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Title
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A new bioindicator, shell of Trachycardium lacunosum, and sediment samples to monitors metals (Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr and Cu) in marine environment: The Persian Gulf as a case
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Abstract
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Background: The present work was designed to detect heavy metal contents of Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr and Cu
in sediments and shells of the Trachycardium lacunosum collected in polluted and unpolluted areas along the
Persian Gulf.
Methods: The samples were taken from surface sediments (0-10 cm) and shells of Trachycardium lacunosum in two
separated areas (polluted and unpolluted) in northern part of the Persian Gulf, Asaluyeh Bay, during summer 2013.
The prepared samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).
Results: Based on the results, all measured metals including Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, V, Co, Cr and Cu were meaningfully
higher in the sediment samples of polluted area compared to unpolluted area and the order of metal concentrations
in the sediment samples were Cr > Co > V > Ni > Zn > Cu > Fe > Al > Mn in polluted area. In the case of shell samples
of Trachycardium lacunosum, polluted area contained significantly higher contents of Al, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr and Cu
compared to unpolluted area and the order of metal concentrations in the shell samples were Fe > Zn > Al > Mn >
Cu > Cr > Ni > Co in the polluted area.
Conclusion: It was concluded that shells of the Trachycardium lacunosum can be used as a suitable bioindicator for
heavy metals in the aquatic environment. Results confirmed that due to the possible contaminations by oil and gas
activities near the polluted area perennial monitoring and mitigation measures is extremely necessary
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