Nutrient composition and bioaccumulation of an edible aquatic insect, Pantala sp. (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the rice field

Numerous edible aquatic insects have unanticipated nutraceutical potential and are consumed in a variety of Thai locations. The proximate composition, amino acid, fatty acid, mineral, and heavy metal content of Pantala sp. (Odonata: Libellulidae) aquatic edible nymphs were determined using standard analytical methods in this study. Pantala sp. had a proximate protein content of 445.14{+/-}0.04 %, a fat content of 4.93{+/-}0.05 %, an ash content of 5.24{+/-}0.03 %, a moisture content of 35.11{+/-}0.09 %, and a total carbohydrate content of 9.60{+/-}0.11 %. Total energy was 263.25{+/-}0.20 kcal/100 g, with fat energy accounting for 44.37{+/-}0.43 kcal/100 g. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis revealed that this insect was high in phosphorus, iron, and copper for human consumption. In comparison to other edible insects studied, they were also excellent calcium sources. Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph (GC) analysis revealed that it contains 236.67 mg/100g of omega-3 and 523.32 mg/100g of omega-6. While the amino acids examined using High Performance liquid Chromatography contained all essential amino acids. ICP-OES was used to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As). Pantala sp. had the highest concentration of As (average = 2.827 {+/-} 0.289 mg kg-1), followed by Cd (0.164 {+/-} 0.007 mg kg-1) and Pb (0.158 {+/-} 0.015 mg kg-1). Although the insects have nutraceutical potential, they also have toxic heavy metals in trace amounts, with the exception of As. This work could serve as a nutritional reference for local consumers interested in entomophagy.