Comparing the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn) in the sediment and different tissues of Avicenna marina in Iranian coasts of the Oman sea

ABSTRACT: The concentration of metals was determined in the sediment and different tissues of Avicenia marina (root, leaf, steam and flower) from different stations along the natural and artificial mangrove forests after acid digestion by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results were showed the high concentration of all metals was accumulated in the sediment. Then the high concentration of Cd was obtained in the leaves. This pattern may be is due to plant strategies for Cd removal from tissues with leaf falling. After sediment the high levels of Ni and Cu were determined in the root. The accumulation of these elements in the sediment can increase the concentration of Ni and Cu in root. The high concentration of Zn in flower may be due to the need of this part of plant to Zn for growth. The Gwatr has high level of metals in comparison with Kharchang bay which can be due to upstream agricultural runoff and other activities done its surrounding. The relationship between the sediment and different tissues of A. marina was indicated, the kinds of mangrove tree in these areas can be useful tools for biomonitoring of Ni; furthermore, the leaves and flower only can be use for Cu and Zn biomonitoring respectively in these areas.