Next Article in Journal
Underwater Line Monitoring Using Optimally Placed Inclinometers
Previous Article in Journal
A Theoretical Model for the Hydraulic Permeability of Clayey Sediments Considering the Impact of Pore Fluid Chemistry
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
JMSE
Volume 12
Issue 11
10.3390/jmse12111938
jmse-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf

by
Yousef Darvishi
1,
Hamidreza Pourkhabbaz
1,
Paolo Pastorino
2,
Giuseppe Esposito
2,
Mahdi Banaee
3,* and
Caterina Faggio
4,5,*
1
Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, Behbahan Khatam Al-Anbia University of Technology, Behbahan 63616-63976, Iran
2
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
3
Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Resources, Behbahan Khatam Al-Anbia University of Technology, Behbahan 63616-63976, Iran
4
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98100 Messina, Italy
5
Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Marine Ecosostenibili, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80121 Napoli, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12(11), 1938; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12111938
Submission received: 17 September 2024 / Revised: 13 October 2024 / Accepted: 28 October 2024 / Published: 29 October 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biology)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Trace element pollution in the Persian Gulf originates from industrial activities, urbanization, shipping, and oil extraction, leading to accumulation in sediments, water, and marine life such as jellyfish. This study investigated trace element bioaccumulation in two jellyfish species, Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda, across different locations. Jellyfish samples were collected from the Mahshahr and Dilam ports, and their trace element concentrations were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study revealed no significant differences in trace element concentrations between C. orsini and C. andromeda. However, levels of copper, iron, manganese, and nickel were significantly higher in specimens from Mahshahr compared to those from Dilam. No significant differences were observed for cadmium, mercury, vanadium, tin, magnesium, and selenium across sites. Lower concentrations of lead, arsenic, zinc, and cobalt were found in C. orsini from Dilam compared to Mahshahr. Additionally, the study found no significant correlation between trace element concentrations in the water and their accumulation in jellyfish bodies. These findings offer valuable insights into the distribution and bioaccumulation of trace elements in jellyfish populations across different marine environments in the Persian Gulf.

1. Introduction

The northwestern coastal waters of the Persian Gulf, encompassing the Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces, face significant environmental challenges due to the discharge of various pollutants [1,2]. These pollutants stem from urbanization, the development of local industries, crude oil exploration and extraction, sea transportation, and ecotourism [3,4,5,6]. Studies have shown that industrial and urban wastewater discharge into the Persian Gulf significantly threatens the region’s ecosystem and aquatic life [6,7,8,9]. The Persian Gulf’s unique environmental conditions, relatively shallow waters, high salinity, and limited water circulation exacerbate the impact of these pollutants. Furthermore, the northern regions of the Persian Gulf are more vulnerable than the southern regions due to their shallower depths, limited water circulation, and higher salinity and temperature [10,11,12,13].
Metal pollution is a critical environmental issue that significantly impacts marine ecosystems, and the Persian Gulf is no exception [14]. Trace elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), tin (Sn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), originate from various anthropogenic activities, including industrial discharges, urban runoff, marine transportation, and oil extraction [1,8,15,16]. These metals are toxic to marine organisms, even at low concentrations, and can cause direct harm by damaging cellular structures, disrupting metabolic functions, and impairing growth and development [8,17,18,19,20]. They can accumulate in marine organisms and bioconcentrate throughout the food chain [6]. Trace elements can disrupt the ecological balance, cause habitat destruction, and alter biogeochemical cycles [8,21]. The contamination of commercially important fish and shellfish species with trace elements threatens consumer health and can lead to economic stagnation in the fishing industry [12,22,23]. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt various strategies to reduce trace element pollution and protect marine ecosystems. Achieving this goal requires continuous monitoring and study of pollutant sources within marine ecosystems, understanding the distribution of pollutants in the environment, and tracking trace elements in ecosystems and aquatic organisms [24,25]. Moreover, implementing legal restrictions to prevent the discharge of industrial and urban wastewater and the dumping of waste in coastal areas and on the seabed is crucial.
Jellyfish are among the most critical invertebrates in aquatic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in marine and oceanic ecosystem cycles. Jellyfish, as predators and prey in marine food webs, support and sustain marine ecosystem productivity [26,27]. These organisms are sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature, salinity, and pollution levels. Their sensitivity to environmental pollutants is attributed to their lifestyle, life cycle, and basic anatomy. Jellyfish, as filter feeders, unintentionally consume suspended particles, such as metal pollutants, which accumulate in their bodies.
Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda are two distinct jellyfish species found in the Persian Gulf’s northwestern coastal waters [27,28,29]. C. orsini, commonly known as the morning jelly, belongs to the family Crambionellidae within the class Scyphozoa. It is recognized by its transparent bell, delicate radial canals, and lake of tentacles along the bell margin. Found primarily in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Indian and Pacific Oceans, C. orsini inhabits coastal waters, lagoons, and reef environments. As a planktonic organism, it drifts passively with ocean currents, feeding on zooplankton and small fish using its thin, branched oral arms. Although C. orsini has no significant economic or ecological impacts, it plays a role in marine food webs as a predator of tiny planktonic organisms. C. andromeda, commonly known as the upside-down jellyfish, belongs to the genus Cassiopea within the family Cassiopeidae. It is characterized by its unique behavior of resting upside down on the sea floor, exposing its pulsating bell upwards. Typically brown or beige with white or pale spots, its bell, which is typically brown or beige with white or pale spots, can grow to be up to 30 cm in diameter. C. andromeda can be found in tropical and subtropical regions all over the world, and it prefers shallow coastal waters, lagoons, and mangrove ecosystems with sandy or muddy substrates. Feeding primarily on zooplankton and small invertebrates, C. andromeda reproduces through both sexual and asexual means, contributing to its role in marine ecosystems as predator and prey.
The aim of this study was to measure the levels of trace elements accumulated in the two different jellyfish species, Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda, found in the northwest Persian Gulf’s coastal waters. In this study, Mahshahr Port (Khuzestan Province) and Dilam Port (Bushehr Province) were selected as two important jellyfish habitats. Mahshahr is a key center of Iran’s petrochemical industry, and the shipping route from this port is critical to the country’s petrochemical sector. Thus, pollution in this port can be severe. In contrast, Dilam Port is important for tourism and fishing, and its pollution could be influenced by municipal sewage and fishing vessels.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Animals

