fatty acid composition, lipid quality, and potential health risks of Pontastacus leptodactylus crayfish inhabiting Atikhisar Dam Lake. The research covers a 12-month period and includes both male and female individuals. The study investigated the metal content of crayfish specimens. In female individuals, the metal concentrations were ranked as Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Hg > Cd > Pb, while in male individuals, the ranking was Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Mn > Se > As > Hg > Pb > Cd. The results demonstrate that Atherogenicity Index (AI) values for both genders range between 0.21 and 0.31, and Thrombogenicity Index (TI) values fall within 0.14 and 0.20. This indicates that crayfish meat is composed of healthy and high-quality fatty acids. In male individuals, omega-3 values range from 25.28 ± 0.380% to 28.34 ± 0.430%, and in female individuals, they vary from 22.98 ± 0.195% to 28.73 ± 0.871%. These findings underscore the absence of significant health risks associated with mercury levels in crayfish meat. Monthly meal calculations reveal that consuming female crayfish at an average of 4.35 servings per month for adults and 2.24 servings per month for children presents no health hazards. Similarly, the consumption of crayfish meat at an average of 5.29 servings per month for adult males and 2.72 servings per month for male children is deemed safe for health. Based on these results, the lipid quality of both male and female individuals from this species is found to be beneficial, as confirmed by risk–benefit assessments.