Risk Assessment and Heavy Metal Contamination in Fish (Otolithes ruber) and Sediments in Persian Gulf

Abstract Introduction: Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental issues globally. This research investigated the heavy metal concentrations in sediments and fish in Persian gulf. Materials & Methods: For determination of heavy metal concentrations in sediments eight sampling stations were selected to measure Cd, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Fe in the sediments and in the muscle tissue of Otolithes ruber from the northern part of the Hormuz strait )Persian gulf). Samples were then prepared according to MOOPAM for metal analysis. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done to evaluate significant differences in elementsʹ concentrations during sampling periods. Results: Analysis of the potential ecological risk of sediment heavy metal concentrations showed that most sample sites in the northern part of the Hormuz strait (Persian Gulf) presented a low ecological risk. Regarding enrichment of Cd, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Fe the highest EF belonged to Pb. The obtained mean enrichment factor (EF) values for various metals were between no enrichment and moderate enrichment. Conclusion: The concentrations of heavy metal in the edible part of O. ruber did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by NOAA, FAO, and WHO standards and thus are suitable for human consumption, except for Pb and Cd.