Marine macro-algae as a bio-indicator of heavy metal pollution in the marine environments, Persian Gulf

357-363The northern parts of the Persian Gulf are more affected by pollutants because of their low depth, limited rotation, salinity, and high temperature. The anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic contaminations caused by organic and inorganic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems will eventually lead to increase pollution in water, sediments, and aquatic organisms. It seems that, algae are the most suitable indicator for soluble heavy metals (HMs) in both active and passive states. Samplings were carried out on a monthly basis in four different stations in Bushehr Province, northwest of the Persian Gulf from March 2016 to March 2017. ICP-mass spectrometry was used to determine Pb, Cu, Cd, As, Cr, Zn, Al, Mn, Co, V, Ni, Mg, S, Fe, and Ca concentrations in some macroalgae. In this study Padina gymnospora (brown algae) and Hypnea hamulosa (red algae) had the highest absorption, while the Cladophoropsis membranacea (green algae) showed the least absorption in all the sampling areas

Assessing some heavy metals pollutions in sediments of the northern Persian Gulf (Bushehr province)

Background: Land and water pollution by heavy metals is a universal issue. Although the pollution affects all countries, but its range and severity vary hugely. The pollution of the marine environment by heavy metals is a worldwide problem. Marine sediments can be sensitive indicators for monitoring contaminants in aquatic environments. Methods: The concentration of 10 elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) was determined in the sediments of four shoreline stations including Imam Hassan port, Ameri port, Bushehr port, and Nayband Bay at the west Persian Gulf from March to December 2017. The elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: The contamination of the sediments was assessed based on the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF). Spearman correlation matrix was calculated between all the trace metals and major elements as well as corresponding sampling regions. Statistically significant inter-elemental correlations (e.g., Cr-Fe, Cr-Al, Cr-Ni, Cr-Zn, and Cr-Cu) were found between some metals. High EF levels for Fe, Al, and Pb suggest that metals in the sediments of the northern Persian Gulf could have originated from anthropogenic sources. Conclusion: The contamination pattern of sediments is affected by factors such as sedimentation patterns, physical and chemical properties of the sediments. For example, sediments with fine-grained and high surface area-to-volume ratio can act as good absorbents for many pollutants. Keywords: Heavy metals, Geologic sediment, Persian Gulf, Busheh

Assessing some heavy metals pollutions in sediments of the northern Persian Gulf (Bushehr province)

Background: Land and water pollution by heavy metals is a universal issue. Although the pollution affects all countries, but its range and severity vary hugely. The pollution of the marine environment by heavy metals is a worldwide problem. Marine sediments can be sensitive indicators for monitoring contaminants in aquatic environments. Methods: The concentration of 10 elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) was determined in the sediments of four shoreline stations including Imam Hassan port, Ameri port, Bushehr port, and Nayband Bay at the west Persian Gulf from March to December 2017. The elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: The contamination of the sediments was assessed based on the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF). Spearman correlation matrix was calculated between all the trace metals and major elements as well as corresponding sampling regions. Statistically significant inter-elemental correlations (e.g., Cr-Fe, Cr-Al, Cr-Ni, Cr-Zn, and Cr-Cu) were found between some metals. High EF levels for Fe, Al, and Pb suggest that metals in the sediments of the northern Persian Gulf could have originated from anthropogenic sources. Conclusion: The contamination pattern of sediments is affected by factors such as sedimentation patterns, physical and chemical properties of the sediments. For example, sediments with fine-grained and high surface area-to-volume ratio can act as good absorbents for many pollutants