Spatial distribution of heavy metals in the sediments of mangrove and coral habitats of Hormozgan province

In the current work, a comprehensive assessment of the spatial distribution of heavy metals including Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cr was performed in the sediments of mangrove and coral areas from 32 stations located in Tiab, Azini, Lark,  Hengam and Qeshm, Island, Bandar e pol and Bandar Khamir during the 2021 to 2022. The concentration of heavy metals showed significant spatial variations between the areas. The highest concentration of Cd 1.64±0.01 μg/g was observed at the station "Near Tabl village, South of the mangrove trees". The station "Tiab, end of the estuary" had the highest concentration of Pb 17.87±2.17 μg/g. The highest concentration of Ni 135.22±1.85 µg/g was seen in "North Tiab station, irrigation branch". The maximum concentration of metal Cr 18.41±0.41 μg/g was observed at the "Center of mangrove reservoir" station. There was the highest concentration of Zn 94.61±30.74 μg/g in "Azini Station 2" and finally, the highest concentration of Cu 40.5±0.28 μg/g was observed in the station "Khamir port, sandy bed of mangrove trees". The stations located in Tiab and the mangrove reserve had a higher intensity of pollution than other places and showed considerable risks of pollution, especially in terms of Ni and Cd. Cadmium was considered as the most dangerous metal in the studied areas which is probably caused by industrial activities. It is necessary to consider comprehensive and impressive strategies to control and reduce these heavy metal pollutions, especially in Tiab habitats and mangrove reserves where show high intensity of Cd and Ni contamination to identify, and manage the sources of these pollutions and minimize the impact of human activities on mangrove and coral ecosystems.