Determination of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni and Cd) contamination in costal sediment of Bushehr province.

In order to investigate heavy metals contamination in Bushehr costs, 5 different stations including ports and estuaries were studied. 3 sediment samples were collected from each station during winter 2009 and summer 2010. The samples were oven dried and acid digested and their heavy metals content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd in the sediment were 14.54, 55.31, 15.13 and. 76 µg/g dry weight respectively. Except for cd, the concentration of metals within various stations was significantly different during winter (P<0.05). Seasonal changes influenced metals level in the sediment so that their concentration in winter was less than summer. Generally the concentrations of studied metals appeared within the range of other researches in the Persian gulf region and less than proposed standards for sediment quality. Among studied stations, Bandar Rig and Shif exhibited higher concentrations of metals.