The research proposal and methodology for this study have been approved by the Scientific and Research Committee of Khatam Alanbia Behbahan University of Technology [6-1-124882]. Jellyfish, including Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda, were collected using trammel nets from the coastal waters of the northwestern Persian Gulf, specifically from Mahshaher in Khuzestan Province and Deilam Port in Bushehr Province.
After sampling, the jellyfish were rinsed with seawater from the sampling sites to remove any visible sediments and debris. The samples were then packaged on ice and transported to the laboratory. The jellyfish species were identified based on their morphology and characteristics. Then, the samples were packed separately and kept in a freezer at −80 °C until analysis. Triplicate 30 mL water samples were collected from both sites’ surfaces, immediately filtered through Whatman filter paper, and stored in acid-washed vials. The water samples were acidified on-site with 20% HNO3 and stored at 4 °C until analysis.

2.2. Sample Processing and Trace Elements Analysis

Twenty-four jellyfish from each site, including 12 C. orsini and 12 C. andromeda, were examined for trace element concentrations. The specimens were first divided into three groups based on size and weight (<200 g, 200–500 g, and >500 g). Afterward, samples were taken from various parts of the jellyfish bodies. Each sample was weighed (5 g wet weight) and thoroughly homogenized, then pooled. The pooled samples were then incinerated in a furnace at 550 °C to convert to ash. Subsequently, the ash was digested with 5 mL of H2O2, 2.5 mL of HNO3 (0.1 N), and 2.5 mL of HCl (0.1 N). The digested solution was then diluted to a final volume of 30 mL with deionized water to obtain a concentration suitable for analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; Model PerkinElmer, Optima 8300; Shelton, Connecticut, USA). Water samples were also analyzed using ICP-MS.
Next, suspended particles or undissolved solids were removed from the diluted samples using filter paper. Trace elements were analyzed with ICP-MS, using argon gas to generate the plasma environment.
Calibration standards, solutions with known concentrations of the target trace elements, were used to calibrate the ICP-MS instrument and establish a calibration curve that correlated the instrument’s signal with metal concentrations. Quality control samples were also prepared to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the analysis, including blanks, duplicates, and spiked samples. Blanks containing no analytes were used to detect contamination or background noise. Furthermore, to evaluate the accuracy of the measurements, they were analyzed, and the readings of the samples were repeated several times. Furthermore, spiked samples, which contain known amounts of analytes added to the matrix, were used to validate the accuracy and recovery of the method.
In this study, specific trace elements, including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), tin (Sn), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), were measured in the jellyfish. The detection limits were as follows: 0.1 µg L−1 for Cu, Mg, Se, and Mn; 0.05 µg L−1 for Pb and Cd; 1.0 µg L−1 for As and Fe; 2.0 µg L−1 for Zn; and 0.01 µg L−1 for Hg, V, Sn, Ni, and Co.
The bioconcentration of various trace elements was indicated as the metal mass (μg) per unit of wet tissue mass (g), and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was computed using the following formulas:
B C F = C o n . J e l l y f i s h C o n . W a t e r
Con. Jellyfish showed the concentration of various trace elements in the jellyfish samples (μg g−1 dry weight), while Con. Water indicated the concentration of trace elements in the water (μg L−1).

2.3. Statistical Analysis

Trace element concentrations and bioconcentration factor (BCF) values for each element were grouped by location (Dilam Port and Mahshahr). To ensure the independence of observations and verify normality and homogeneity of variances, the Shapiro-Wilk test and Levene’s test were applied, resectively. Following this, a Student’s t-test was conducted for each element to compare the mean BCFs and bioaccumulation levels of metals between the different sites and species. Moreover, the t-test was used to assess differences between jellyfish species and sampling locations. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24.

