lautnusantara.com The effect of pollution on the quality of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fish scales is very significant because scales are the part of the fish's body that is in direct contact with the aquatic environment. Here is the explanation:

1. Physical Changes in Scales

Pollution, especially heavy metals and industrial waste, can cause:

• Color changes: Scales can become dull, losing their natural shine due to the accumulation of metals or chemical compounds.
• Scale fragility: Heavy metal content such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) can damage the structure of collagen proteins and scale minerals.
• Microscopic structural damage: Scales can experience erosion, thinning, or deformation due to oxidative stress.

2. Accumulation of Heavy Metals

Scales have the ability to absorb and accumulate heavy metals, so their quality decreases if fish live in polluted waters.

Heavy Metal               Effects on Scales

Mercury (Hg)              Disrupts collagen synthesis, causing cell damage

Lead (Pb)                    Inhibits scale growth, disrupts mineral structure

Cadmium (Cd)             Causes thinning and cracking of scales

> Scales can be used as bioindicators of environmental quality because they reflect the level of water contamination in the long term.

3. Impact on Economic Value

• Decreased collagen quality: Scales from fish in polluted waters have lower collagen quality.
• Not suitable for the cosmetic/food industry: Accumulation of heavy metals makes scales risky to toxicity if used without purification.
• Export rejection: Export destination countries can reject fish products derived from contaminated areas.

4. Research and Monitoring

• Studies show that fish scales from polluted areas contain much higher levels of heavy metals than fish from clean waters.
• Scale quality monitoring can be used as part of an aquatic ecosystem evaluation program.

If you are interested in our product Barramundi Fillet Skin On / Barramundi Fillet Skinless Tyger Style, Barramundi Fillet Skinless Tiger Style please do not hesitate to contact us through email and/or whatsapp.