THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE CALCIUM CONTENT OF DIFFERENT MOLLUSC

SHELLS.
L. Co, C.M. De Guzman, C.A.A. Sarmiento, A.A.B. Tolentino
School of Pharmacy, Centro Escolar University, Manila
ABSTRACT
Calcium is considered as one of the most essential minerals inside our body. It is a
mineral which is essential for the bones and teeth. One importance of calcium is for what we
call osteoporosis which is the most common metabolic bone disease. It is a bone disease
most common in elderly people especially women.
The comparison of the calcium content from the ash of three different mollusc shells
from the tahong (Perna viridis), tulya (Corbicula fluminea), and kuhol (Melanoides tuberculata)
was determined by utilizing experimental method such as EDTA titration and flame test. The
shells were collected from Balintawak Wet Market, washed, and powdered finely.
The ashes were obtained from the shells through drying, incineration, and placing in
the crucible in the furnace calibrated at 550c. Fifteen (15) crucibles were used and divided
into three (3) groups, five crucibles for each sample.
Based on the results gathered, the tahong shells have the highest calcium content,
while the kuhol shells have the lowest calcium content.
Keywords: Calcium, Mollusc, Osteoporosis, Tahong, Kuhol, Tulya
Introduction

blood clotting systems to function.

Calcium is the most abundant

Calcium is used for treating and

mineral in the human body, making up

preventing hypocalcemia including bone

about 2% of the total body weight. Calcium

conditions

is an essential part of the bones and teeth,

weakening of the bones due to low bone

but also needed by the heart, nerves, and

density; rickets, softening of bones in

such

as

osteoporosis,

the

children; and osteomalacia, the softening

samples. The samples were washed, dried,

of bones involving pain.

crushed, and powderized. The powderized

Foods that are rich in calcium

shells were placed inside the crucible and

include milk and dairy products, broccoli,

placed in the furnace at 550c for several

as well as calcium-enriched juices, canned

hours until the ashes were obtained. The

fish with bones, and soy products which

ashes

are processed with calcium.

constant weight.

Tahong, kuhol, and tulya are one

were

and

weighed

to

Results

of the most consumed seafoods.The shells

are

cooled

Based on the data obtained,

tahong shells have the highest calcium

being thrown after consumption but these

content among the three samples with

shells have large quantities of minerals that

11.796%. Kuhol shells have 11.314 % of

can be used in many ways.

calcium, and the tulya shells have the

The researchers focused in

lowest calcium content which was 10.798

determining the calcium content of these

%.

mollusc shells to be an alternative source

Conclusion

to expensive calcium supplements.

The researchers concluded that

Objective

tahong shells have the greatest calcium

To determine the calcium content

of different mollusc shells.

content than tulya and kuhol shells.

Recommendations

Methodology

The researchers recommend the ff.:

The researchers used

Experimental

study on

three

different

mollusc shells.
The researchers used three

1. To isolate the nanoparticles of the

calcium obtained and test its potential
antimicrobial activity.
2. Formulate dosage forms of calcium