Nutritional and Nutraceutical Profiles of Different Types of Shells in Tambaklorok, Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

Tambaklorok Semarang is an area abundant in pond resources, particularly shellfish farming. However, not all information regarding the nutritional and nutraceutical profile of Tambaklorok shellfish is fully understood. The research aims to identify the commercial types of shellfish, assess the water quality in the pond area, and analyze the shellfish morphometry as well as the amino acid and fatty acid contents in different species of Tambaklorok shellfish. The method involved identifying different commercial shellfish types by observing and classifying them based on specific morphological characteristics. Water quality was assessed by measuring nitrate levels using equipment designed for testing seawater quality. Morphometric analysis is conducted by measuring the length and weight of the shells and calculating the growth index. Amino and fatty acid content analysis uses UPLC-PDA and LC-MS/MS methods. The research findings reveal the presence of three types of commercial shellfish in Tambaklorok Semarang: Anadara granosa, Perna viridis, and Meretrix meretrix. The water quality in this region needs to meet the standards required for marine life, mainly due to high nitrate levels. Analysis of mussel morphometry indicates that growth in shell length is more prominent than growth in weight. The amino acid and fatty acid content analysis revealed significant differences among the three shellfish species, with variations in the highest and lowest compositions. It is concluded that Tambaklorok Semarang consists of three commercially valuable types of shellfish and does not meet the required standards for water quality. Furthermore, differences were observed in the three shellfish species' morphometry, amino acid, and fatty acid composition. This data can be utilized to improve the cultivation and quality of Tambaklorok shellfish and serve as a basis for further research on shellfish farming in terms of nutrition and nutraceuticals.