Evaluation of contamination of Qeshm island coastal sediments with Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr using sediment quality indices

Marine sediments are the most important component of monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems. The present study uses sediment quality indices to determine the contamination status in Qeshm ecosystems and to evaluate the toxicity of the elements studied for its organisms. Sampling of surface sediments of seven stations was carried out on Qeshm coastal areas. The samples were digested by a combination of nitric acid and perchloric acid, and the concentration of metals was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of modified Hazard Quotient indicated a high pollution rate for copper and nickel metals in most stations, which was consistent with the results of the Potential Contamination Index in relation to nickel metal. Additionally, the results of the Potential Contamination Index and Contamination Factor agreed with the amount of lead element. According to the results, the pollution index of Hamoon Lake and Zakeri pier was highly contaminated and Modified Pollution Index demonstrated a contamination in Romacha, Hamoon Lake, Zakeri pier and Nazes areas. The enrichment factor associated with contamination regarding most of the heavy metals confirmed the indices used to evaluate the comtamination in the study area. Due to the higher concentrations of the heavy metals in the sediments than that of the quality guidelines, the high toxicity of sediments for the aquatic ecosystems was confirmed. The Romachah, Hamoon, Zakeri stations showed higher pollution levels and sever toxicity for aquatic life. Copper, nickel and in some cases lead, were the main heavy metals that contaminated the sediments in the region.