3. Results

The bioaccumulation of trace elements in the tissues of Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea Andromeda are reported in Table 1. Results showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05 for all comparisons) in the concentrations of trace elements between the bodies of C. orsini and C. andromeda (Table 1).
The concentrations of different trace elements are presented in Table 2. The results indicated that element levels in the Mahshahr Port were significantly higher than those in Deilam port. This statistically significant difference in heavy metal concentrations suggested a notable difference in pollution levels between the two locations, which could have serious consequences for the marine ecosystem (Table 2).
Table 3 presents the bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factor values of specific trace elements in jellyfish tissue sampled from various locations. The results indicated significantly higher levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Ni bioaccumulation in C. orsini and C. andromeda from Mahshahr Port than those from Dilam Port. Conversely, no significant differences were found in Cd, Hg, V, Sn, Mg, and Se levels between C. orsini and C. andromeda samples from different sites. Compared to the other samples, the lowest Pb, As, Zn, and Co concentrations were observed in C. orsini collected from the Dilam Port (Table 3).
The analysis of trace element bioaccumulation in C. orsini and C. andromeda showed no significant differences in metal concentrations between the two species. However, regional variations were observed, with higher concentrations of certain metals in individuals sampled from Mahshahr than Dilam, likely due to industrial activities, particularly in the petrochemical sector.
The results presented in Table 3 show the concentrations of various trace elements in C. orsini and C. andromeda collected from two locations (Dilam and Mahshahr), along with their corresponding bioconcentration factors (BCF), expressed as mean ± standard deviation (µg/g dry weight). Significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Co were observed in C. orsini from Mahshahr compared to Dilam, indicating a higher level of bioaccumulation in that region. Moreover, Cu, Fe, Pb, As, Ni, and Co concentrations in the C. andromeda from Mahshahr were significantly higher than those from Dilam (p < 0.05).
The findings showed that the BCF values for Cd, Pb, Hg, V, Sn, Se, and Co in C. orsini from Dilam were more significant than 1. Similarly, the BCF values for Pb, Hg, V, Sn, Se, and Co in C. orsini from Mahshahr were higher than 1. However, the BCF for trace elements in C. orsini from Dilam and Mahshahr revealed low Cu, Fe, As, Zn, Mg, Mn, and Ni bioaccumulation.
For C. andromeda collected from Dilam and Mahshahr, the BCF revealed varying levels of trace element accumulation. In C. andromeda from Dilam, Pb, Hg, V, Se, and Co showed bioaccumulation potential with BCF values higher than 1. At the same time, Cu, Fe, Cd, and Ni exhibited low BCF values, indicating minimal bioaccumulation. In contrast, the BCF values for Cd, Pb, Hg, V, Sn, Se, and Ni in C. andromeda from Mahshahr were more significant than 1. In contrast, the bioaccumulation values for other metals were less than 1.
The BCF values for several metals exceeded 1 in both species, indicating potential bioaccumulation, particularly for metals such as Pb, Hg, V, and Co. Different letters (a, b) indicate statistically significant differences in heavy metal concentrations between the two locations, suggesting that industrial activities in Mahshahr, especially in the petrochemical sector, might be a potential source of contamination.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate the relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the Dilam and Mahshahr Ports water and bioaccumulation levels in the body of C. orsini. The results indicated no significant correlation between the heavy metal concentrations in the water at these ports and the bioaccumulation levels in C. orsini.
Similarly, Figure 3 and Figure 4 show the correlation between heavy metal concentrations in the water at Dilam and Mahshahr Ports and the extent of bioaccumulation in the body of C. andromeda. The findings displayed no significant correlation between the metal concentrations in the water at these ports and the extent of bioaccumulation in C. andromeda.
The results indicated that environmental parameters and biological properties of the jellyfish, rather than waterborne trace element concentrations, may influence bioaccumulation in these species. These findings suggest that factors such as jellyfish physiology, habitat conditions, and feeding behaviors could significantly determine the levels of trace elements accumulated in their tissues.

