First record of bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of metals in Scleractinian corals and their algal symbionts from Kharg and Lark coral reefs (Persian Gulf, Iran)

Highlights: • The level of metals was assessed in corals and zooxanthellae from the Persian Gulf. • Differential metal bioaccumulation was found among Scleractinian coral species. • Metal accumulation was higher in coral tissues than skeletons. • Higher BCFs and BSAFs were found in zooxanthellae than coral tissues and skeletons. • Corals and zooxanthellae are useful bioindicators in coral reef monitoring. Metal pollution is nowadays a serious threat worldwide for ecosystem and human health. Despite that, there is still a paucity of data on metal impact on coral reef ecosystems. Herein, the levels of eleven metals (Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, V, As, Cd, Hg, Pb) were assessed in surface sediments, seawater samples, Scleractinian corals (tissue and skeleton) and their algal symbionts collected from Kharg and Lark coral reefs in the Persian Gulf, Iran. At Kharg, surface sediments and seawater showed higher concentrations of metals than Lark, attributable to the higher metal loads and petrochemical activities in the area. Sediment quality guidelines indicated Hg as a serious threat to biota both at Kharg and Lark. Accordingly, metals bioaccumulation and bioconcentration was higher in corals from Kharg relatively to Lark Island. Interestingly, as supported by values of BCFs and BSAFs, metal accumulation was higher in coral tissues in respect to skeletons, and in zooxanthellae relatively to coral tissues at both coral reefs. Differential metal bioaccumulation was found among Scleractinian species, indicating that corals have distinct selectivity for assimilating metals from ambient sediments and seawater. Overall, metal accumulation in corals and zooxanthellae is an appropriate tool for environmental monitoring studies in coral reefs. Noteworthy, the use of Porites lutea, among Scleractinian corals, seems to be as a good bioindicator in monitoring studies of metal pollution.