Variability of elements and nutritional value of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus, Rafinesque, 1817): Variability of elements and nutritional value of F. limosus.

• Heavy metal accumulation was sex-, season- and body part-dependent. • The content of heavy metals in F. limosus tissues is safe for human consumption. • 100 g of abdomen meat covers 42 % (P) and 14 % (Zn) of the daily requirement. Spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus , Rafinesque, 1817) females and males were examined as an alternative source of highly valuable material currently sought by the food industry. The aim of the study was to assess the profiles of 14 macro- and microelements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Zn) in the meat, exoskeleton and eggs (females) of crayfish collected in the spring and autumn seasons in the Lake Sominko (Poland). The content of heavy metals was analysed, and the degree of their accumulation in crayfish tissues was determined. The profile of the investigated elements in the tested samples was variable depending on the body part, sex of individuals and season of sample collection. A portion of crayfish abdomen meat or eggs (100 g) is particularly rich in P (41.5–73.9 %) of daily requirement), Zn (14.1–38.5 %), Mg (7.9–21.5 %), K (3.3–13.1 %) and Na (4.6–7.7 %) and small quantities of Ca (0.8–2.5 %) and Al (0.9–4.7 %). The study confirmed that consumption of crayfish meat is toxicologically safe and nutritionally complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]