4. Discussion

Jellyfish are useful for biomonitoring because they can accumulate contaminants over short periods of time. This potential makes them effective at detecting both chronic and acute pollution. Research has shown that jellyfish accumulate trace elements in their tissues [30]. Regional studies further highlight the utility of jellyfish as biomonitors [31,32]. The results in Table 1 indicate no significant difference in trace element concentrations between C. orsini and C. andromeda. This finding indicated that both species exhibit similar levels of bioaccumulation for the studied trace elements despite potential differences in their niches or ecological behaviors. These findings suggest that the environmental conditions and sources of these trace elements were consistent across the habitats sampled for both species. Furthermore, they indicate comparable physiological mechanisms for metal uptake and storage between the two species, resulting in similar bioaccumulation patterns.
Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) bioaccumulation levels were significantly higher in C. orsini and C. andromeda samples from Mahshahr Port than in samples from Dilam harbor. The elevated levels of these trace elements in jellyfish from the Mahshahr harbor indicate that the water of this area is contaminated. Factors such as industrial activities, port operations, or local water chemistry likely contribute to increased metal levels in the water and, consequently, in the jellyfish. Mercado et al. [33] found that Aurelia aurita was highly sensitive to Cu and Cr.
A notable difference in bioaccumulation levels suggested distinct sources of pollution between the two ports. Mahshahr Port likely received higher concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mg, and Ni from human activities than in Dilam Port. Elevated levels of trace elements in marine organisms could have cascading effects through the food web, potentially impacting human health if these organisms were part of the local diet. Templeman and Kingsford [34] found that Cassiopea maremetens accumulated copper at 99 times the water concentration and retained zinc effectively, underscoring its potential for short-term metal pollution monitoring.
No significant differences were observed in the levels of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), vanadium (V), tin (Sn), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se) in the bodies of C. orsini and C. andromeda at different sampling sites. These results indicated that these particular metals were evenly distributed throughout the marine environment of the study area. Factors such as ocean currents, atmospheric deposition, or geological features likely influenced the uniform distribution of Cd, Hg, V, Sn, Mg, and Se across different sites. Similar levels of these metals in both C. orsini and C. andromeda at different locations showed that these jellyfish species might have comparable capabilities to absorb these elements from their environments.
Pb, As, Zn, and Co concentrations in C. orsini sampled from Dilam Port were lower than in jellyfish caught in Mahshahr harbor. Furthermore, the levels of these metals in C. andromeda collected from Mahshahr and Dilam Ports were significantly higher than those in C. orsini from Dilam Port. The lower concentrations of Pb, As, Zn, and Co in C. orsini from Dilam Port compared to Mahshahr Port indicated differences in pollution levels between the two locations. These results could be attributed to variations in industrial activities, urbanization, or natural geological features influencing metal inputs into the marine environment. Additionally, the findings suggested that differences in habitat preferences, feeding behaviors, or physiological responses to metal exposure between the two jellyfish species might have influenced their respective capabilities to accumulate certain trace elements. Bhuyan et al. [31] found that Lobonemoides robustus from Cox’s Bazar contained only trace levels of metals, with lead (Pb) at 0.39 ppm.
The accumulation of trace elements in jellyfish bodies can disrupt their growth, reproduction, movement, swimming behaviors, and other physiological activities [35]. Interestingly, no significant correlation was found between the concentrations of trace elements in the water and the levels accumulated in jellyfish bodies. This result showed that element absorption and excretion mechanisms in jellyfish may play a crucial role. Jellyfish can directly absorb dissolved trace elements from the water through their epidermal cells. Also, they may acquire trace elements through their diet by consuming contaminated prey or suspended particles. However, jellyfish may differ metabolically from other aquatic organisms, influencing their element accumulation. They can excrete trace elements through various pathways, including mucus secretion, shedding of epidermal cells, and excretion with undigested food. Studies in the Mar Menor lagoon showed that Rhizostoma pulmo and Cotylorhiza tuberculata had high element bioconcentration despite moderate seawater levels. This highlights jellyfish’s role in indicating localized pollution and potential health risks from consumption [32,36].
The bioaccumulation of the metalloid As and the metals Mn, Mo, and Zn has been reported in various tissues of Rhizostoma pulmo [37]. Similar studies on jellyfish were conducted by Fowler et al. [38]. Aljbour et al. [39] demonstrated that exposure to trace elements could induce oxidative stress and metabolic changes in Cassiopea jellyfish.
Furthermore, the toxicity of trace elements to jellyfish can disrupt their vital roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and serving as food sources for other aquatic organisms. Lucas and Horton [35] investigated the effects of cadmium and silver exposure on the polyp status of Aurelia aurita, including germination, strobilation, deformity, and mortality. They found that higher concentrations of trace elements increased the rates of polyp death and deformity.
Morabito et al. [40] showed that exposure to trace elements could affect the homeostasis of nematocyst discharge capability and toxin production potential in Pelagia noctiluca. In another study, Morabito et al. [41] observed decreased efficiency of toxin biosynthesis in different species. Béziat and Kunzmann [42] studied the physiological response of Cassiopea andromeda to metal exposure.

5. Conclusions

In conclusion, the study findings have provided valuable insights into the bioaccumulation patterns of trace elements in jellyfish species across various sampling locations. The results showed that C. orsini and C. Andromeda had similar levels of trace element bioaccumulation, indicating that the environmental conditions were consistent across their habitats. Elevated metal concentrations in jellyfish from Mahshar Port imply higher pollution levels linked to industrial activities. There was no significant correlation found between water concentrations of trace elements and their accumulation in jellyfish bodies. Furthermore, the widespread dispersion of certain trace elements across sampling locations underscores the complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors in metal distribution. Species-specific differences in metal uptake emphasize the importance of understanding biological and environmental factors in metal bioaccumulation processes. These results highlight the ongoing need for monitoring and controlling trace element pollution in marine ecosystems to safeguard environmental quality and human well-being.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, Y.D.; H.P. and M.B.; methodology, M.B.; software, M.B.; validation, M.B., M.B., C.F. and G.E.; formal analysis, M.B.; investigation, Y.D. and M.B.; writing—original draft preparation, M.B.; writing—review and editing, P.P.; visualization, Y.D.; supervision, H.P. and M.B.; project administration, H.P.; funding acquisition, Y.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

