Comparison of heavy metals pollution in coastal sediments of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm Island and Hormuz-Lark, Persian Gulf

In order to determine the level of heavy metals (HMs) pollution (Pb, Cd, Ni, V and Cr) in the sediments of the coastal waters of Hormozgan province, 45 sediment samples were collected from Bandar Abbas beach (7 stations), Qeshm Island (5 stations) and between Hormuz-Lark (3 stations) in 2022. The concentration of HMs in sediments was measured by atomic absorption. The results showed that the concentration of V, Ni and Cr metals in the sediments of Bandar Abbas is higher than the other two studied areas, and the concentration of Cd in the sediments of Qeshm Island and Pb in the sediments of Hormuz-Lark was higher. The average concentration of studied metals is as follows: Cr > Ni > V > Pb > Cd. The degree of contamination of Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island was in moderate degree of contamination and Hormuz-Lark sediments were in low degree of contamination. The average ecological risk index is as follows: Qeshm Island > Bandar Abbas > Hormuz-Lark. The average enrichment factor of the studied metals was the highest in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas and Hormuz-Lark islands, respectively. The highest average enrichment factor in the studied areas was related to Ni and Cr. Various industrial pollutant sources and municipal sewage of Qeshm and Bandar Abbas in the vicinity of the sampling stations have been the cause of the high concentration of the studied metals as well as pollution indicators. Based on sustainable development, in order to control the pollution of HMs in the sediments, the contaminant sources should be controlled and managed.