The correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters in marine pollution: A case study of the Persian Gulf coastline

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters in the Persian Gulf coastline in Bushehr province in 4 seasons from March to December 2017. The physicochemical parameters including water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, pH and turbidity were measured at each sampling location. The results showed a significant correlation between echinoderms diversity and physicochemical parameters. The correlation coefficient of the Astropecten polyacanthus species with the parameters of temperature, DO, EC, salinity and turbidity was reported as -0.41, 0.64, -0.25, -0.44 and 0.60 respectively. This coefficient for the Ophiothrix fragilis species was reported as -0.68, 0.70, -0.21, -0.36 and -0.55 respectively. The results demonstrated that the most sensitive species were Astropecten polyacanthus and Ophiothrix fragilis respectively. The different species of echinoderms can be used as biological indicators of pollution in evaluating the physicochemical quality of marine environments.

Persistent organic pollutants influence the marine benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in surface sediments of Nayband National Park and Bay, Northern Persian Gulf, Iran

Macroinvertebrate communities have been influenced by chemical substances, originated from petrochemical developments, that caused many problems in the marine biota. This study investigated the surface sediments of Nayband National Park and Bay (northern Persian Gulf) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in terms of their distribution, source, and impacts on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages. To this end, a total of 180 surface sediment samples from 20 stations were collected using Van-Veen grab sampler during winter 2018. The concentration of PAHs, TPHs, total organic carbon (TOC). and total organic matter (TOM) were evaluated, and grain size measurements were conducted on sediment samples in this study. Benthic macroinvertebrates were then identified in terms of presence and distribution. The results indicated that coarse granulometric fractions of sands were prevalence in all samples stations. The total concentration of PAHs ranged from 47.57 to 657.68 ng/g and TPHs 5.72 to 42.16 µg/g dw. The risk of ΣPAHs and TPHs in the sediments was relatively low to moderate according to the sediment quality guidelines. Analysis of the results revealed a significant negative correlation between ΣPAHs (R-value =  - 0.917; P < 0.01), TPHs (R-value =  - 0.849; P < 0.01) and macrofaunal abundance. Findings demonstrated that the species richness and abundance were at the lowest levels in stations where concentrations of PAHs, TPHs, TOC, and TOM were in the highest values, suggesting that these contaminants could negatively influence the benthic organisms in Nayband National Park and Bay. The results of correspondence analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed that sedimentary habitats in Nayband National Park and Bay are being negatively affected by PAHs and TPHs, released from Pars Special Economic Energy Zone (PSEEZ). Moreover, the marine biotic index (AMBI) and Shannon-Weiner Diversity (H') results suggest that Nayband National Park and Bay can be classified as slightly to moderate polluted area. In conclusion, Northern Persian Gulf is significantly affected by oil industry developments and petrochemical activities. The unique ecosystem like Nayband National Park and Bay has been in a cautious status in terms of the PSEEZ pollutants and the levels of PAHs and TPHs concentration, warning that urgent environmental programs should be considered to protect the diversity and ecology of this valuable marine systems.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Sea Cucumber Holothuria parva Hydroalcoholic Extract in Rat

A significant challenge in biomedicine is the development of Biomaterials with the potential to accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the gel prepared from sea cucumber on wound healing in rats. Full-thickness wounds were created in male rats divided into five experimental groups, negative control (NC), positive control (PC), and treatments. The NC and PC groups received respectively gel base and phenytoin cream 1%. Treatment groups were treated topically by gels of 1%, 3%, and 5% Holothuria parva extract (HPE) in the gel base. The rats were sacrificed on days 7, 14, and 21. Pathological reports revealed the proliferation of keratinocytes in the borders of the wound in treatment groups and controls. Formation of granulation tissue was seen on day 7 in treatment groups, collagen fibers in granulation tissue were randomly organized, and the rate of fibroblast decreased. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in wound contraction between all groups in comparison to the NC group (P < .05) on day 8. It was concluded that the 1% HPE gel has a good potential for promoting wound healing. [Formula: see text].