The animal study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (or Ethics Committee) of Khatam Alanbia Behbahan University of Technology [6-1-124882] for studies involving animals.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank all individuals and institutions who contributed to this article. Thanks to Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology (Iran) for providing resources and facilities. We also acknowledge the researchers and technicians involved in data collection and analysis.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

  1. Agah, H.; Hashtroudi, M.; Baeyens, W. Trace metals and major elements in sediments of the northern persian gulf. J. Persian Gulf 2012, 3, 45–58. [Google Scholar]
  2. Hedayatzadeh, F.; Ildoromi, A.; Hassanzadeh, N.; Bahramifar, N.; Banaee, M. Comprehensive monitoring of contamination and ecological-health risk assessment of potentially harmful elements in surface water of maroon–jarahi sub-basin of the persian gulf, iran. Environ. Geochem. Health 2024, 46, 411. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Hassanshahian, M.; Amirinejad, N.; Askarinejad Behzadi, M. Crude oil pollution and biodegradation at the Persian Gulf: A comprehensive and review study. J. Environ. Health Sci. Eng. 2020, 18, 1415–1435. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Kor, K.; Mehdinia, A. Neustonic microplastic pollution in the Persian Gulf. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2020, 150, 110665. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Tolian, R.; Makhsoosi, A.H.; Bushehri, P.K. Investigation of heavy metals in the ballast water of ship tanks after and before the implementation of the ballast water convention: Bushehr port, Persian gulf. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2020, 157, 111378. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Rezaei, M.; Mehdinia, A.; Saleh, A.; Modabberi, S.; Mansouri Daneshvar, M.R. Environmental assessment of heavy metal concentration and pollution in the Persian gulf. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. 2021, 7, 983–1003. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Keshavarzifard, M.; Vazirzadeh, A.; Sharifinia, M. Implications of anthropogenic effects on the coastal environment of northern persian gulf, using jinga shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis) as indicator. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2020, 159, 111463. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Elsagh, A.; Jalilian, H.; Aslshabestari, M.G. Evaluation of heavy metal pollution in coastal sediments of bandar abbas, the persian gulf, iran: Mercury pollution and environmental geochemical indices. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2021, 167, 112314. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Gholamhosseini, A.; Shiry, N.; Soltanian, S.; Banaee, M. Bioaccumulation of metals in marine fish species captured from the northern shores of the gulf of oman, iran. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci. 2021, 41, 101599. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Khatir, Z.; Leitão, A.; Lyons, B.P. The biological effects of chemical contaminants in the arabian/persian gulf: A review. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci. 2020, 33, 100930. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Saleh, A.; Abtahi, B.; Mirzaei, N.; Chen, C.T.; Ershadifar, H.; Ghaemi, M.; Hamzehpour, A.; Abedi, E. Hypoxia in the persian gulf and the strait of hormuz. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2021, 167, 112354. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  12. Taghavi, M.; Shadboorestan, A.; Kalankesh, L.R.; Mohammadi-Bardbori, A.; Ghaffari, H.R.; Safa, O.; Farshidfar, G.; Omidi, M. Health risk assessment of heavy metal toxicity in the aquatic environment of the persian gulf. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2024, 202, 116360. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Uddin, S.; Fowler, S.W.; Saeed, T.; Jupp, B.; Faizuddin, M. Petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in sediments from the gulf and omani waters: Status and review. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2021, 173, 112913. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Gholamhosseini, A.; Banaee, M.; Sinha, R.; Zeidi, A.; Faggio, C. Bio-concentration of heavy metals in marine crustaceans’ hemolymph: Insights from Oman sea, Iran. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2024. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Banaee, M.; Zeidi, A.; Mikušková, N.; Faggio, C. Assessing metal toxicity on crustaceans in aquatic ecosystems: A comprehensive review. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 2024, 202, 5743–5761. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Bastami, K.D.; Haghparast, S.; Bagheri, H.; Baniamam, M. Chemical characteristics of sediments during winter in mangroves of gheshm island, north of the persian gulf. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci. 2023, 61, 102936. