Biomonitoring of heavy metals using bottom fish and crab as bioindicator species, the Arvand River

The main aim of this study was to biomonitor mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the Arvand River using Heteropnestis fossilis and Parasesarma persicum. Comparison of heavy metals among the stations indicated that the concentrations of Hg, As, Cd, Cu and Pb in sediment samples were apparently different among the stations. The results of linear regression analyses showed that there were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between Hg, As and Pb elements in sediment and hepatopancreas of P. persicum and between As in sediment and liver of H. fossilis. These findings showed that P. persicum could be considered as a biomonitor of Hg, As and Pb and H. fossilis as a biomonitor of As contamination in sediment of the Arvand River.

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