The Concentration of Lead and Cadmium in the Hermit Crab (Coenobita scaevola) and Sediments of KISH Island

The presence of hermit crabs in aquatic species and coastal bird’s food chain and their significant role in environmental remediation highlight the importance of studying these species as biological indicators. Hence, this study assessed the concentration of Lead and Cadmium in sediments of and hard tissue of hermit crabs in KISH Island and compared the results against international standards.

To determine the concentration of Lead and Cadmium, 30 sediment samples and 60 crabs were randomly collected from the south and southeast of KISH Island. By preparation and analysis of specimens, the concentration of heavy metals was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. 

The mean concentration of lead and cadmium in the sediments of the south and southeast coasts of Kish Island were 63.20 and 2.94 mg/kg, respectively, both of which are higher than the sediment quality standards of Canada and NOAA. The mean concentration of lead and cadmium in the hard tissue of Coenobita scaevola were 20.92 and 2.09 mg/kg, respectively, which is much higher than the average obtained in similar studies on Persian Gulf aquatic animals.

The mean concentration of lead and cadmium in the hard tissue of Coenobita Scaevola is much higher than the similar studies on Persian Gulf aquatics. The interaction of lead and cadmium in disrupting growth physiology has been proven. Cadmium has a negative effect on nutrition, growth, survival, and reproductive activities of Coenobita Scaevola.