title: Spatial analysis of Cd and Pb in the Pike (Esox lucius) from Western Anzali wetlands of Iran.
abstract: Geostatistical studies are used to estimate pollution burden in aquatic ecosystems and to plan large-scale control programs to protect these environments. Geostatistical studies allow us to predicted pollutant concentrations for areas that have not been sampled. This is done by taking into account the spatial correlations between estimated and sampled points and by minimizing the variance of estimation error. The use of geostatistical techniques in biomonitoring of fish species can illuminate extent and source of pollution, thereby providing an effective tool for developing intervention strategies to protect such environments. This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns of cadmium and lead in the Pike (Esox lucius). Fish were captured in the western parts of the Anzali wetlands located on the Caspian Sea in Iran. The muscle tissue of Anzali Pike had 5 ± 0.25 and 168 ± 18.4 (ng/g dw) cadmium and lead, respectively. Positive relationships were detected between Pike's length and weight (r = 0.85, p < 0.05), length and age (r = 0.35, p < 0.05), and muscle cadmium and lead (r = 0.45, p < 0.05). By contrast, there was a negative relationship between lead levels and weight in Pike (r = -0.36, p < 0.05). For both metals, the resulting metal concentration maps indicated higher pollutant concentrations in the southeast parts of the study area. Considerable boat traffic activity and agricultural activity contribute to the pollution in these areas, undermining the integrity of local habitat for fish survival and reproduction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box 46414-356, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran. rasoolzamani@yahoo.com
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zamani-Ahmadmahmoodi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Esmaili-Sari
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Riyahi Bakhtiari
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Savabieasfahani
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D017859:Esocidae / Q000378:metabolism*; D005506:Food Contamination; D007492:Iran; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D053833:Wetlands
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead