Heavy metal in water and aquatic organisms from different intertidal ecosystems,Persian Gulf

Intertidal ecosystems are being damaged by anthropogenic activities, particularly in the developing countries. In this study, the load of heavy metals was determined in water, fish, shrimp, and crab collected from four intertidal ecosystems, including coral reef, rocky shore, mangrove forest, and muddy habitat along the Persian Gulf coasts. Generally, the sequence of metal accumulation in the water of coral reef and mangrove forest was Ni > Pb > V > Cd > As > Hg, whereas in muddy habitats and rocky shores, the sequence was Ni > Pb > V > Cd > Hg > As and Ni > V > Pb > As > Hg > Cd, respectively. Water of the coral reef had the highest level of Ni (97.44 μg l^?1), Pb (3.92 μg l^?1), V (10.42 μg l^?1), Cd (3.92 μg l^?1), As (1.87 μg l^?1), and Hg (0.74 μg l^?1). For the most part, the highest concentrations of the studied metals were found in the liver and the gills of Johnius belangerii and the hepatopancreas of Portunus pelagicus and Metapenaus affinis collected from the coral reef ecosystem.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in four fish species from different trophic levels in the Persian Gulf

Concentration of ten polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds were determined in liver of four fish species from different trophic levels (Aurigequula fasciata, omnivore; Alepes djedaba, carnivore; Liza abu and Sardinella albella, phytoplanktivores). In all the species, similar distributions were observed in which pyrene predominated and followed by naphthalene and acenaphthylene. L. abu accumulated the highest concentration of ΣPAH, followed by S. albella, A. fasciata, and A. djedaba. No correlation between PAH content in fish liver and fish size has been found at the level of individual compounds, except for benzo[a]pyrene (p?r?=??0.704). Female fish exhibited significantly lower mean ΣPAH concentrations than male in all the species, except for L. abu.     

Mercury accumulation in fish species from the Persian Gulf and in human hair from fishermen

Total and methylmercury concentrations were assessed in muscle and liver of 141 fish samples from the northern part of the Persian Gulf. All fish samples belonged to five different species: grunt, flathead, greasy grouper, tiger-tooth croaker, and silver pomfret. In addition, Hg and methylmercury were analyzed in scalp hair of 19 fishermen living in the same coastal stations of the Persian Gulf and consuming several fish meals a week. Total mercury concentrations in fish muscle and liver ranged from 0.01 to 1.35 μg g^???1 w.w. and from 0.02 to 1.30 μg g^???1 w.w., respectively. In fish muscle, 3% of the Hg concentrations were higher than 0.5 μg g^???1 w.w., which corresponds to the maximum acceptable WHO level, while 9% were in the range of polluted fish (between 0.3 and 0.5 μg g^???1 w.w.). The highest mercury concentrations in fish muscle were observed in flathead fish at Abadan (average of 0.68 μ g g^???1 w.w.). Methylmercury fractions in fish muscle and liver amount to 34–99% (median 64%) and 24–70% (median 43%), respectively. The mean total Hg concentration in the fishermen’s scalp hair amounted to 2.9 ± 2.2 μ g g^???1, with 68% in the form of methylmercury. Ninety-five percent of the Hg levels in the fishermen’s hair were below 10 μ g g^???1, which is the WHO warning limit. In addition, relationships between the mercury levels in hair, on the one hand, and exposure-related factors such as Hg levels in specific fish species, regional differences, and number of fish meals, on the other hand, are discussed. It appears that a significant correlation for example exists between Hg levels human hair and fish muscle or human hair and age and that mean mercury levels in fish muscle and human hair decreased from western (Abadan) to eastern (Abbas port) coastal sites.     

Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, and tissues of two fish species (Triplohysa pappenheimi, Gobio hwanghensis) from the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River, China

In order to assess the condition of heavy metal pollution in the Yellow River, Lanzhou section, China, and to quantify heavy metal (copper, lead, zinc, and cadmium) contents in tissues (liver, kidney, gills, and muscles) of two fish species (Triplophysa pappenheimi and Gobio hwanghensis), levels of these four metals in the water body, sediment, and tissues of the two fish were measured using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The metal levels from this study were compared with the threshold values in the guidelines of water, sediment, and food given by the National Environmental Protection Agency of China, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of America, and the National Standards Management Department of China. We found the mean concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd in THE water body, sediment, and muscles of two fish species were far below the values in guidelines. We also found that the type of metals present and their concentrations varied in different tissues and species. The results suggested that (1) Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd did not contaminate the aquatic ecosystem severely and did not threaten the safety of human consumption in the Yellow River, Lanzhou section, and (2) organs that are sensitive to accumulating heavy metals may be useful to develop bioindicators for monitoring metal contamination. Considering environmental variables, further study is necessary before deciding which fish species or tissue could be the ideal bioindicators for aquatic pollution.     

