Witwisitpong Maneechan.. Diversity of edible aquatic insects in Thailand nutrition value, bioindicator and bioaccumulation. Doctoral Degree(Bioproducts Science). Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library. : Kasetsart University, 2023.
Diversity of edible aquatic insects in Thailand nutrition value, bioindicator and bioaccumulation
Abstract:
Rice fields support a diversity range of living organisms, including edible aquatic insects. Although the human consumption of aquatic insects is prevalent in many regions, the nutritional composition of these insects has not been comprehensively determined. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to: (1) assess the richness and diversity of edible aquatic insects living in the rice field; (2) confirm the nutritional characteristics of the edible odonate larvae; and (3) investigate the accumulation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and asenic (As), as well as microplastic, in odonate larvae inhabiting rice fields in the central part of Thailand. Aquatic insects were collected and identified using standard methods and their nutritional composition and bioaccumulation were analyzed using standard methods. A total of 10,501 individuals, comprising 64 genera of aquatic insects belonging to six orders, were collected at different study sites. The richness showed a range of 14 to 50. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H') showed a range 1.877 to 3.450, whereas Simson's diversity index (D) showed a range of 0.7665 to 0.9605. The proximate composition of odonate larvae showed that they are a good source of protein and minerals, including sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. All nine essential amino acids were present, with valine being the most abundant. The major fatty acids were palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. The bioaccumulation of Pb, As, and Cd in Pantala larvae showed values of 0.18±0.01 mg·kg−1, 3.51±0.12 mg·kg−1, and 0.17±0.00 mg·kg−1, respectively. Microplastic (MP) contamination was found in odonate larvae in varying shapes, sizes, and colors and ATR-FTIR chemical analysis confirmed that they contain a variety of MP polymers. Further comprehensive nutritional studies may be needed to establish nutritional reference values for food safety and security.
Kasetsart University. Office of the University Library