Original research articleThe distribution of elements in the body of invasive Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne-Edwards, 1853) from Lake DÄ bie, Poland

- Reported levels of trace elements in body of Eriocheir sinensis.
- Trace elements were identified by ICP-MS.
- High levels of essential elements: Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn was found in meat.
- High variation in the levels of elements was found among crabs.

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is an invasive species in the Baltic Sea catchment area. Its numbers in fishery are steadily growing and can potentially become a considerable export product. However, the meat of these crustaceans is known to accumulate contaminants, such as trace elements. Therefore, in this study we examined the content of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, U, Zn in the claws, legs, and carapace of Chinese mitten crabs from Lake Dąbie (south-western catchment area of the Baltic Sea). Concentrations of Mo and U were within the sensitivity limit of the analytical method, and the average concentrations (in mg kg−1 dw) of the remaining elements ranged from 0.016 (Cd, claw meat) to 191 (Fe, carapace). The meat had very high concentrations of essential metals (Fe > 20, Cu > 17, Zn > 16, Mn > 2, in mg kg−1 dw). The concentrations of Pb and Cd were 5 and 100 times lower than the threshold for foods established by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006. The meat of crabs from Lake Dąbie should be safe for consumers and may be a source of elements playing important functions in metabolic processes.