Evalution of Heavy Metals Accumulation (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg) In Shell of Barbatia helblingii From North of Qeshm Island (Persian Gulf, Iran)

Abstract

The aim of present study was to survey Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations in shell of the bivalve, Barbatia helblingii, were sampled from
the north of Qeshm Island (This Island located in Persian Gulf) in winter and spring season. The results show that the most concentrations
were for Zn (6.1± 3.1) μg/g in winter and Pb (0.07±0.05) μg/g had the lowest concentration in spring. The pattern of metals accumulation in
shell was as follow: Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Hg (in winter) and Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Hg (in spring). There is a significant negative relationship between
the level of Cu and Cd metal in shell and all of the biometric parameters (P<0.05), however, no significant correlations were observed between
Hg and Pb in the shell and the biometric parameters. Layer stratification of water of Persian Gulf, and its turn over, increasing phytoplankton
and also the biologic factors as biometric characteristics variation were influenced the seasonal variation of metal concentrations, but portion
of each factor was different.