Accumulation of trace metals in the muscle and liver tissues of five fish species from the Persian Gulf

In this study, concentrations of 16 elements were quantified in muscles and livers of 141 fishes belonging to five commercially species. It was also our intention to evaluate potential risks to human health associated with seafood consumption. The grunt, flathead, greasy grouper, tiger-tooth croaker and silver pomfret fish species were obtained from Abadan, Deylam, Bushehr-Nirogah, Dayyer port, Lengeh port and Abbas port in Hormozgan, Bushehr and Khozesran provinces at the Iranian waters of the Persian Gulf. The contents of Al, As, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Tl, V and Zn in fish muscles and livers were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS), after digestion in a CEM (Mars 5) microwave oven using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Our results indicated that almost all metals were more accumulated in younger flathead, greasy grouper and tiger-tooth fishes. Contrary to the other fish species, grunt seems to stronger accumulating elements in the older fishes. Strong and positive correlations were observed in three or more of the fish species between V, Al, Fe, Tl, Co and Pb. The results confirmed that fish muscle and liver tissues appeared to be good bio-indicators for identification of coastal areas exposed to metallic contaminants. The results also showed that the element levels in the muscles of all fishes in our study were lower than the maximum allowable concentrations and pose no threat to public health, except for arsenic.     

Heavy metal pollution in surface sediment and mussel samples in the Gulf of Gemlik

Different sources of pollution in Karasu Creek were investigated to obtain the water quality and ratio of contamination in this region. To achieve the main objectives of the present study, water samples were collected from Karasu Creek, starting from flow pattern at the upstream site of Akkaya Dam to the end of the dam, crossing the place where the Creek drains into. Dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature and maximum/minimum pH were measured systematically for 12 months in the stations, where the water samples were collected. Chemical analyses of the water samples were carried out by using Cadas 50 S brand UV spectrometer to find out the Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, S, F and Cn concentrations. These concentration were determined in μg/lt as 80–850; 180–4,920; 10–6,100; 440–25,530; 130–2,400; 120–280; 20–150; 214,250–1,113,580; 1,560–4,270 and 40–690, respectively. To determine metal levels of the water samples, multivariate analyses (element coefficient correlation, coefficient correlation dendrogram, hierarchical cluster analysis dendrogram, model summary and ANOVA) were used. The analyses yielded highly accurate results. There were positive correlations between some elements and their possible sources were the same. The stations which resembled each other along the creek were divided into three groups. The water quality of the creek was low and had toxic qualities. Eutrophication developed in Akkaya Dam along the creek. The source of pollution was thought to be industrial and residential wastes. Absolute (0–100 m), short distance (100–500 m) and medium distance (500–2,000 m) conservation areas should be determined in pollution areas along Karasu Creek and they should be improved.     

Source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment samples from the northern part of the Persian Gulf,Iran

Samples of surface sediments from the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf were examined to determine the levels and sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Samples were collected from 30 sampling sites and analyzed for PAHs by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 93 to 4,077 ng g^?1 dry weight. The PAH composition from 30 sampling sites was dominated by four-ring PAH compounds. Molecular indices based on the ratios of PAH concentrations were used to differentiate PAHs from pyrolitic to petrogenic and mixed origins. The results suggested that the main sources of PAHs in sediments from the studied region were mixed pyrolitic and petrogenic. Furthermore, benthic organisms in most of the investigated areas were not at ecotoxicological risk, according to the results from the effects range low (ERL)/effects range median (ERM) techniques suggested by the US Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs).     

Determination of metal partitioning in porewater extracted from the Seine River Estuary sediment (France)

