Abstract: In this study, dynamic tendency of trimethylamine (TMA)content in Sinonovacula constricta stroraged in different phases with different temperature was detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS), to provide evidence for the storage conditions of S. constricta. With the duration of storage time, the content of TMA had been on the rise at 26℃, 4℃ and-20℃, and the low temperature could slow down the trend. After being cultured in sea water for 2 days at 26℃, S. constricta had been dead and smelly, in which the content of TMA was 13.954 mg/kg. After being storaged in sea water at 4℃ for 8 days, S. constricta had been incapacitated and the content of TMA in it was 1.369 mg/kg. The content of TMA in S. constricta was only 0.564 mg/kg after being storaged at-20℃ for 30 days suggested that the samples remained enough freshness. So low temperature can inhibit the growth and reproduction of spoilage microorganisms, which is conducive to maintain the freshness of S. constricta.

Key words: headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS), Sinonovacula constricta, trimethylamine, storage