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Crabs of intertidal zone of a muddy shore in Bandar Abbas were studied using monthly examination of Goharshad and Terminal stations during August 2005 to July 2006. Sampling was done by Corer and 14 species from 6 families were identified. Crabs were from Ocypodidae, Pinnotheridae, Pilumnidae, Trapeziidae, Leucosiidae and Varunidae families.

Results showed Ocypodidae, the most abundant and diverse with 1196 individuals/m 2,

was more abundant but less diverse in Goharshad station compared to Terminal which could be attributed to the urban pollution in Terminal station. Pinnotheridae with 64 individuals/m 2 showed an adaptation to organic materials but was not resistant to being out of water. Pilumnidae and Trapeziidae were found in small numbers in the stattions. Genus Ebalia from

Leucosiidae with 27.18 individuals/m 2 showed positive reaction to organic materials and was

resistant to being out of water. Varunidae were present with a  few  specimens  probably because of human disturbance or speed in burrowing and escaping from sampling. Because civic pollution enter Terminal station, The results of this research showed that crabs react to urban pollution and hence are suitable as environmental indicators.

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This paper presents  the  levels  of total  mercury  (T-Hg)  in  dorsal  muscle,  liver  and  spleen of pike  (Esox lucius) from  Anzali  Lagoon  in Iran.  Sampling were  carried  out from  July  2004 to July 2005. In addition 78 samples were collected. T-Hg concentration  were  calculated  in relation to biometric factors. T-Hg was measured by the LECO AMA 254 Advanced Mercury Analyzer (USA) according to ASTM standard NoD-6722. Each sample was analyzed 3 times. Accuracy of T-Hg analysis was checked by running three samples of Standard Reference Materials; SRM 1633b, SRM 2711 and SRM 2709. Detection limit was  0.001mg/kg  in  dry weight. The minimum and maximum  concentration  ofT-Hg  in  dorsal  muscle  was  0.2ppm  in one year and 1.2ppm in five year class. The mean T-Hg significantly  increased  wit  age increased (P<0.05). The T-Hg mean concentration.  In 1 and 2 year classes was 0.171ppm. Accamulation pattern ofHg was significantly as well as muscle>liver>spleen. T-Hg content in females was higher than males (P<0.05). Acceptable monthly intake without carcinogenic effects due to mercury  for women, men, juveniles and children was 270,  320,  125 and  59g per  month.  Consumption  of pike above 35cm. length should be avoided.

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We assessed concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Hg and Zn) in the muscular tissue of benthic species Himantura gerrard and pelagic species Selar crumenophthalmus caught from the Persian Gulf during winter 2008. After biometrical measurements, the muscle tissues of  51 randomly selected samples were separated from 86 stations. Specimens were digested using the wet method and the concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (flame method) and also concentration of mercury was determined using Mercury Analyzer device. The mean concentration of heavy metals in muscle tissues of Himantura gerrardi were as follows: Fe: 74.78; Hg: 0.77; Zn: 875.99 and Cu: 3.5. However, these values for muscle tissues of Selar crumenophthalmus were: Fe: 25.07; Hg: 0.20; Cu: Zn: 15.54 and Zn: 2.31f.lglg dry weight. Results showed that concentration of the selected heavy metals in H gerrardi, were significantly higher than S. crumenophthalmus (P O.OS).

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We determined bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni and Hg) in the muscle, gill and liver organs of Barbus xanthopterus in summer 2009 in Karoon River, south west of Iran. Gill net was used to sample 48 random size fish specimens from Karoon River downward of Ahwaz city (Shekariyeh 3 village). The tissues were extracted and the elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentrations of heavy metals Cd, Pb, Ni , Hg in muscle tissue of Barbus xanthopterus were 1.679, 2.37, 1.16, 1.29mg/kg dry wt and in gill were 2.17, 2.92, 1.44, 1.34mg/kg dry wt and in liver were 1.92, 2.79, 1.31, 1.43mg/kg dry wt, respectively. All the results were statistically significant (P 0.05). The concentrations of heavy metals were higher than standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the muscle tissue of Barbus xanthopterus in Karoon River.