Total dissolved trace and major metals and their partitioning in porewater sediment have been investigated at two sites in the Seine River estuary (France). For this purpose, solid phase extraction (SPE) has been employed using specific chelating resins for the separation and preconcentration of organic and inorganic forms of studied metals under controlled (N2) inert atmosphere. In fact, the study is focused on the development of a method for sample collection and handling under inert atmosphere in order to avoid some potential artefacts of the extracted porewater, to preserve the samples from possible chemical oxidation changes and to determine metals partitioning between organic and inorganic forms. For this point, a separation and preconcentration method using two columns in series (chelamine and C18 columns) was used. The trace and major metals fixed on the two resins for all determinations were stripped by nitric acid (2 M) and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Zeeman Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (ZGF-AAS). The relationship between the distribution of metals and physico-chemical parameters such as pH and Eh (redox potential) as a function of depth was discussed. Some tendency in the distributions and seasonal variability of these traces and major metals are improved. The concentrations for all studied metals decreased as a function of depth where iron and manganese were found at mg L(-1) levels and other metals were found at [micro sign]g L(-1) levels, as well as there were significant fractions of all metals (except of manganese) which were complexed by organic matter. The comparison of data for the major elements (Fe and Mn), obtained by direct determination (without preconcentration) and preconcentration, show a very good recovery.     

Mercury accumulation in selected tissues of shrimp Penaeus merguiensis from Musa estuary,Persian Gulf: variations related to sex,size, and season

The levels of mercury in tissues of Penaeus merguiensis from Musa estuary, northwest of the Persian Gulf, were investigated. This study assessed the relationship between mercury levels in hepatopancrea, gill, and muscle with sex, size, and season. The order of mercury concentrations in tissues of the shrimp P. merguiensis was as follows: hepatopancreas > gill > muscle. There was a positive correlation between mercury concentrations in shrimp species with sex and size of its food items. We expected to see higher mercury levels in tissues of female species because they are larger and can eat larger food items. Also, there was a positive correlation between mercury concentrations in shrimp species with its food source. Therefore, female species feed more on shrimp and plant and are contaminated with high levels of mercury. There was significant difference (p?<?0.05) in mercury levels between different seasons; higher mercury levels were found in July (summer season).     

Health risk assessment of mercury and arsenic associated with consumption of fish from the Persian Gulf

Concentrations of mercury and arsenic in fish from the Persian Gulf were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of the metals in muscle samples were 0.049–0.402 μg g^?1 for mercury and 0.168–0.479 μg g^?1 for arsenic, with means of 0.133 and 0.312 μg g^?1, respectively. The maximum daily consumption rate (grams per day) and meal consumption limit (meals per month) was calculated to estimate health risks associated with fish consumption. According to the results, the maximum allowable consumption rate varies between 8–56 and 15–96 g/day base on mercury and arsenic content, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the concentration of mercury and arsenic is well below the maximum permissible levels for mercury (0.5 μg g^?1) and arsenic (6 μg g^?1) according to international standards.     

Heavy metal status of sediment in river Cauvery,Karnataka

The purpose of this research work was to appraise extent of heavy metals in sediment and the degree to which its quality tainted seasonally and spatially in river Cauvery. In this study, heavy metals such as Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cu, Co, Cd and Cr were analysed in sediments. Results were compared with sediment quality guidelines from various derived criteria. Twenty-five sampling points were selected based on geographical proximity of agricultural fields and industrial discharges; river-tributary confluence points; settlements located along the river bank; ritual and recreational activities. Sampling was done for the period of 3 years (2007 to 2009). Digestion of the samples was done by microwave-assisted digestion technique. Analysis was carried out using flame furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and results are expressed in micrograms per gram. The mean concentration of Fe (11144 μg/g) followed by Mn (1763.3 μg/g), Zn (93.1 μg/g), Cr (389 μg/g), Ni (27.7 μg/g), Cu (11.2 μg/g), Pb (4.3 μg/g), Co (1.9 μg/g) and Cd (1.3 μg/g) remained within the levels of sediment quality guidelines. Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis (CA) were employed to better comprehend the controlling factors of sediment quality and spatial homogeneity among the stations. The sediment geo-accumulation index (I_geo) showed maximum value of Cd (2.69) and least value of Mn (−1.44). The geo-accumulation class (I_geo class) was in the sequence as follows: Cd>Zn>Pb>Cr>Cu>Co>Ni>Fe>Mn. Negative total geo-accumulation indices (I_tot) revealed that mean concentration of heavy metals in the river bed sediment are lower than their respective shale values. The statistical analysis of inter-metallic relationship revealed the high degree of correlation among the metals indicated their identical behaviour during transport. This study concludes that insignificant geo-accumulation with metals except Cd (moderate contamination), Pb and Zn (slight contamination) principally in downstream stretch may perhaps deteriorate the sediment quality due to intensification anthropogenic influences. It also proves that extent of existing metal concentrations in sediments of river Cauvery in Karnataka not exceeded the toxic limit, and there is no peril to the aquatic life.     

