Bioaccumulation and elimination kinetics of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Hermetic illucens larvae: Implications for risk mitigation of selected contaminants in insect farming.

Key Points

• This research aims to assess how metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons accumulate and are eliminated in Hermetic illucens larvae.
• Controlled experiments were conducted exposing larvae to different substrates contaminated with metals and PAHs.
• Elimination was evaluated after five days in non-contaminated substrates.
• Kinetic bioaccumulation factors were calculated for Cd, As, and Pb.
• Metal accumulation was observed with bioaccumulation factors of 4.26 for Cd, 1.16 for As, and 1.31 for Pb.
• A one-day depuration reduced As and Pb below regulatory thresholds, while Cd required three days.
• Minimal accumulation was noted for B[a]P and B[b]F, but significant uptake for B[a]A, with PAH half-lives under one day.