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  17. Banaee, M.; Beitsayah, A.; Prokić, M.D.; Petrović, T.G.; Zeidi, A.; Faggio, C. Effects of cadmium chloride and biofertilizer (bacilar) on biochemical parameters of freshwater fish, alburnus mossulensis. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part C Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2023, 268, 109614. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Gholamhosseini, A.; Banaee, M.; Zeidi, A.; Multisanti, C.R.; Faggio, C. Individual and combined impact of microplastics and lead acetate on the freshwater shrimp (Caridina fossarum): Biochemical effects and physiological responses. J. Contam. Hydrol. 2024, 262, 104325. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  19. Mirzaei, M.; Hatamimanesh, M.; Haghshenas, A.; Moghaddam, S.M.; Ozunu, A.; Azadi, H. Spatial-seasonal variations and ecological risk of heavy metals in persian gulf coastal region: Case study of iran. J. Environ. Health Sci. Eng. 2020, 18, 91–105. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Saha, S.; Dhara, K.; Chukwuka, A.V.; Pal, P.; Saha, N.C.; Faggio, C. Sub-lethal acute effects of environmental concentrations of inorganic mercury on hematological and biochemical parameters in walking catfish, clarias batrachus. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part C Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2023, 264, 109511. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Souri, A.; Masoodi, M.; Niyogi, S.; Naji, A. Speciation and risk assessment of selected trace metals in bottom sediment of coral reef ecosystems of the persian gulf. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2020, 27, 21416–21428. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  22. Banaee, M.; Sureda, A.; Taheri, S.; Hedayatzadeh, F. Sub-lethal effects of dimethoate alone and in combination with cadmium on biochemical parameters in freshwater snail, galba truncatula. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part C Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2019, 220, 62–70. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  23. Esmaeilbeigi, M.; Kazemi, A.; Gholizadeh, M.; Rezaeiyeh, R.D. Microplastics and heavy metals contamination in atropus atropos and associated health risk assessment in the northwest of the persian gulf, iran. Reg. Stud. Mar. Sci. 2023, 57, 102750. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Jyoti, D.; Sinha, R.; Faggio, C. Advances in biological methods for the sequestration of heavy metals from water bodies: A review. Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2022, 94, 103927. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  25. Jebara, A.; Turco, V.L.; Faggio, C.; Licata, P.; Nava, V.; Potortì, A.G.; Crupi, R.; Mansour, H.B.; Di Bella, G. Monitoring of environmental hg occurrence in tunisian coastal areas. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 5202. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  26. Zare, A.; Afshar, A.; Khoradmehr, A.; Baghban, N.; Mohebbi, G.; Barmak, A.; Daneshi, A.; Bargahi, A.; Nabipour, I.; Almasi-Turk, S.; et al. Chemical compositions and experimental and computational modeling of the anticancer effects of cnidocyte venoms of jellyfish cassiopea andromeda and catostylus mosaicus on human adenocarcinoma a549 cells. Mar. Drugs 2023, 21, 168. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Das, Y.; Karunarathne, K.D.; Roy, M.; Chowdhury, M.S.N.; Sharifuzzaman, S.M. Record of crambionella annandalei rao, 1931 from bangladesh, with a review of the geographic distribution of the genus crambionella (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa). Mar. Biol. Res. 2023, 19, 279–293. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Mondal, T.; Raghunathan, C. A note on jellyfish crambionella orsini (vanhoffen 1888)(cnidaria: Scyphozoa) from lakshadweep, arabian sea. Thalass. Int. J. Mar. Sci. 2021, 37, 621–626. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  29. Dehghani, R.; Amrooni, A.; Hosseinpour-Soleimani, F.; Mohebbi, G.; Obeidi, N. The effect of the persian gulf jellyfish (cassiopea andromeda) venom on the expression of p15, p21, p53, dnmt1, and bcl-2 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia jurkat cells. Int. J. Hematol.-Oncol. Stem Cell Res. 2023, 17, 177. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Templeman, M.A.; McKenzie, M.R.; Kingsford, M.J. The utility of jellyfish as marine biomonitors. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2021, 173, 113056. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  31. Bhuyan, M.; SIslam, M.T.; Haider, S.M.B.; Yacoubi, L.; Khan, M.; Ali, M.M.; Pandit, D.; Huda, M.M.; Akter, S.; Rabbi, M.R.I. Assessment of heavy metals and proximate composition in jellyfish (lobonemoides robustus stiasny, 1920) collected from cox’s bazar coast: Human health risk assessment. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2024, 207, 116899. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  32. Muñoz-Vera, A.; Castejón JM, P.; García, G. Patterns of trace element bioaccumulation in jellyfish rhizostoma pulmo (cnidaria, scyphozoa) in a mediterranean coastal lagoon from se spain. