Effect of environmental factors on the fatty acid profiles and physicochemical composition of oysters ( <i>Crassostrea gasar</i> ) in Amazon estuarine farming

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the fatty acid profiles and physicochemical composition of Crassostrea gasar cultured in two locations with differences in salinity and precipitation gradients. The study period was divided into four seasonal divisions—the rainy–dry transition period, the dry season, dry–rainy transition and the rainy season. The salinity, pH and temperature were measured at each site during specimen collection. A total of 712 oyster samples were used for fatty acid profiling and physicochemical analysis. Salinity and precipitation were the environmental parameters that influenced the fatty acid profile and physicochemical characteristics of oysters. C. gasar exhibited excellent values of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, EPA and eicosatrienoic), with a predominance of these acids during periods of higher precipitation. Variations in precipitation and salinity resulted in significant differences in oyster nutritional characteristics. Oysters grown in Amazonian estuaries can be considered nutritious throughout the year, with better conditions during the rainy season.