Accumulation of heavy metals in sediment and oyster (Saccostrea cucullata) in the intertidal zone of Chabahar coast

Abstract

In order to understand the extent of heavy metals contamination in sediments and rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata, of Chabahar intertidal zone, samples of sediment and oyster were collected from 5 different stations namely Guatr, Beris, Ramin, Shahid Beheshti and Tiss during low tide. Sediment and tissue samples were acid digested and heavy metals content of the samples were analyzed. Results showed that Cu, Pb and Ni concentration in the sediment samples was 15.87-16.96, 10.98-15.79 and 12.39-17.10 µg/g, respectively. Heavy metals concentration in soft tissues of oyster was 84.96-289.93, 3.83-5.26 and 6.05-7.19 µg/g for Cu, Pb and Ni ,respectively. Similarly, Cu, Pb and Ni concentration in shell ranged between 13.83-6.67, 11.32-14.93 and 5.97-7.97 µg/g, respectively. No significant difference was found between Cu and Ni concentrations in sediment samples. It is suggested that metals accumulation in different oyster tissues was related to their essentiality for oyster. Heavy metals concentration in oyster and sediment was found to fall within the range of some available standards, indicating that metals contamination does not seems to be problematic in the area.