Evaluating the potential of a bivalve species from the intertidal zone of the Persian Gulf for biomonitoring of trace elements using a nondestructive analytical method

This study was carried out in order to evaluate the potential of the soft and hard tissues of a bivalve species (Callista umbonella) for biomonitoring of different elements in coastal areas of northern part of the Persian Gulf as well as to assess the possible use of PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission) method in this regard. The bivalve specimens and surficial sediment samples were collected from three sampling sites located on the intertidal zone of Hormozgan Province in August 2014. Concentrations of the elements were determined using the non-destructive method, PIXE. Assessment of total organic matter (TOM) and grain size were also carried out in the sediment samples. Based on the results, of the 17 elements measured in the soft tissues, (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, O, P, S, Si, Sr, Ti and Zn) in the case of P, Fe, Br and O significant differences were observed between the sampling sites. Of the 14 elements measured in the shells (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, K, O, S, Si and Sr) only in the case of Si significant differences between the sites could be detected and of the 14 elements measured in the surface sediments (Al, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, K, O, S, Si and Ti) in the case of Na, Mg, S, Cl, K , Ca, Ti and Fe significant differences were found between the sites. In each of the above cases, order of the elements accumulation was assessed and possible causes of the differences evaluated. In order to classify the elements based on their levels in the sediments, soft tissues and shells the multivariate analyses (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were used. According to the gained results, C. umbonella can be considered as a potential candidate species for biomonitoring of a number of elements in the coastal area of the Persian Gulf.