Statement of some metals and oil pollutants around the cage fish culture area in the southern Caspian Sea (Kelarabad - Mazandaran)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine statement of some metals and oil pollutants in the southern Caspian Sea (Kelarabad-Mazandaran).Seventy five Surface sediments samples (Triplicate) were collected at three stations from autumn of 2011 to winter of 2012. All samples were prepared by digesting and extracting processes and then determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography instruments. Results showed that annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of surface sediments were observed 59 (±3), 25 (±1), 42 (±2), 28 (±1), 14 (±1), 0.16 (±0.06), 0.020 (±0.005) and 2.81 (±0.73) mg/kg.dw for Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, Hg and PAHs, respectively. Also, sediments samples based on Enrichment factor (EF) and Ggeoaccumulation index (Igeo) were showed no polluted conditions for this region, but sediments were classified low polluted based on CF, Cd and PLI. In addition, Hazard Quotation (HQs) of most of PAHs compound were calculated more than unit in surface sediment which according to results of the evaluation’s risks to health of 16PAHs suggest that there is risk for biota. In a conclusion, according to anthropogenic sources of some metals and PAHs of sediment, it is essential that the management and development of the aquaculture industry in the Mazandaran Coast to be made with environmental considerations and cautions.