Strong correlations between metal in mollusk soft tissue and nonresistant sediment fraction: a tool for biomonitoring intertidal zone of the Persian Gulf,Iran

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) were determined in three species of mollusks and associated sediment. Samples were collected from two locations along the intertidal zone of the Persian Gulf near Bandar Abbas. The study was conducted during the spring of 2011, 10 sediment samples and 15 mollusks from each of the following species: Saccostrea cucullata, Solen brevis, and Callista umbonella, were simultaneously collected. Soft tissue, shell, and sediment were tested for metals using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Geochemical fractions of the sediment were examined for metals using a sequential extraction technique. Our results indicate that over half of Cd and Pb in the sediment had natural origins. Independent sample t test showed statistically significant (p?<?0.05) inter-tissue differences in accumulation of Cd and Pb. Soft tissue of C. umbonella contained highest levels of Cd. Pb accumulation was highest in S. brevis shell. Significant correlations (p?<?0.05) were found between Cd in the soft tissue of C. umbonella and its levels in the geochemical fractions of the sediment. Lead levels in the resistant geochemical fractions of the sediment and S. brevis shell were significantly correlated. Our results suggest that soft tissue of C. umbonella and shell of S. brevis are reliable biomonitoring tools for Cd and Pb, respectively.     

Butyltin contamination of sediments and benthic fish from the East,Gulf and Pacific coasts of the United States

Butyltin concentrations were determined in sediments, tissues and stomach contents of fish collected in 41 embayments on the East, Gulf and Pacific coasts of the U.S.A. between 1986 and 1991 as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Benthic Surveillance Project (NBSP). A total of 99 sediments, 108 fish liver samples from 11 fish species, and 10 composites of fish stomach contents were analyzed for tetrabutylin, tributylin, dibutylin and monobutylin. Tributyltin (TBT) was detected (i.e. > 10 ng/g) in 38 of the sediments samples analyzed and was generally the predominant bulytin present; concentrations of total butyltins ranged from 15 to 1600 ng/g wet weight. The highest concentrations were found in sediments from urban sites, especially sites on the West coast. Many of the fish liver and stomach contents samples also contained butyltins. Tributyltin represented 83 (7.1)% [mean (SEM); n=15], 64 (6.6)% (n=12) and 36 (7.8)% (n=12) of the total butyltins in livers from white croaker, winter flounder and Atlantic croaker, respectively, suggesting possible species differences in biotransformation of TBT. The concentrations of butyltins in stomach contents indicated that diet can be a significant route of exposure of fish to butyltins. Between 1986 and 1991 butyltin concentrations in sediments and fish generally appeared to be declining; however, no statistically significant temporal trends were observed at individual sites or for the sites overall.The U.S. government's right to retain a non-exclusive, royalty free license in and to any copyright is acknowledged.     

Heavy metal enrichment in surface sediments from the SW Gulf of Mexico

The south west coastal zone in the Gulf of Mexico is an area with great industrial and agricultural development, which experiences intensive prospecting and extraction of hydrocarbons. After running through industrial, agricultural, and urban areas, waters from both the Jamapa River and La Antigua River arrive here. The rivers’ discharge areas of influence were estimated considering the textural and chemical composition of the supplied sediments. The main factors that determine sediment distribution were mineralogy, heavy minerals, carbonates, and anthropic contributions. The presence of metals in excess was evaluated using various pollution indicators, such as the enrichment factor, contamination factor, modified contamination factor, and geo-accumulation indexes. Data from different used contamination indexes show metal enrichments in As, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, and V in La Antigua; As, Cu, and Cr in Jamapa; and As, Zn, and Pb in the Continental slope area. The adverse effects of metals on aquatic organisms were assessed using sediment quality guidelines that show Ni, As, Cu, and Cr may produce adverse effects on coastal areas. There was no evidence of contamination associated to the oil industry.     

Heavy metal concentration and distribution in a dated sediment core of Nainital Lake in the Himalayan region

The concentrations and distribution of the elements, including heavy metals such as As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Ga, K, Mn, Na, Rb, Sc, Sr, Th and Zn, were investigated in dated sediment cores of Nainital Lake located in the Himalayan region, in Uttar Pradesh state of India, which is considered as a remote background area. The concentrations of the elements were measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis using the k0 method. The International Atomic Energy Agency certified reference material SL-3 was used to evaluate the accuracy of the method. The normalized data for a series of elements were used to understand the source of loading. Elements like Br, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mn and Zn show a negative correlation with increasing depth whereas elements like As, Ba, Cs, Na and Rb show a positive correlation with increasing depth. By considering the concentration for the bottom segments of the core as close to the baseline concentration, recent flux values for different elements were calculated. An increase in the flux value was observed for Br, Cr, Fe, K, Mn and Zn, which can be attributed to anthropogenic contribution in recent years.     

