Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in coastal sediments of Bandar Abbas city, North of Persian Gulf: An ecological risk assessment
Trias Mahmudiono, Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar, Fereshteh Mehri, Mohammad Borzoei, Zoha Heidarinejad, Mohammad Amin Nakoozadeh, Hasti Daraei, Ali Atamaleki, Yadolah Fakhri, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah
Abstract
The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs; Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd) Pb, Ni, and Cd), using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was measured in fifty surface coastal sediment samples collected from 5 points coastal sediment of Bandar Abbas city, Iran besides the potential ecological risk index (RI) estimated the environmental health risk. The rank order of PTEs was Pb (52.090 ± 4.113 mg/kg dry weight) > Ni (34.940 ± 8.344 mg/kg dry weight) > Cd (2.944 ± 0.013 mg/kg dry weight). RI due to PTEs in sediments for A, B, C, D, and E points were 187.655, 190.542, 191.079, 189.496, and 192.053, respectively. RI for sampling points A to E was at moderate risk (150 ≤ RI < 300). Therefore, it is recommended to carry out control programs to reduce the amount of PTEs in the coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf.