Seasonal Variations of Ni, Cd, Cu and Pb Concentrations in Sediment and Seaweed Species from Tidal Areas of Bushehr State (North Part of the Persian Gulf)

This study was carried out to evaluate the seasonal variations of heavy metal (Ni, Cd, Cu and Pb) concentrations in sediment and 13 dominant seaweed species (3 Chlorophyta, 4 Phaeophyta and 6 Rhodophyta) at six different sites in tidal areas of Bushehr state. Sampling was done during the lowest sea level in 4 seasons from autumn 2008 untill summer 2009. All samples (algal and sediment) were digested using nitric acid and analysed for metals by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometr (A.A.S). In this study, metals concentrations(except Cu) showed higher levels compared to other studies from different parts of the Persian Gulf. Metals bioaccumulation was at higher levels during cold season compared to the warm seasons.Seasonal variations of heavy metals were clearly demonstrated by Rhodophyts.Keywords: