Differences of Turkish clam (Ruditapes decussates) and manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) according to their proximate composition and heavy metal contents

The aim of this study is to determine the proximate composition, biometrical measurements and heavy metal content differences of marine bivalve Ruditapes philippinarum (Venice, Italy) and Ruditapes philippinarum (Izmir,Turkey. No statistical (P < 0.05) difference was observed in the values of crude lipid, moisture, ash and carbohydrate but statistical differences occurred in their crude protein values. They were 0.98 +/- 0.169%; 83.98 +/- 0.16%; 3.3 +/- 0.424%; 1.14 +/- 0.02%; 9.56 +/- 0.06% for Ruditapes decussatus, respectively. They were 0.78 +/- 0.16%; 85.91 +/- 1.22%; 3.1 +/- 0.232%; 1.10 +/- 0.02%; 8.71 +/- 0.18%, for Ruditapes phillippinarum, respectively. Each of the clam was determined as fresh and in perfect quality according to their TVB-N values but in the comparison of color values statistical difference was observed(P > 0.05).Trace metal levels were below the legal limits set by national standards of Turkish governments.