Risk assessment of mercury contamination in surface sediment of tidal zone in coastal line of Hormozgan province

Mercury (T-Hg), as the most toxic Trace metal, can have adverse effects on the environment. In this study, the concentrations of T-Hg were investigated in surface sediments of higher and lower tidal zones of Hormozgan province coasts including the stations of Shahr Jask, Ariyan International Wetland Lagoon, Khorgorsuzan Bandar Abbas, Bostono Industrial Zone, Coastal Park of Khumir, Shahrbonderlangeh, Bandarreqam, Bostaneh Harbor in summer 2017. T-Hg concentration was measured by Ftomic Atomic Aabsorption Spectrometry (FAAS, GTA120). From 16 stations in the higher and lower tidal zones, the stations of Khorgorsuzan Station and Azzin kinetic showed the lowest concentration of T-Hg. Based on accumulation index (Igeo), the geochemistry of the Igeo studied areas had a moderate to high contamination. Enrichment Factor (EF) showed a strong to extremely high enrichment. Regarding SQGS, all stations were higher than Effect Range Low (ERL) value. These findings raise awareness of the contamination status of surface sediments in coastal zone of Hormozgan Province, provide a valuable benchmark for future comparisons in the area, and are important for the design of appropriate policies and long-term management of those ecosystems by local managers and the national authorities.