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Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metals (Lead and Nickel) in the Coastal Sediments of Bandar Abbas Using the Enrichment Factor Index
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Maryam Rezaei   , Abdolvahed Rahmani * , Naser Koosej |
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Abstract: (157 Views) |
Heavy metals, due to their high environmental persistence and ability to accumulate in coastal sediments, are considered important indicators for assessing the health of coastal ecosystems. This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of nickel and lead in the sediments of three coastal areas of Bandar Abbas, including Golshahr Jonoubi, Posht Shahr, and Nayband Jonoubi, and to evaluate their contamination status. Surface sediment samples were collected from the intertidal zone at 90 stations during August 2025. Samples were collected using a grab sampler, and the locations of the sampling stations were determined using a GPS device. Metal concentrations were measured using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (ContrAA 700). To assess the contamination status, the Enrichment Factor and Muller’s Geo-accumulation Index were calculated. The results showed that the mean concentrations of lead and nickel in the Posht Shahr area were significantly higher than those in Nayband Jonoubi and Golshahr Jonoubi (P < 0.05). However, the measured concentrations in all areas were below international standard limits, and according to the geochemical indices, the sediments of all three regions were classified as uncontaminated. The relatively higher concentrations of heavy metals in the Posht Shahr area may be attributed to the discharge of urban wastewater, surface runoff, vessel maintenance and painting activities, fuel and oil leakage, and restricted water exchange. Overall, although the sediments of the studied areas are currently free from significant heavy metal contamination, the continuation of human activities may lead to increased metal accumulation in the long term. Therefore, continuous monitoring and proper management of pollution sources are essential to prevent further environmental contamination.
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| Keywords: Bandar Abbas, Coastal sediments, Enrichment factor, Heavy metals, Muller geo accumulation index |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/04/14 | Accepted: 2026/05/19 | Published: 2026/05/20
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