Calcium and phosphorus determination in bones of low value fishes, Sardinella longiceps (Valenciennes) and Trichiurus savala (Cuvier), from Parangipettai, Southeast Coast of India

Abstract

To investigate calcium and phosphorus levels in the bones of low value fishes Sardinella longiceps (oil sardine) and Trichiurus savala (ribbon fish). Bones and skeletal remains were subjected to alkaline-alcohol treatment for specified period of time and were then dried and pulverized. Calcium and phosphorus levels were determined by both volumetric and instrumental methods using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Volumetric analysis of calcium and phosphorus were 28.98% and 14.2% in oil sardine; 24.2% and 11.6% in ribbon fish respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis of calcium and phosphorus were 32.73% and 17.2% for oil sardine and 27.17% and 10.83% for ribbon fish respectively. Protein level was 4.82% in oil sardine and 3.97% in ribbon fishes. The findings of the present study revealed that sardine bones are rich in calcium and will be utilized for the production of calcium powder to treat osteoporosis.