Heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cu, and Cd) of Pontogammarus maeoticus (Gammarida: Amphipoda) in southwestern coasts of Caspian Sea, Ramsar to Anzali

The aim of the present study was to evaluate Pb, Cu and Cd contamination of the amphipod species, Pontogammarus maeoticus in southwestern coasts of Caspian Sea. Sampling was done in two seasons, spring (March 2014) and summer (June 2014) in 3 sites of the southwestern coasts of Caspian Sea (from Ramsar to Anzali). Results showed that Cu concentrations were much more than the other two metals, and there was no significant difference among sites in this regard (P>0.05). However, Chamkhaleh possessed the least amount of heavy metals in the body of the gammarid species; and Anzali had the most concentration in the coastal amphipod species body.Concentration of lead, copper and cadmium in the body of P. maeoticus was 1.02, 95.61 and 0.81 µg/g in spring and 1.46, 93.91 and 0.74 µg/g in summer, respectively. The results were compared with EU, US and Australian standards. According to these standards Cooper concentrations were at target values and is not considered polluted. Lead in P. maeoticus passed standard level according EU standard for edible cephalopods and Australian standard for fish flesh. This was not the case for Pb in spring in Anzali station, accouding to EU cephalopod standard only. Lead was in acceptable concentration if compared with EU standard set for edible bivalve molluscs, Australian standard for edible molluscs, and US standard of AET. Also cadmium concentrations were more than maximum allowable in edible lobster as stated by EU standards. While other standards AET of US, Australian standard for edible molluscs, and EU standards for edible cephalopods, bivalves and fish consider the concentration of Cd in the P. maeoticus within standard limits. Considering the Pb and Cd contamination levels in P. maeoticus and international standards, it can be concluded that these two heavy metals can be at threatening level. Especially that this species is consumed by fish fingerlings of some popular teleost fishes of Caspian Sea, such as Kutum and Mullet. They might be able to pass to fish flesh and cause health hazards for fish consumers. It is suggested that further study be conducted on possible transfer roots of Pb and Cd from P. maeoticus to fish flesh, and also there is a strong reason to control heavy metal pollution of the Caspian environment.