The impact of petrochemical activity (PETZONE) on metal concentration (Cd & Pb) in water, sediments and macrobenthic fauna of Zangi Creek (Branch of Moosa Creek in Persian Gulf)

Subject Areas : New Technologies in Aquaculture Development

H. Manuchehri ¹ (Ph.D. Student, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University)
A.R. Nekouyan ² (Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, Tehran, Iran)
T. Valinassab ³ (ranian Fisheries Research Organization, Tehran, Iran)
S.M. Majedi ⁴ (Petrochemical Special economic zone org, HSEQ, Mahshahr, Iran)
S.M. Majedi ⁵ (Petrochemical Special economic zone org, HSEQ, Mahshahr, Iran)
R. Changizi ⁶ (Fisheries Dept. Islamic Azad University, Babul branch, Mazandaran, Iran)
E. Jafarian Moghadam ⁷ (Ph.D. Student, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University)

Received: 2019-11-06 Accepted : 2019-11-06 Published : 2008-08-22

Keywords: Cadmium, Lead, Zangi Creek, Moosa Creek,

Abstract :

Zangi Creek is located in the Northwest of Persian Gulf, a branch of Moosa Creek. Zangi creek is important for aquatic animal’s diversity and richness. After establishing the Petrochemical special Economic Zone (PETZONE) in 1997 near the Zangi Creek, sludge and effluent was released in this sensitive ecosystem. A survey of the creek was performed, assessing macrobenthic density lead, cadmium heavy metals, total organic matter, and Grain size of sediments, pH, temperature and salinity in winter and summer 2006. Benthos abundance was assessed per square meter in laboratory after washing sediments with 500 micron standard sieve. Samples were transferred to laboratory in 4°C and analyzed by atomic absorption according to the related standards. It was found that minimum and maximum levels of Cadmium in water ranged from 0.07~0.12 ppm and in sediments ranged from 1.68~2.88 ppm, Lead levels in water ranged from 0.19~0.29 ppm and in sediments ranged from 1.43~7.31 ppm. Results showed that the distinct creek was more polluted than eastern part with high levels of Cd, Pb, pH and low levels of salinity. The physico-chemical changes such as pH and salinity were significantly correlated to metals in sediments (P<0.01). Although Macrobenthos density was very low at discharge area but density didn't have a significant correlation with metals (P<0.05).