Metal pollution in seaweed and related sediment of the Persian Gulf, Iran.

Nickel, cadmium, copper and lead in the sediment and seven species of algae from six locations in the Bushehr Province on the Coast of the Persian Gulf were determined. Sampling sites represent areas of importance in seaweed harvest and areas near sources of anthropogenic pollution. The mean concentrations of metals in the sediment (across all six collection sites, and collection periods) were: Pb (42.4 ± 2.7), Cd (7.4 ± 1), Ni (38.1 ± 3.7), and Cu (8.3 ± 1.2) µg g(-1) dry weight. High significant positive correlations existed between metals in cervicornis, corticata, and pavonica algae and the sediment, suggesting these species of algae are suitable for biomonitoring of the area.