Eulering, Jan and Zimmer, Martin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1549-8871 (2025) Trace metals in decapod crustaceans from mangrove forests: a global analysis of risks for human consumers. Bulletin of Marine Science, 101 (3). pp. 1309-1322. DOI https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2024.0018.

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Abstract

In many developing and emerging countries, the resident population obtains large parts of their income and resources from mangrove forests. Various species of mangrove crabs, such as Ucides cordatus in Latin America or Scylla serrata in Southeast Asia, are particularly relevant as a food source for the often-poor population. The increasing growth of cities and the industrialization of countries in South America, Asia and Africa, combined with low awareness of the importance of conservation, has resulted in severe pollution of these ecosystems, e.g., with trace metals. This is particularly serious because people ingest polluted food when consuming crab meat. This literature review aims to summarize the current state of research regarding trace metal levels in mangrove crabs and the corresponding potential risks to human health. Specifically, the trace metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed. These trace metals promote many types of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and are often suspected or proven carcinogenic. We conclude that stronger monitoring is urgently needed, as in many places individual trace metals exceed the thresholds of environmental concentrations suggested by FAO and/or WHO. In our global analysis, we observed a qualitative trend suggesting that pollution levels tend to increase with greater anthropogenic activity and proximity to pollution sources, as reported in multiple reviewed studies; however, due to the lack of consistent spatial data across studies, this pattern should be interpreted with caution. We call for standardized methodologies and broader geographical coverage in mangrove research.

Document Type:	Article
Programme Area:	PA4
Research affiliation:	Ecology > Mangrove Ecology
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	No
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.5343/bms.2024.0018
ISSN:	0007-4977
Date Deposited:	13 Mar 2026 10:42
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2026 10:42
URI:	https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/6167

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