Trace metal content in annually banded scleractinian coral 'Porites lobata' across the northern Persian Gulf

Concentrations of trace metals in skeleton growth bands of dominant scleractinian coral 'Porites lobata' in different years were investigated in Kharg and Hebourabi islands in the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. The highest average concentrations of metals respectively were Sr> Mg> Zn> Ba> Cu> U> Ni> Mn> Cr> Co> Pb> V> Cd in Kharg and Sr> Mg> Ba> Cu> U> Ni> Zn> Mn> Cr> Co> V> Pb> Cd in Hendourabi. The coefficient of variation percentages (CV%) of Cr, Mn, Zn, Ba, and Pb in Kharg and Cu and Ba in Hendourabi were more than 50%. Results of PCA analyses revealed that the levels of trace metals in Kharg were defined by three principle components: the first component (Mn, V, Pb, Zn, Ni and half of Mg, Cr and Co) corresponding to the past regional military conflicts and oil pollution, the second component (Sr, U, and Mg) corresponding to sea surface temperature (SST) changes, and the third component (Cr and Co) corresponding to other factors. The results of PCA analyses revealed that trace metals in Hendourabi were defined by two principle components including the first component (Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, and half of Ba) corresponding to annual precipitation changes and the second component (U, Zn, and Ba) corresponding to coastal constructions. The results showed that trace metal contamination in Kharg is higher than those of Hendourabi as a result of the oil exploration-related activities and war.

Ecological risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments, seawater, wastewater, and benthic macroinvertebrates, Persian Gulf

In the current study, ecological risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediments, seawater, wastewater, soft tissues and shell of a major fouling species Callista florida (C. florida) and soft tissue of rocky oyster, Saccostrea cucullata (S. cucullata) are investigated. For this purpose, 25 sediment samples, 24 seawater samples, 28 wastewater samples, and 100 bivalve samples were collected for PTEs analysis. Risk index (RI) and sediment quality guidelines along with calculated enrichment factors (EF) and PTEs profiles revealed that Musa Estuary is threatened by contamination, especially with respect to Hg, Cu, and Zn. The decreasing trend of average element enrichment factor is: Hg > Cu > Ni > Cd > Zn > Co > Cr > Mn > Fe > As > Pb > Mo > Sb. Among the investigated elements, Hg indicated the highest potential ecological risk factor in sediment (RI and EF are 1341.6 and 214.66 close to the industrial area). The Ficklin chart results demonstrated that seawater samples almost plot in regions with high metal load and pH values were the same. Mean concentrations of PTEs in water samples were 1.2 (for Cu) to 6565 (for Hg) times higher than world seawater. Regarding wastewater, pH values changed from very acidic to alkaline while PTEs load ranged from low to high load. In general, PTEs concentration in water samples was higher compared to those of the world seawater. Based on the results obtained in this biomonitoring study, elevated concentrations of Al, Fe, Cu, and Zn were found in soft tissue of C. florida and S. cucullata. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in PTEs concentration between the two studied species. Generally, most PTEs concentration including Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sb in soft tissue fall between water and sediment samples i.e., sediment > biota > water.

