An investigation on accumulation of heavy metals in roots and leaves of Avicennia marina the sediment, Bushehr, the Persian Gulf

The accumulation of heavy metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in the mangrove, Avicennia marina, was studied. Cu, Cd, and Pb were accumulated in root tissues to levels higher than surrounding sediments. Zn, Ni, and V were accumulated to levels lower than sediment concentrations. Pb and Zn showed little mobility to leaf tissue but Cu was accumulated in leaves with low concentration. Since Pb and Zn concentration in leaves was higher than earlier studies, it was recommended air pollution may have an important effect in this impression. Field observations depicted that the mangrove stand in Bushehr region receives high inputs of untreated industrial sewage, surface water run-off, and a range of air pollution diffuse inputs from oil and gas activities.