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This study was conducted in vitro to assess lethality, LC50 and the possibility of bioaccumulation of cadmium in various life stages of Artemia urmiana. Artemia is highly used in aquaculture hence the response of the organisms to pollutants, such as cadmium regarding the increase in environmental pollution is of high importance. This experiment was performed in Faculty of Marine science and Technology, Islamic Azad University and Atomic Energy Organization of Iran in 2009. In the first stage, smaller than 1day naupliis were exposed to 10 different concentrations from 0 to 250mg/l Cd. LC50 of Cd in 24h of A. urmiana exposure was 189.33mg/L. Next, the accumulations of Cd in 5, 10, 15 and 20mg/l Cd were examined in 1, 5, 11 and 17 days of Artemia urmiana life. The results showed that Artemia urmiana has the ability of accumulation of cadmium and the accumulation level depends upon the concentration of the cadmium in the environment as well as different living periods of Artemia. We found that increasing the concentration of cadmium in the environment increases its accumulation in Artemia. There was a significant difference in accumulation of Cd between 5mg/l Cd (0.267ppm) and 20mg/l Cd (0.364ppm) in the first day of A. urmiana life (P<0.05). In all treatments of the 11 day Artemia, bioaccumulations of Cd increased with increasing of cadmium concentration. Maximum accumulation of Cd was in 20mg/l Cd in the 11 day Artemia. Results showed that although A.urmiana is resistant to Cd, however in 250mg/l, cadmium has significant toxic effects on Artemia survival (3.33%). *Corresponding author

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Heavy metals contamination (Hg,Cd,Pb,Ni,Cu) in muscle of the fish Euryglossa orientalis and in sediments was assessed in 2007 in Khur-e-Musa Creek (Ahmadi and Ghanam). In total, 30 fish specimens and 18 sediment samples were collected and analyzed. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer was used to determine contamination of the specimens with Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and cold vapor method was applied for Hg. Results showed 2.35, 0.99, 1.32, 14.48 and 5.71μg/g dry weight of the fish for Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cu in muscle tissue, respectively. Metal levels in the muscle tissue were compared with standard values such as those of the World Health Organization (WHO), British Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), Australia National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), based on which only Hg, Cd, and Ni showed higher than standard levels in Khur-e-Musa Creek (Ahmadi and Ghanam). Results showed 4.76, 2.52, 18.64, 119.91, 31.23μg/g dry weight for Hg, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cu in sediments, respectively. *Corresponding author

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The aim of this study was to determine the 96h LC50 of copper and cadmium, and also, to evaluate the effects of their sub-lethal dose on stress factors in Persian sturgeon, Acipenser persicus. Obtained results from Probit analysis showed 96h LC50 values of 0.502 and 14.78mg/l for copper and cadmium, respectively. Also, in single sub-lethal exposures, 72 juveniles (130±19g) were exposed to 0.026 and 0.68mg/l of copper and cadmium in semistatic conditions, and some stress-related biochemical factors were assessed in 1, 7 and 14 days. According to the obtained results, plasma glucose and cortisol were increased (P<0.05) in experimental fishes compared to the controls only in the first day of sampling. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in plasma and liver protein contents between experimental groups and controls with the exception of copper treatment at the first day of sampling when plasma protein contents showed significant increases, but decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the subsequent sampling stages. In addition, with copper treatment, significant decreases were observed in plasma triglyceride concentrations as time passed by compared to day 1 (P<0.05). Results showed that copper is more toxic than cadmium for this species and also, 96h LC50 of copper and cadmium are stressful for Persian sturgeon. *Corresponding author

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A comparative study was conducted on concentration of heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb in the muscle, liver and gill tissues of Liza abu in winter 2009, in Karoon and Bahmanshir Rivers of Khuzestan province. We used 216 specimens of Liza abu. Metals were extracted from the tissues using wet digestion method and concentration of the heavy metals was measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The highest concentration of Cd, Hg and Pb were measured at 0.540±0.264, 0.029±0.005 and 1.080±0.128mg/Kg dry weight respectively. The lowest concentration of Cd, Hg and Pb were found to be 0.434±0.035, 0.024±0.001 and 0.930±0.036mg/Kg dry weight, respectively. No significant differences in concentration of heavy metals Cd, Hg and Pb in the muscle, liver and gill of Liza abu from the Karoon and Bahmanshir Rivers were detected (P 0.05). Results showed accumulation of Hg and Cd was lower than the FDA standard but accumulation of Pb was higher than the WHO standard. *Corresponding author