Marine solids/NaNO3: As Natural and Efficient Catalysts for Aldol condensation

A new and efficient method have been developed for the synthesis of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds from various aldehydes and ketones, using marine calcinated coral/NaNO3 and cuttlebone/NaNO3, as natural and efficient catalysts for cross aldol condensation. The aim of present study was to study the marine solids/NaNO3: as natural and efficient catalyst for Aldol condensation. The materials were purchased from Merck and Aldrich Companies. The IR spectra were recorded on a Perkin-Elmer RXI infrared spectrometer. H NMR spectra were recorded on a 400 MHz Brucker FT-NMR spectrometer. The SEM image was recorded on 1455 VP LEO-Germany. TLC accomplished the purity of substrates and reactions monitored on silica gel (Merck, Germany) Polygram SIGL/UV254 plates. The melting points are uncorrected. Results showed that, the marine solid are efficient catalysts for aldol condensation, but cuttlebone/NaNO3 catalyze this reaction in shorter time (1 hr) than calcinated coral/NaNO3 (6 hr). However, these marine solids have several advantages such as small amount of the catalyst, good absorbent natural solid, easy to handle, and products in good-to-high yields. In conclusion we found marine catalysts, Calcinated Cuttlebone/NaNO3 or Coral/NaNO3 to be an effective catalyst for aldol condensation from ketones having α-hydrogens and aldehydes in 50 % ethanol at reflux conditions. The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl products were obtained in good to high yields. This method offered marked improvement compared to previously reported ones.

Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Fe, and Hg) content in four fish commonly consumed in Iran: risk assessment for the consumers

In this study, concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Fe, and Hg were determined in commercially valuable fish from Khuzestan shore, northwest of the Persian Gulf. It was also our intention to evaluate potential risks to human health associated with seafood consumption. The liver and skin showed higher metal concentrations than the muscle. The results showed that heavy metal concentrations in different food habitats increase in the following order: benthic omnivorous fish < zooplanktivore fish < phytoplanktivore fish < piscivore fish. Also, the comparison indicated that benthic species (Euryglossa orientalis, Otolithes ruber) were more contaminated than pelagic species (Liza abu and Psettodes erumei). Therefore, the concentration of heavy metals in edible part of fish species did not exceed the permissible limits proposed by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (1983), WHO (1996), Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) (1999), and FAD (2001) which are suitable for human consumption, except for Ni and Cd in E. orientalis and Pb in O. ruber.

Mercury contamination in some marine biota species from Khuzestan shore, Persian Gulf

In this study, concentrations of mercury (Hg) were analyzed in some marine biota species (fish, shrimp, and crab) from Khuzestan shore, north part of the Persian Gulf. It was also our intention to evaluate potential risks to human health associated with seafood consumption. The results indicated that concentrations of Hg in the fish and crustacean were different among the species and tissues. Liver in fish and hepatopancreas in crustacean exhibited higher Hg concentration than the other tissues. The highest concentration of Hg was detected in Acanthopagrus latus liver (1.37 µg/g), followed by Labeo rohita (0.87 µg/g), Johnius belangerii (0.79 µg/g), and Barbus grypus (0.69 µg/g), respectively. Also the highest Hg concentrations were detected in shrimp species, Penaeus semisulcatus hepatopancreas (0.95 µg/g), followed by blue crab Portunus pelagicus (0.76 µg/g) and Metapenaues affinis (0.64 µg/g), respectively. The comparison indicated that benthic species were more contaminated than were other pelagic species. The results indicated that highest concentrations of Hg between different stations were detected in Musa estuary. The Hg concentration in all species were low than standards, expect in A. latus and P. semisulcatus collected from Musa estuary (S4). The variation in Hg levels among the species is likely to have resulted from metal bioavailability, changes in tissue composition, habitat,s and locations.

Mercury accumulation in selected tissues of shrimp Penaeus merguiensis from Musa estuary, Persian Gulf: variations related to sex, size, and season

The levels of mercury in tissues of Penaeus merguiensis from Musa estuary, northwest of the Persian Gulf, were investigated. This study assessed the relationship between mercury levels in hepatopancrea, gill, and muscle with sex, size, and season. The order of mercury concentrations in tissues of the shrimp P. merguiensis was as follows: hepatopancreas > gill > muscle. There was a positive correlation between mercury concentrations in shrimp species with sex and size of its food items. We expected to see higher mercury levels in tissues of female species because they are larger and can eat larger food items. Also, there was a positive correlation between mercury concentrations in shrimp species with its food source. Therefore, female species feed more on shrimp and plant and are contaminated with high levels of mercury. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in mercury levels between different seasons; higher mercury levels were found in July (summer season).

Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolics and Flavonoid Contents of some Edible Green Seaweeds from Northern Coasts of the Persian Gulf

The antioxidant activity, contents of total phenolics and flavonoids were quantified in the methanolic extracts of four Ulva species (Ulva clathrata (Roth) C.Agardh, Ulva linza Linnaeus, Ulva flexuosa Wulfen and Ulva intestinalis Linnaeus) grown at different parts of northern coasts of the Persian Gulf in south of Iran. The seaweeds were collected from Dayyer, Taheri and Northern Ouli coasts in April 2011. Methanolic extracts of the seaweeds were assessed for their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging assay and was performed in a microplate reader. All species exhibited a DPPH radical scavenging activity, and among the species, Ulva clathrata demonstrated greater antioxidant potential with a low IC50 (0.881 mg mL(-1)) in comparison with those of the other species. Also the highest phenolic content (5.080 mg GAE g(-1)) and flavonoid content (33.094 mg RE g(-1)) were observed in U.clathrata. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents showed positive correlations with the DPPH radical scavenging activity (p < 0.01) and negative correlations with IC50 (p < 0.01).The results suggest that these edible green seaweeds possess antioxidant potential which could be considered for future applications in medicine, dietary supplements ,cosmetics or food industries.

Bioaccumulation of trace mercury in trophic levels of benthic, benthopelagic, pelagic fish species, and sea birds from Arvand River, Iran

In this study, concentration of mercury was determined in the trophic levels of benthic, benthopelagic, pelagic fish species, and river birds from Arvand River, located in the Khuzestan province in the lowlands of southwestern Iran at the head of the Persian Gulf. The order of mercury concentrations in tissues of the fish species was as follows: liver>gill>muscle and in tissues of the kingfisher species was as follows: feather>liver>kidney>muscle. Therefore, liver in fish and feather in kingfisher exhibited higher mercury concentration than the other tissues. There was a positive correlation between mercury concentrations in fish and kingfisher species with size of its food items. We expected to see higher mercury levels in tissues of female species because they are larger and can eat larger food items. The results of this study show that the highest mean mercury level were found in the kingfisher (Anas crecca), followed by benthic (Epinephelus diacanthus), benthopelagic (Chanos chanos), and pelagic fish (Strongylura strongylura). Mean value of mercury in fish species, S. strongylura were (0.61 μg g(-1) dry weight), C. chanos (0.45 μg g(-1) dry weight), E. diacanthus (0.87 μg g(-1) dry weight), and in kingfisher species A. crecca was (2.64 μg g(-1) dry weight). Significant correlation between mercury concentration in fish and kingfisher may be related to high variability of mercury in the fish.

Antioxidant Properties of two Edible Green Seaweeds From Northern Coasts of the Persian Gulf

BACKGROUND

Ulva genus, an edible seaweed, and an important food source in many south-east Asian countries is also recognized by its synonymous name as Enteromorpha.

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to evaluate antioxidant activity, contents of total phenolics, and flavonoids of methanolic extracts of edible green seaweeds including Ulva clathrata (Roth) C. Agardh and three samples of Ulva prolifera O.F.Müller grown at different parts of Bushehr Province along the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The seaweeds were collected from Bordekhoun, Northern Ouli, Taheri and Kangan coasts in December 2011. Methanolic extracts of the seaweeds were assessed for their antioxidant activity using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and was performed in a microplate reader. Total phenolics were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and flavonoid content was evaluated by colorimetric method.

