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Nutritional Compositions of Aquatic Insects Living in Rice Fields, with a Particular Focus on Odonate Larvae
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Researchers analyzed the nutritional composition of Pantala dragonfly nymphs harvested from rice fields, finding them to be rich in protein (49% dry weight), all nine essential amino acids, and key minerals, supporting their potential as a sustainable food or feed ingredient.
Although the human consumption of aquatic insects is prevalent in many regions, the nutritional composition of the insects has not been comprehensively determined. The proximate composition of Pantala sp. was shown to be a good source of protein (49.45 ± 0.32 g/100 g DW), as well as of minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. All nine essential amino acids are present in this species, with valine being the most abundant. The major fatty acids are palmitic acid (1.19 ± 0.02 g/100 g DW), oleic acid (0.63 ± 0.02 g/100 g DW), and linoleic acid (0.55 ± 0.01 g/100 g DW). Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) showed a value of 0.18 ± 0.01 mg·kg-1, 3.51 ± 0.12 mg·kg-1, and 0.17 ± 0.00 mg·kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, microplastic (MP) contamination in odonate larvae (419 individuals belonging to three identified families) was found in varying shapes, e.g., fibers, fragments, and rods. FTIR analysis revealed the following MP polymers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl acetate, bis(2-ethylhexyl), polybutadiene, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid); P(MMA-co-MA), poly(ethylene glycol) tetrahydrofurfuryl ether, poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene), and polypropylene glycol. The results of this work could be a nutritional reference for food security and the risk of eating insects.
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Peer Review #2 of "Occurrence of microplastics in edible aquatic insect Pantala sp. (Odonata: Libellulidae) from rice fields (v0.2)"
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Researchers examined dragonfly larvae (Pantala sp.) from rice fields, an insect sometimes eaten by people, for microplastic contamination. Microplastics, mostly fragments, fibers and rods made of three plastic types, were found in the whole body, gut, and body tissue of the insects, suggesting this food source is one possible route for microplastics to enter the human diet.
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