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Previous studies showed that the level of mercury in Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir (SGR) was higher than limits established by the World Health Organization. Total Mercury (T-Hg) concentrations in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues of Common carp as the most consumed fish in the region were investigated. For the first time the content of mercury in red muscle tissue was measured and compared with white muscle and liver tissues. During the July to December 2009, 24 Common carp were caught from SGR (4 samples per month). THg concentrations in above mentioned tissues were measured, using Mercury Analyzer. T-Hg concentrations variations in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues were (123-458), (115- 455) and (107-303) ng g-1, respectively. Statically significant differences were found between three tissues. A significant monthly variations of T-Hg concentrations were observed within liver tissue samples. Fish weights in this ranged between 330.1 to 753 grams. T-Hg in white and red muscle tissues in all samples weighted above 500 grams were higher than the limits established by the EPA. Therefore, additional researches are needed to evaluate any potential effluence of this fish consumption on people health. *Corresponding author

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In this research, concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., cadmium, lead, copper) in muscle, liver and gill tissues of Euryglossa orientalis (Family: Soleidae) in two fishing areas, from northern Persian Gulf that names Hendijan port (Bahrekan) in Khuzestan province and Deylam port in Bushehr province were measured and compared. Fifty fish samples randomly were collected from Hendijan and Deylam ports each from 3 stations, in summer 2008. Tissue samples were digested using MOOPAM method and metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cu) were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Cadmium, lead and copper concentrations were varied significantly among gills, liver and muscle tissues of fish samples in any area from Hendijan and Deylam. In Hendijan area higher mean (±SD) concentrations of cadmium and copper were observed in the liver (2.11±0.22 and 366.41±15.63μg/g, respectively. Lower concentrations in the muscle (0.70±0.07 and 5.08±0.27μg/g respectively. In Deylam area higher mean (±SD) concentrations of cadmium and copper were observed in the liver (1.47±0.10 and 240.24±10.50μg/g, respectively lower concentrations in the muscle (0.49±0.07 and 3.08±0.52μg/g), respectively. In Hendijan area higher concentration with mean (±SD) of lead was observed in the gill (10.72±1.71μg/g with lower concentration was noted in the muscle (5.20±0.05μg/g) of fish. In Deylam area higher mean (±SD) concentration of lead was observed in the gill (6.91±0.52μg/g) with lower concentration in the muscle (4.09±0.52μg/g). In general, our study showed that concentration of heavy metals in different tissues of fish in Hendijan area was significantly higher than Deylam area. Also, cadmium and lead concentrations in muscle tissue of Euryglossa orientalis in both sampling area were higher than the acceptable limits reported by WHO, FAO, ITS and others. *Corresponding author

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Following introduction of (Litopenaeus vannamei) to shrimp culture industry by Iran Fisheries Organization, the post-larvae of this species were reared successfully in earthen ponds in Bushehr and Khuzestan (Choebdeh site) provinces. Due to activity of shrimp culture sites in Choebdeh and importance of input and output water quality, this study was carried out in 11 selected stations including: 2 stations in Bahmanshir River, 2 stations in C4 and C5 irrigation canals, 6 stations in active shrimp farms along C4 canal ,and C5 canal and one station in output drainage canal. About 66 samplings were carried out during May-October 2009 from stocking to harvesting phases. Physical and chemical parameters were sampled biweekly and some parameters such as pH and temperature were measured in-vivo by HACH equipment. Other parameters such as DO, salinity, BOD5,TSS, NO3, NO2, PO4 and turbidity were analyzed based on standard methods by expectrophotometer equipment in Lab. Maximum values were: DO=11.4ppm PO4 =3.93ppm NO3 =10.09ppm TSS= 5408ppm pH=8.4 NO2 =0.18ppm and BOD5 =10.4ppm. Majority of parameters except TSS, NO3 and PO4 were in the range of acceptable limits. There was no difference in quality of waters between internal water from river and drainage canals.