Mercury concentration in fish from Piracicaba River (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Mercury emissions from some upstream gold mining areas and recent findings of high natural Hg levels in sediments motivated studies on the Hg cycle in the Minas Gerais state. The study presents the total mercury amount found in Geophagus brasiliensis' muscular tissue (wet weight) and sediments from Piracicaba River. Mercury was analyzed using acid digestion followed by determination of total mercury by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry. This study was also complemented with the analysis of the limnological parameters (water temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids, suspended particles, pH, dissolved oxygen, maximum depth, photic index and total carbon). The mercury concentration in sediments samples was higher than the mercury concentration in muscular tissue of fish. The lowest Hg level measured in fish was 0.0147 microg g( - 1), while the highest was 0.101 microg g( - 1). In the sediment samples, the lowest and highest levels were 0.02 microg g( - 1) and 0.16 microg g( - 1), respectively. The Hg concentrations in fish and sediment were both under the maximum limit permitted by the World Health Organization.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in Candarli Gulf sediment, Eastern Aegean Sea

Concentrations of selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Cr, Al, and As) in surface sediments from 18 stations in the Candarli Gulf were studied in order to understand current metal contamination due to urbanization and economic development in Candarli region, Turkey. The sediment samples were collected by box corer in Candarli Gulf in 2009 to assess heavy metal pollution. Heavy metal concentrations in surface sediment varied from 1.62% to 3.60% for Fe, 0.38?C2.53% for Al, 173?C1,423 for Mn, 8?C100 for Ni, 3?C46 for Cu, 55?C119 for Zn, 16?C138 for Pb, 0.2?C6.3 for Hg, 16?C71 for Cr, and 11?C37 mg kg^???1 for As. This study showed that the concentrations of Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cr in the surface sediment layers were elevated when compared with the subsurface layers. Both metal enrichment and contamination factors show that Hg, Zn, and Pb contamination exists in the entire study area and contamination of other metals is also present in some locations depending on the sources.     

Heavy and trace metal concentrations in three rockpool shrimp species (Palaemon elegans, Palaemon adspersus and Palaemon serratus) from Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Trace metal concentrations (Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, Ni and V) were investigated in three rockpool shrimp species (Palaemon elegans, Palaemon adspersus and Palaemon serratus) from six littoral sampling sites (polluted and non-polluted) of Tenerife in the Canary Islands (Central Eastern Atlantic), Spain. Sex ratio for all three species has been determined: females predominate over males in all species and significant differences in total length and cephalothorax length was detected between sexes, being females larger than males. By other side, concentrations of trace metals were determined in whole specimens. Higher mean values for every metal were observed in P. adspersus. In males, higher values were observed in P. elegans and P. serratus, whereas in P. adspersus, mean values are higher in females. Finally, mean concentrations of trace metals studied were higher, in general terms, in the two clearly polluted stations: Santa Cruz of Tenerife commercial harbour and its fishery dock dependency.     

Heavy metals in two fish species (Carangoidel malabaricus and Belone stronglurus) from Pulicat Lake, North of Chennai, Southeast Coast of India

We present the results from a detailed study based on five metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb and Fe) measured in four organs (gills, liver, intestine and muscle) of two fish species (Carangoidel malabaricus and Belone stronglurus) from Pulicat Lake in southeast coast of India. The results show marked differences between the two species and organs as well as significant variations within the five analyzed metals. Although the metal concentrations measured in fish muscle are low, high levels of Pb and Fe were observed in the liver and gills of the two fish species. The concentrations of heavy metals in edible parts (muscle) of fish were within the permissible levels and are safe for the human consumption.     

Trace metal residues in tissues of two crustacean species from the Bahia Blanca Estuary,Argentina

Trace metals (total mercury, cadmium and zinc) were studied in several tissues of the edible shrimps Pleoticus muelleri and Artemesia longinaris from the Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina. The digestive gland was shown to be the main organ in which metals accumulate, followed by the stomach-alimentary canal and abdominal muscle.The metal contents found in the present study largely exceeded those of the same species caught from the Argentine Sea. Mercury concentrations increased proportionally to the total length of the shrimps studied. Only little variation in metal concentrations among individuals seemed to exist.Finally, the usefulness of these species as bioindicators of trace metal pollution in the Bahía Blanca estuary is discussed.