Spatial distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPHs) in marine sediments of Bushehr and Khuzestan Provinces, Northwestern Persian Gulf

In this study, a comprehensive assessment of the occurrence and spatial distribution of heavy metals including Nickel, Lead, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium and Chromium, as well as, TPHs in the surface sediments of the coastal areas and far from the coast of the Persian Gulf in Bushehr and Khuzestan provinces were performed to identify the possible sources of sediment contamination and determining the degree of pollution. Eight pollution indices were used to evaluate the quality of sediments in terms of heavy metal and TPH pollution. The investigated areas could be distinguished by a significant degree of heavy metal pollution of Nickel, Cadmium and Zinc. High concentrations of Nickel and Zinc were observed in stations around Nakhiloo, Bushehr. The comparison of average pollution indices between regions showed that both Bushehr and Khuzestan provinces, respectively, with the average of contamination degree (CD) (20.25 and 22.11), modified contamination degree (MCD) (3.38 and 3.69), pollution load index (PLI) (31.17 and 57.57), potential ecological risk index (PERI) (353.54 and 349.39) have a significant degree and risk of Nickel and Cadmium pollution, especially in Nakhiloo area, Bushehr. Investigating the spatial fluctuations of the concentration of TPHs in two provinces showed an increasing trend from Bushehr to Khuzestan. However, areas were located in no pollution or low pollution zonation and were safe from the adverse biological effects of TPHs. Comprehensive and impressive strategies to control and reduce these pollutions, especially in polluted areas, should be considered, so that the sources of these pollutions be managed.