RESULTS

All samples showed antioxidant activity to various degrees. Ulva clathrata exhibited a high DPPH radical scavenging activity with a low IC50 (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration) (0.715 ± 0.078 mg. mL(-1)). The highest phenolic content (4.468 ± 0.379 mg GAE g(-1)) (gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid content (45.577 ± 0.949 mg RE g-1) (rutin equivalent) were also observed in U .clathrata. The phenolic and flavonoid contents showed positive correlations with the DPPH radical scavenging activity and negative correlations with IC50 (P < 0.01). Besides, Results showed that there was a positive correlation between total phenolics and flavonoid content of extracts (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Strong positive and significant correlations between DPPH radical scavenging and phenolic and flavonoid contents showed that, phenolic compounds, including flavonoids are the main contributors of antioxidant activity in these Ulva species and variations in phenolics and flavonoid contents of the seaweed extracts may be due to the variation in physicochemical parameters such as salinity amongst the selected stations.

Cytotoxicity of fucosterol containing fraction of marine algae against breast and colon carcinoma cell line

CONTEXT

Marine algae produce different secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological activities. Many studies have been achieved on the screening of biological effects of marine organisms and a lot of active compounds were isolated and characterized.

AIMS

In an attempt to find cytotoxic compound of hexane fraction, isolation, identification, and cytotoxicity of active compound of this fraction were performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, total methanolic (70%) extract and partition fractions of hexane, chloroform (CHCl(3)), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and MeOH-H(2)O of Sargassum angustifolium, Chondria dasyphylla, and Ulva flexuosa, collected from coastlines of the Persian Gulf in south of Iran, were studied against colon carcinoma (HT-29), colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), breast ductal carcinoma (T47D), and Swiss mouse embryo fibroblast (NIH 3T3) cell lines by MTT assay.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

IC(50) (median growth inhibitory concentration) values were calculated by Sigmaplot (10) software.

RESULTS

Hexane fraction of Chondria dasyphylla (IC(50) 82.26 ± 4.09 μg/ml) and MeOH-H(2)O fraction of Ulva flexuosa (IC(50) 116.92 ± 8.58 μg/ml) showed cytotoxic activity against proliferation of T47D cells. Hexane fraction of Sargassum angustifolium was also observed for cytotoxicity against T47D and HT-29 cell lines (IC(50) 166.42 ± 26.7 and 190.24 ± 52.8 μg/ml), respectively. An investigation of a component from the hexane fraction of Sargassum angustifolium yielded a steroidal metabolite, fucosterol, with cytotoxicity in T47D and HT29 (IC(50) 27.94 ± 9.3 and 70.41 ± 7.5 μg/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that fucosterol, the most abundant phytosterol in brown algae, is responsible for cytotoxic effect of this extract against breast and colon carcinoma cell lines.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in trophic levels of wetland plants and waterfowl birds

Present study investigates relationships between total and bioaccessibility of trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, NI, Pb, V, and Zn) concentrations in sediment and their bioaccumulation in species in Shadegan wetland in southwest of Iran. Bioavailability factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated in plants and trophic transfer factor (TTF) was determined in bird species. For this purpose, sampling of sediments, aquatic plants including Phragmites australis, Typha australis, Scripus maritimus and two bird species encircling Porphyrio porphyrio and globally threatened Marmaronetta angustirostris were carried out during winter 2009. Result of chemical analysis show that bioaccessibility concentrations of Mn (8.31 mg/kg), V (1.33 mg/kg), and Pb (1.03 mg/kg) are higher than other metals. The uptake trend of trace elements in plant decreases as root > stem > leaf. Accumulation levels of trace elements in different tissues of P. porphyrio and M. angustirostris are almost identical and considerable. Accumulation and toxicity of Cd in birds is more than plants. In addition, BAF of V, Pb, and Cr indicates high accumulation by plants and great pollution rate in the area of study. In S. maritimus TF for Mn, Cu, Pb, and V are high whereas in T. australis, Cu and Pb posses the highest TF. Also Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn have higher TF from stem to leaf than root to stem in P. australis. Finally, TTFs were compared in various bird species.

