Determination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in Surface Sediments of Coastal Regions of Bushehr Province

Background: Persian Gulf is one of the most important ecosystems in the world that in recent decades has been exposed to various environmental pollutants such as heavy metals from human and natural activities. Therefore, the aim of this study investigates the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, copper and zinc) and ecological risk assessment of them in coastal sediments in of Bushehr province in Persian Gulf. Methods: In order to assess the concentration of metals, 54 stations along the coastal zones were selected and in each station three samples of sediment and plant were taken. After preparation and digestion of the samples, the concentrations of these metals were determined by using polarography. Results: The average of total concentration of detected metals Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in sediment 52.40 ± 2. 62, 34.99±2.76, 11.53 ±2.01 and 2.41± 0.89 μg/g, respectively. Also, the results of comparison of heavy metals concentration in coastal areas in Bushehr Province (Jam, Deir, Bushehr, Dashti, Genaveh and Deilam) with ANOVA test showed there was a significant difference between the concentrations of sediments in different coastal areas. The results showed that the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and ecological risk represents less to moderately pollution in the region. Also, the environmental risk of metals in the region was evaluated as (Cd>Cu> Pb> Zn). Conclusion: According to the results, the pollution and ecological risk of metals in the region for Zn, Cu and Pb is low but for Cd is moderateevaluated.