Comparative assessment of metal (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg) concentrations in soft tissue and shell of Barbatia helblingii (family: Arcidae) from Qeshm Island (Persian Gulf) during winter and spring

摘要

Specimens of the bivalve, Barbatia helblingii, were collected from the northern coast of Qeshm Island (the biggest Island of Persian Gulf) during winter and spring (2010), to assess metal concentrations. Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations were measured in soft tissue and shell of the samples, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Technique and Cold Vapor Production System. Metal concentrations of soft tissue and shell were higher in winter than those of the spring. Pattern of metals mean concentration in soft tissue was as the following: Zn>Cu>Cd>Pb>Hg, but it was not constant in shell (during two seasons). However, Zn and Cu had the highest concentrations of metals in shell, while Hg had the lowest. Layer stratification of Persian Gulf, and its turnover, phytoplankton bloom, and also the biologic factors such as biometric characteristics variation were influenced the seasonal variation of metal concentrations, but proportion of each factor was different for each element.