Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of large yellow croaker tissues: The impact of pretreatments

Qi Lin; Li Ying; Li Ziqian; Zheng Weikun; Zhang Run; Zhou Tao; Zheng Minfang; Chen Mengya; Chen Min

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Qi Lin，Li Ying，Li Ziqian, et al. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of large yellow croaker tissues: The impact of pretreatments[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–12

Citation:

Qi Lin，Li Ying，Li Ziqian, et al. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of large yellow croaker tissues: The impact of pretreatments[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–12

Citation:

Qi Lin，Li Ying，Li Ziqian, et al. Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of large yellow croaker tissues: The impact of pretreatments[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2025, 47(x)：1–12

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Carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of large yellow croaker tissues: The impact of pretreatments

College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China

Received Date: 2024-12-28
Rev Recd Date: 2025-04-18

Available Online: 2025-05-26

Abstract

Abstract

Stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope compositions are powerful tools for elucidating fish physiology, trophic interactions, and origin. However, pretreatment methods can substantially influence isotopic results, and the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigates the effects of lipid removal from muscle and acid leaching of scales on the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), a major mariculture species in China. We found that lipid extraction significantly increased muscle δ¹³C, while acid leaching decreased scale δ¹³C. An isotope mixing model effectively explained these δ¹³C variations. Conversely, both pretreatments increased δ¹⁵N, suggesting potential losses of specific nitrogen isotope signals. Utilizing a dynamic equilibrium model, we established a theoretical relationship between carbon and nitrogen isotopes in muscle and scales, validating scales as a muscle proxy for nitrogen isotope analysis. This research provides critical baseline data for understanding stable isotope heterogeneity in large yellow croaker, contributes to our understanding of inter-tissue metabolic dynamics, and supports the application of non-lethal sampling in fish stable isotope studies.
- stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes,
- sample pretreatment,
- large yellow croaker,
- isotope mixing model,
- non-lethal sampling

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References(49)

References

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