Spatial distribution and the ecological risks posed by heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in the sediments of mangrove and coral habitats of Northeast Persian Gulf

Background: Heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) are important pollutants in the aquatic ecosystem, and their long-term resistance, bio-accumulation, and bio-magnification during the food chain may cause adverse ecological and health risks. Methods: In here, the distribution and risk assessment of six heavy metals Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, and TPHs were performed in the sediments of 32 regions situated in two mangroves (Tiab and Azini estuaries, Hara Mangrove forest protected area) and coral habitats (Larak and Hengam Islands) in Northeast of the Persian Gulf during 2020-2021. An atomic absorption device was used to determine the concentrations of heavy metals. Ecological risk of heavy metals is assessed through indices contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (CD), modified contamination degree (MCD), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). The spatial distribution of heavy metals was mapped through the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method in ArcMap. Results: The concentration of heavy metals indicated significant differences in spatial distribution. The maximum concentration of Cd 1.64 f 0.001, Cr 18.41 f 0.41 and Cu 40.5 f 0.28 mu g/g was observed at the regions situated in the Hara Mangrove forest protected area. Azini estuary had the maximum value of Zn 94.61 f 30.74 and TPHs 4.47 f 1.93 mu g/g and finally, the highest value of concentration Ni 135.22 f 1.85 mu g/g and Pb 17.87 f 2.17 g/g mu was found in Tiab estuary. The studied regions in the Tiab estuary and Hara Mangrove forest protected area were more contaminated than others and had considerable risks of Ni and Cd. Average ecological indices indicated the sediments of these areas especially Tiab, Hara Mangrove forest protected area, and Azini are moderately to considerably contaminated with Cd and Ni. Tiab was identified as the most contaminated area and all stations except Hengam Island were exposed to considerable ecological risks. Cadmium was found to be the riskiest heavy metal in the investigated region. The distribution of TPHs indicated there is no pollution of TPHs in the region. In all studied stations, the PELq (Toxicity of TPHs) and CF values showed the absence of potential risks of TPHs in sediments. Conclusions: The findings indicated considerable contamination of Cd and Ni in the mangrove areas, especially Tiab, and it seems necessary to identify, manage, and control possible sources of contamination.