Evaluation of metals contamination using ecological quality indices in the Nayband bay (Northern Persian Gulf, Iran): As one of the biggest petrochemical regions in the world

Abstract

The present study has investigated the metals contamination (Fe, Ni, V, and Co) using ecological risk indices, source identification, and spatial distribution in Nayband bay, north of the Persian Gulf, Iran A total of 20 sediment samples were collected from Nayband bay, and the heavy metals contents of sediments were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean concentration of metals varied from 7990.97 ±3913.09μg/g (Fe), 19.71 ±8.60μg/g (Ni), 14.90 ±5.87μg/g (V), and 5.71 ±2.29μg/g (Co). The enrichment factor (EF) values for studied metals were obtained between no enrichment to moderate enrichment. The geoaccumulation index revealed low pollution of Fe, V, and Co, and mild to moderate pollution of Ni. The potential ecological risk index indicated that all analyzed metals had a low ecological risk in all studied sampling sites. All studied metals presented significant correlation (99% confidence level) with each other (P <0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) disclosed that metals in the sediments emanated from natural and anthropogenic sources, respectively. Atmospheric deposition was the main source of Co derived from industrial activity, while Ni and V were mainly released from shipping and sewage wastewater. In conclusion, petrochemical developments in the Persian Gulf have put a serious pressure on unique ecosystems like Nayband Bay, and more efforts should be made to alleviate the adverse effects of industrial contaminants in this region.