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2016, 110, 143–154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Mercado, B.; Valero, N.; Roca-Pérez, L.; Bernabeu-Berni, E.; Andreu-Sánchez, O. Investigation of metal toxicity on microalgae phaeodactylum tricornutum, hipersaline zooplankter artemia salina, and jellyfish aurelia aurita. Toxics 2023, 11, 716. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  34. Templeman, M.A.; Kingsford, M.J. Predicting aqueous copper and zinc accumulation in the upside-down jellyfish cassiopea maremetens through the use of biokinetic models. Environ. Monit. Assess. 2015, 187, 416. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  35. Lucas, C.H.; Horton, A.A. Short-term effects of the heavy metals, silver and copper, on polyps of the common jellyfish, aurelia aurita. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 2014, 461, 154–161. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. Muñoz-Vera, A.; García, G.; García-Sánchez, A. Metal bioaccumulation pattern by cotylorhiza tuberculata (cnidaria, scyphozoa) in the mar menor coastal lagoon (se Spain). Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. 2015, 22, 19157–19169. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  37. Basso, L.; Papadia, P.; Rizzo, L.; Migoni, D.; Fanizzi, F.P.; Piraino, S. Trace metals do not accumulate over time in the edible mediterranean jellyfish rhizostoma pulmo (cnidaria, scyphozoa) from urban coastal waters. Water 2021, 13, 1410. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Fowler, S.; Teyssié, J.; Cotret, O.; Danis, B.; Rouleau, C.; Warnau, M.J.N. Applied radiotracer techniques for studying pollutant bioaccumulation in selected marine organisms (jellyfish, crabs and sea stars). Nukleonika 2004, 49, 97–100. [Google Scholar]
  39. Aljbour, S.M.; Al-Horani, F.A.; Kunzmann, A. Metabolic and oxidative stress responses of the jellyfish cassiopea to pollution in the gulf of aqaba, Jordan. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 2018, 130, 271–278. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Morabito, R.; Dossena, S.; La Spada, G.; Marino, A. Heavy metals affect nematocysts discharge response and biological activity of crude venom in the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca (cnidaria, scyphozoa). Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 2014, 34, 244–254. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  41. Morabito, S.; Silvestro, S.; Faggio, C. How the marine biotoxins affect human health. Nat. Prod. Res. 2017, 32, 621–631. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  42. Béziat, P.; Kunzmann, A. Under pressure: Cassiopea andromeda jellyfish exposed to increasing water temperature or lead, cadmium and anthropogenic gadolinium contamination. Mar. Biol. Res. 2022, 18, 48–63. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Jmse 12 01938 g001
Figure 1. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Dilam water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. orsini.
Figure 1. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Dilam water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. orsini.
Jmse 12 01938 g001
Jmse 12 01938 g002
Figure 2. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Mahshahr water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. orsini.
Figure 2. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Mahshahr water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. orsini.
Jmse 12 01938 g002
Jmse 12 01938 g003
Figure 3. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Dilam water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. andromeda. Moreover, star signs (*, **) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Figure 3. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Dilam water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. andromeda. Moreover, star signs (*, **) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Jmse 12 01938 g003
Jmse 12 01938 g004
Figure 4. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Mahshahr water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. andromeda.
Figure 4. Correlation between trace elements concentration in Mahshahr water with their levels of bioaccumulation in the body of C. andromeda.
Jmse 12 01938 g004
Table 1. Bioaccumulation of trace elements in the tissues of jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda). Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Moreover, different letters (a) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Table 1. Bioaccumulation of trace elements in the tissues of jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda). Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Moreover, different letters (a) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Trace Elements (µg/g Dry Weight)Crambionella orsiniCassiopea andromedap-Value
Copper (Cu)1.30 ± 0.98 a1.15 ± 1.08 a0.69
Iron (Fe)9.68 ± 7.53 a9.34 ± 6.56 a0.89
C admium (Cd)0.13 ± 0.11 a0.18 ± 0.09 a0.48
Lead (Pb)0.68 ± 0.44 a0.78 ± 0.52 a0.58
Arsenic (As)0.32 ± 0.21 a0.41 ± 0.36 a0.37
Mercury (Hg)0.23 ± 0.12 a0.35 ± 0.23 a0.25