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The aim of this research is to determine the levels of polycholoro biphenil (PCBs) in skin and muscle tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and common pike (Esox lucius) fishes in the west part of Anzali wetland (Abkenar) in the two seasons, autumn 2009 and winter 2010. In each seasons, nine fishes from each species were selected randomly. The samples, transferred in cool condition and the muscles and skins of them were removed. All of the preparations organs clean up and PCBS analysis were carried with GC-ECD (Gas chromatography). Mean concentrations of PCBS were 24.36пg/g dry.w in skin 14.36пg/g dry.w in muscle tissue for E. lucius and 21.84пg/g dry.w in skin and 20.86пg/g dry.w in muscle tissue of C. carpio. In the autumn, the values was less than FDI standard and food standard Australia/AZ MRL and skin tissue of E. lucius and muscle tissue of C. carpio was over of US EPA standard values. Mean concentration of PCBS were 29.43пg/g dry.w in skin and 10.10ng/g dry.w in muscle tissue for E. lucius and 33.06пg/g dry.w in skin and 11.00пg/g dry.w in muscle tissue for C. carpio. In the winter, the value was less than FDI standard and food standard Australia /AZ MRL and skin tissue of E. lucius and skin tissue of C. carpio was over of US EPA standard values. Mean concentration of PCBs in water in the autumn (0.0042ppb) was less than recommended water quality Criteria E.P.A and in the winter (0.1938ppb) was over recommended water quality Criteria E.P.A. Mean concentration of PCBs in sediment in the autumn (4.89ng/g dry.w) and winter (4.48ng/g dry.w) was less than Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines. There were significant differences between E. lucius mussels and C. carpio skin tissue in two seasons (autumn and winter) in water and ingredient suspension. But in sediments, no significant difference was detected in autumn and winter. *Corresponding author

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A comparative study was conducted on concentration of heavy metals including: Hg, Cd and Pb in the muscle of Otolithes ruber in Abadan and Bandar Abbas Ports in the Persian Gulf. In this study, a total of 42 specimens of Otolithes ruber were collected from coastal waters of Abadan and Bandar Abbas Ports in 2010. Heavy metals were extracted from the muscle tissues using wet digestion method and concentration of metals were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that mean (±SD) accumulation of Hg, Cd and Pb in the muscles of Otolithes ruber in Bandar Abbas were 0.058±0.001, 0.279±0.056 and 0.668±0.077mgKg-1 wet weight, and in Abadan were 0.056±0.007, 0.25±0.038 and 0.638±0.087mgKg-1 wet weight respectively. No significant differences were found in concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb in the muscle of Otolithes ruber between Abadan and Bandar Abbas ports. Accumulation of these metals were higher in the muscle of Otolithes ruber than that Bandar Abbas Port. Concentration of Hg in the muscle of Otolithes ruber was lower than acceptable limit suggested by WHO, MAFF, NHMRC. However concentrations of Pb and Cd were higher. *Corresponding author

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The aim of this study was to evaluate of zooplankton communities as bioindicator of water quality and saprobi index at six Chinese carp ponds at East of Golestan province, Gonbade Kavous city. Zooplankton sampling was done monthly during one culture period from June to November 2011. Finally, 27 genus from 4 class were identified. Between these groups, 12 genus belong to Protozoa, 8 genus from Rotatoria, 4 genus from Copepoda and 3 genus from Cladocera were recorded. The highest and lowest frequency percentage were belongs to Rotatoria and Protozoa with 46 and 3 percent, respectively. The results show that, there is no significant differences between saprobi index of six ponds (p>0.05). During the whole period of study, the saprobi index indicated Class ß-mesosaprob as water quality. There was significant general tends of decrease in the saprobi index from the beginning to end of the culture period (p<0.05), its value ranged was 1.52 to 1.70. Also, gradual improvement of water quality observed toward the end of culture period and these reasons are partly a result of natural and management processed such as seasons changes (climate), water exchange (replacement of water) and pause of introduce of fertilizer materials to the ponds.

