Fluoride in Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) and Atlantic Krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica)

Abstract

Samples of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and Atlantic krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) were analysed for fluoride using a selective fluoride electrode method. Both species showed very high concentrations, a total of 1330–2400 mg F⁻/kg on fat free dry weight basis in raw samples whereas deep sea prawns (Pandalus borealis) showed a total of 18–91 and red feed (Calanus finmarchicus) 10–37 mg F⁻/kg. Sections of Antarctic krill were analyzed, and the highest concentration was found in the carapace, 4260 mg F⁻/kg fat free dry matter, compared with 570 and 750 mg F⁻/kg in raw and boiled muscle. Biological availability was measured in a chick assay, and showed fluoride in krill to be equally utilized as sodium fluoride added to the diet. Key words: krill, red feed, deep sea prawn, fluoride