Accumulation of Mn, Cd, Cr and Pb in Pinctada radiata (Bivalvia: Pterioida) in the Hendourabi and Lavan Islands, the Persian Gulf

Concentrations of Mn، Cd، Cr and Pb were measured in soft tissues of P. radiata from the Hendourabi and Lavan Islands. Forty specimens were collected from each island from the depth 8-10 m using SCUBA. Total، shell and soft tissues weights were measured. Mn، Cd، Cr and Pb concentrations of the soft tissues were measured using the atomic absorption technique. A significant difference between specimens of the two Islands in the metal concentration and، total، shell and soft tissues weights were examined using a t‑test. No significant difference was detected between the specimens of the two Islands in Pb of soft tissues and the shell weight. There were significant differences between specimens of the two Islands in Cd، Mn، Cr of soft tissues، total and soft tissues’ weights. According to a Pearson test، there was a significant correlation between Cd concentration of soft tissues and weight parameters of P. radiata in individuals from the Hendourabi Island. Also، there was significant correlation between Cr concentration of the soft tissues and، total and shell weights. The present study suggests that the individuals from the Hendourabi Island are subjected to a lower level of stress than those from the Lavan Island and hence are more appropriate to be used for reproduction and restocking purposes.