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Water quality of the Samsami and Dinaran rivers of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province were assessed in year 1393. For each river, 7 stations were determined. Water sampling has been done monthly (May to October) and samples, under standard situation, were sent to laboratory for assessing: Nitrite, Ammonium, Soluble Phosphate, BOD₅, COD, TSS, TDS, Cu, Zn, Hg, Cl^-, Organophosphate toxins, pH, Malachite green and EC. Soluble phosphate was higher than standard in studied rivers (p<0.05). There were increasing trend for all recorded parameters from first to last station. Except for the low number of stations, BOD₅ and COD were equal or lower (p<0.0001) than its standards. There were some malachite green in studied rivers especially at their last station (p<0.002). Other parameters were lower than standard for two rivers (p<0.05). Generally, water quality of these two rivers was absolute, but, for development new trout culture farms, Nitrite, Phosphate and Malachite green must be controlled.
 
 

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Anzali wetland is the most important intermediate ecosystem in the Caspian sea catchment area and plays an important role in refining the inputs of rivers in this area and acts as a natural filter. In this study, the overall microbial load and bacteria of Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes and its relationship with pH and EC of water were investigated. Surface layer sampling was performed from autumn 2018 to summer 2019 using standard water sampling methods. The highest logarithmic mean of the total bacterial count was 5.513/ ml at Ali Abad station in summer and the lowest logarithmic mean of the total bacterial count was 3.914/ ml at Abknar station in autumn and above standard. The rate of contamination of different wetlands to Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes using specific media was 41% and 50% respectively and in the PCR method with specific primer pairs, were 35.7% and 42.8% respectively. The highest pH in Sangachin station was 8.86 and the highest EC was 1050μs / cm in Talebabad station. Duncan test showed a significant difference at most stations with the percentage of specific cultures, pH and EC factors and the logarithmic mean of total bacterial count (p<0.05). Also, using Duncan's test in the PCR method, Listeria monocytogenes in autumn were statistically significantly different from other seasons (p<0.05) and Yersinia enterocolitica was statistically significant in autumn and summer (p<0.05). Elevated water temperatures, urban population growth around wetlands, and sewage entry are major causes of increased the level of pollution in Anzali wetland and its transmission through the food cycle and indicates the risk of pathogenicity.
 

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Occurrence and abundance of Microplastics (MPs) were studied in sediments of the Anzali wetland for the first time in spring 2018. Sediment samplings were carried out using Van Ween Grab. After density separation in saline solution, MPs were counted by a stereomicroscope. The number of MPs was at the range of 14-282 items/100g dry sediment (140-2820 items/kg dry sediment). Stations 10 and 9 with 282 ± 171.14 and 14 ± 3 items/100g dry sediment exhibited the highest and lowest contaminations, respectively. The MPs gathered during the survey varied in size from 0.3 to 5 mm, and those with 1–2 mm in size had the highest frequency (37.3%). The dominant shape of MPs was fiber; Followed by fragments and films. Red, black, and blue were the most abundant colors by 34.1%, 30.8% and 26.4%, respectively. In total, 5 microplastic polymers including polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PEST), polyethylene (PE) and poly acrylonitrile (PAN) were identified. This first work provides original data on the presence of MPs, determining their bioavailability to organisms as seafood, and then possible transfer to human. The results provide useful information for further studies.

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The presence of microplastics (less than 5 mm) in marine environments, owing to their persistence and risk imposed to marine communities has become a growing global concern. Considering the hazardous nature of microplastic particles to benthic communities and commercial species of the Caspian Sea, the study was conducted to investigate the distribution of microplastics in sediments of the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. Sediment samples were taken by a Van Ween grab as sampling sites located in Astara, Bandar Anzali, Kiashahr, Rudsar, Sari and Turkmen port during the winter 2018. Sari station with an average of (340±20 items/kg dry sediment) had the highest and Turkmen port station with (156.66±75.71 items/kg dry sediment) had the lowest microplastic frequency. The size of the microplastics varied from 0.2-9.2 mm and most of the microplastics found (35.54%) were 1-2 mm in size. The extracted microplastics were mainly filamentous although fragment microplastics and films were also observed. In the studied samples, high color diversity was observed and blue (63.85%) and brown (20.31%) had the highest frequency. Using ATR-FTIR analysis, 4 types of polymers including cellophane, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl acetate were identified. The most abundant microplastics identified were cellophane. This study is among very few studies on microplastic contamination in the sediments of the southern Caspian Sea and the obtained results vital for further studies.

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