Application of biotic indices in assessing the ecological quality status of Bahrekan estuary (Persian Gulf)

The aim of present study was to examine the macro invertebrates as an assessment tool for characterization of the state of Bahrekan estuary in Persian Gulf, by using different biotic indices. An investigation on benthos was carried out during autumn 2008 to summer 2009 in the Bahrekan estuary (Persian Gulf). In order to identify and assess the benthic community structure, seasonal sampling was done from 21 stations with three replicates using van veen grab (./285 m2). The ecological indices, such as (AMBI, BI and Bentix), Shannon-Wiener index (H'), species richness (S) were applied to the available benthic species data, and evaluated comparatively. The grain size of sediments and total organic matter as essential factors in distribution and population diversity of macrobenthos communities were also analysed. According to the results, 17 groups of macrobenthos were identified. Out of 111 genus/species identified in this study, Gastropoda was the dominate group (79.8%), followed by Bivalvia (5.5%). Pyrgohydrobia sp. belonged to gastropoda was dominant in all of seasons. The results showed that all of the stations are characterized as muddy bottom and Bahrekan estuary are classified in slightly to moderate pollution status.

Morphology of the zoeal stages of Hexapus sexpes fabricius, 1798 (decapoda, brachyura, hexapodidae) reared in the laboratory

Abstract: The present information is based on the study of the zoeal stages of Hexapus sexpes. A single ovigerous female of Hexapus sexpes was collected from the North West Persian Gulf (29 degrees 56'14"S, 49 degrees 0288"W) in April 2009. Female was maintained in aquarium containing natural sea water at 25 degrees C until the eggs hatched. The present study describes the zoeal stages of Hexapus sexpes. A complete description and illustration of larval features is provided and a comparison with closely related species (Spiroplax spiralis and Lambdophallus anfractus) showing known larval development is presented. The zoeal stages of H sexpes are very similar to that of L. anfractus. The zoeal of two species, however, could separate by the number of setae on the maxillule and maxilla.

Applying Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity in a soft bottom ecosystem in North of the Persian Gulf

In this study, the Chesapeake Bay Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) was selected in an attempt to describe ecological health of soft bottom channels (Khowr-e Musa) in North of the Persian Gulf. Most of study area was found to be in degraded or severely degraded conditions. B-IBI scores were ranged between 1 and 3.86. Comparison ofmacrobenthos abundance and organic content between two developmental periods showed significant difference (p < 0.05). After the establishment and development of petrochemical industries, the abundance of macrofauna decreased (809 to 239 individuals m(-2)) and organic content increased leading to organic enrichment (15.3 to 22.4%). Three new sources of organic matter were found to be important namely industrial waste, sewage and mangrove litter. After 1999 about 6 millions Avicennia marina tree were planted near petrochemical zone in the area. Study area changed rapidly in the last decade and region is under severely anthropogenic impacts. The present study showed that Khowr-e Musa is under both natural stress and anthropogenic impacts and two main impacts could be attributed to the organic enrichment and to the dredging. Choice of suitable management plans and metric controls could help to the salvage of the largest tidal channel complex in Persian Gulf.

The food habit of Epinephelus coioides (Hamilton, 1822) in Khuzestan coastal waters (Persian Gulf)

During January 2000 to March 2001, a large number of Epinephelus coioides species was captured in main fishing areas of Khuzestan province namely, Busafe-Liphe and Bahrakan, North of Persian Gulf. The stomach contents of 394 individuals were analysed, in which 226 individuals had contained (trace-full) stomachs while 168 individuals had empty stomachs. The percentages of CV in males were more than in females. Seventy three percent of stomachs contained fish 11% crab; 8.8% shrimp; 3.9% squid; 1.7% gastropod and 0.4% bivalves. The intensity of feeding in monthly sampling periods and length groups did not show a clear trend. The results of Fp index showed 73% for fish; crab 11%; shrimp 8.8%; squid 3.9%; gastropod 1.7 and 0.4% for bivalvia. Similar pattern of feeding was observed using CN index. The main food items for E. coioides were fish followed by crabs and accidental food items were shrimp, squid, gastropods and bivalvia.