Zinc (Zn)3.21 ± 1.51 a3.24 ± 1.27 a0.94
Vanadium (V)0.84 ± 0.65 a0.88 ± 0.56 a0.83
Tin (Sn)0.22 ± 0.09 a0.28 ± 0.19 a0.44
Magnesium (Mg)491.58 ± 223.72 a473.73 ± 205.76 a0.82
Manganese (Mn)2.03 ± 1.83 a1.97 ± 1.38 a0.94
Selenium (Se)0.52 ± 0.23 a0.61 ± 0.37 a0.69
Nickel (Ni)0.47 ± 0.12 a0.48 ± 0.36 a0.74
Cobalt (Co)0.26 ± 0.21 a0.31 ± 0.22 a0.63
Table 2. Comparison of trace element concentrations between Deilam and Mahshahr Ports. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Moreover, different lowercase letters (a, b) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Table 2. Comparison of trace element concentrations between Deilam and Mahshahr Ports. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Moreover, different lowercase letters (a, b) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Trace Elements (µg/L)Location
DeilamMahshahrp-Value
Copper (Cu)2.78 ± 1.28 a7.61 ± 1.36 b<0.01
Iron (Fe)115.56 ± 33.38 a236.67 ± 30.84 b<0.01
Cadmium (Cd)0.10 ± 0.03 a0.23 ± 0.04 b<0.01
Lead (Pb)0.30 ± 0.15 a0.91 ± 0.18 b<0.01
Arsenic (As)2.61 ± 1.45 a7.17 ± 1.53 b<0.01
Mercury (Hg)0.015 ± 0.007 a0.040 ± 0.006 b<0.01
Zinc (Zn)14.44 ± 6.42 a39.17 ± 7.21 b<0.01
Vanadium (V)0.26 ± 0.14 a0.68 ± 0.12 b<0.01
Tin (Sn)0.03 ± 0.01 a0.08 ± 0.02 b<0.01
Magnesium (Mg)1280.56 ± 47.63 a1433.33 ± 38.01 b<0.01
Manganese (Mn)2.78 ± 1.28 a7.61 ± 1.36 b<0.01
Selenium (Se)0.03 ± 0.01 a0.08 ± 0.01 b<0.01
Nickel (Ni)1.18 ± 0.84 a3.99 ± 0.76 b<0.01
Cobalt (Co)0.03 ± 0.01 a0.08 ± 0.02 b<0.01
Table 3. Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factor values of selected trace elements in jellyfish tissues from various capture sites. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Moreover, different letters (a, b, c) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Table 3. Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factor values of selected trace elements in jellyfish tissues from various capture sites. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Moreover, different letters (a, b, c) indicate statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).
Trace Elements
µg/g Dry Weight		Crambionella orsiniCassiopea andromeda
DeilamBCFMahshahrBCFDeilamBCFMahshahrBCF
Copper (Cu)0.63 ± 0.22 a0.23 ± 0.08 a1.98 ± 0.98 b0.26 ± 0.13 a0.42 ± 0.21 a0.15 ± 0.08 a1.89 ± 1.11 b0.25 ± 0.15 a
Iron (Fe)4.11 ± 1.04 a0.03 ± 0.01 a15.25 ± 7.04 b0.06 ± 0.03 a4.86 ± 1.88 a0.04 ± 0.02 a13.81 ± 6.54 b0.06 ± 0.03 a
Cadmium (Cd)0.12 ± 0.15 a1.22 ± 1.55 a0.13 ± 0.06 a0.58 ± 0.26 a0.08 ± 0.09 a0.77 ± 0.86 a0.29 ± 0.38 a1.25 ± 1.65 a
Lead (Pb)0.38 ± 0.24 a1.26 ± 0.79 a0.98 ± 0.40 b1.08 ± 0.44 a0.53 ± 0.20 ab1.77 ± 0.67 a1.02 ± 0.63 b1.12 ± 0.69 a
Arsenic (As)0.17 ± 0.09 a0.06 ± 0.04 a0.47 ± 0.19 ab0.07 ± 0.03 a0.25 ± 0.13 ab0.10 ± 0.05 a0.57 ± 0.44 b0.08 ± 0.06 a
Mercury (Hg)0.31 ± 0.23 a31.48 ± 13.28 bc0.15 ± 0.23 a3.69 ± 2.59 a0.40 ± 0.31 a40.10 ± 15.47 c0.30 ± 0.36 a7.50 ± 4.94 ab
Zinc (Zn)2.19 ± 0.29 a0.15 ± 0.02 ab4.22 ± 1.57 c0.11 ± 0.04 a2.66 ± 1.01 ab0.18 ± 0.07 b3.83 ± 1.29 bc0.10 ± 0.03 a
Vanadium (V)0.80 ± 0.80 a3.08 ± 1.55 a0.87 ± 0.52 a1.28 ± 0.77 a0.89 ± 1.10 a3.43 ± 2.22 a0.86 ± 0.61 a1.27 ± 0.90 a
Tin (Sn)0.16 ± 0.09 a5.47 ± 2.93 a0.28 ± 0.05 a3.44 ± 0.58 a0.19 ± 0.13 a6.19 ± 2.28 a0.37 ± 0.38 a4.66 ± 2.74 a
Magnesium (Mg)506.16 ± 306.09 a0.40 ± 0.24 a477.00 ± 114.33 a0.33 ± 0.08 a505.49 ± 283.81 a0.40 ± 0.22 a441.97 ± 88.72 a0.31 ± 0.06 a
Manganese (Mn)0.38 ± 0.36 a0.14 ± 0.07 a3.68 ± 2.40 b0.48 ± 0.22 a0.47 ± 0.35 a0.17 ± 0.13 a3.48 ± 2.23 b0.46 ± 0.29 a
Selenium (Se)0.62 ± 0.63 a20.76 ± 16.03 a0.42 ± 0.48 a5.30 ± 3.01 a0.70 ± 0.45 a23.35 ± 18.70 a0.51 ± 0.50 a6.40 ± 3.31 a
Nickel (Ni)0.09 ± 0.09 a0.07 ± 0.03 a0.75 ± 0.46 b0.19 ± 0.12 a0.12 ± 0.08 a0.10 ± 0.05 a0.84 ± 0.63 b0.21 ± 0.16 a
Cobalt (Co)0.12 ± 0.09 a4.11 ± 2.93 a0.40 ± 0.20 ab4.98 ± 2.48 a0.13 ± 0.09 a4.35 ± 3.15 a0.49 ± 0.44 b6.15 ± 4.48 a
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Darvishi, Y.; Pourkhabbaz, H.; Pastorino, P.; Esposito, G.; Banaee, M.; Faggio, C. Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf. J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2024, 12, 1938. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12111938

AMA Style

Darvishi Y, Pourkhabbaz H, Pastorino P, Esposito G, Banaee M, Faggio C. Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2024; 12(11):1938. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12111938

Chicago/Turabian Style

Darvishi, Yousef, Hamidreza Pourkhabbaz, Paolo Pastorino, Giuseppe Esposito, Mahdi Banaee, and Caterina Faggio. 2024. "Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf" Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 12, no. 11: 1938. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12111938

APA Style

Darvishi, Y., Pourkhabbaz, H., Pastorino, P., Esposito, G., Banaee, M., & Faggio, C. (2024). Bioaccumulation Patterns of Trace Elements in Jellyfish (Crambionella orsini and Cassiopea andromeda) from Northwestern Coastal Waters of the Persian Gulf. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12(11), 1938. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12111938

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop