Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in coastal sediments of Bandar Abbas city, North of Persian Gulf: An ecological risk assessment

Abstract

The concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs; Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd) Pb, Ni, and Cd), using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was measured in fifty surface coastal sediment samples collected from 5 points coastal sediment of Bandar Abbas city, Iran besides the potential ecological risk index (RI) estimated the environmental health risk. The rank order of PTEs was Pb (52.090 ± 4.113 mg/kg dry weight) > Ni (34.940 ± 8.344 mg/kg dry weight) > Cd (2.944 ± 0.013 mg/kg dry weight). RI due to PTEs in sediments for A, B, C, D, and E points were 187.655, 190.542, 191.079, 189.496, and 192.053, respectively. RI for sampling points A to E was at moderate risk (150 ≤ RI < 300). Therefore, it is recommended to carry out control programs to reduce the amount of PTEs in the coastal sediment of the Persian Gulf.