Using Saccostrea cucullata as a biomonitor of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr) in water and sediments of Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf

Aim The current study investigated the concentration of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr in shell and soft tissue of Saccostrea cucullata, water, and sediments of seven stations in Qeshm Island of Persian Gulf. Materials Methods The samples were digested by a combination of nitric acid and perchloric acid and the concentration of elements was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Findings The results indicated that the concentrations of Cu and Zn in all samples, Ni in the sediment and Cd in oyster were the highest bio-water accumulation factor were significantly higher than those of bio-sediment accumulation factor. Also, these factors in the soft tissue were higher than in the shell. Furthermore, the macro-concentrators of soft tissue were Cd, Cu, and Zn, while the macro-concentrator of shell was Cd. Conclusion The shell can be an appropriate monitoring tool for evaluating Cu and Zn in water and Cu in sediments. Also, the soft tissue can be practical for monitoring Cu and Zn in sediments.