Determination of heavy metals of Lead, Copper, Cadmium and Mercury concentration in the soft tissues of brown algae (Sargassum ilicifolium) and spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of Lead, Copper, Cadmium and Mercury in the soft tissues of brown algae (Sargassum ilicifolium) and muscle of spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) in a five different stations along the northern coasts of the Oman Sea during pre and post monsoon seasons. A number of 50 specimens of each sample were collected from stations of Jask port, Darak port, Pozm port, Chabahar Golf and Goatre port during spring and autumn 2016. Heavy metals were extracted from the muscle tissues using a wet digestion method. Concentration of metals was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed a significant difference in the accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of both species during pre and post condition the monsoon between different stations (p<0.05). Comparisons of heavy metal accumulation in the pre and post-monsoon showed a significant difference only in the cadmium accumulation in the muscle of Spiny lobsters (p<0.05). The accumulation of Cadmium in the post-monsoon was lower than the pre-monsoon condition (p<0.05). By comparison between the results obtained from this study to the international standards defined by WHO, FDA, NHMRC and the National Iranian Standards Organization, it was cleared that the concentrations of heavy metals in brown algae soft muscle were lower than permitted levels and so not risky for health. Also, the Concentration of lead in the soft muscle of Spiny lobster is lower than allowable limits. But, the concentration of copper, cadmium and mercury in the muscle of Spiny lobster was much higher than permitted levels. In conclusion, the results of this study could show inappropriate environmental conditions of the northern coasts of the Oman Sea.