A preliminary environmental and Ecotoxicological study on the Mangrove strand of the Southwestern bundal island | [International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Fatima Zaim: Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi-75270,Karachi,Pakistan

2. Hafiz Hamdan Ur Rehman: Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi-75270,Karachi,Pakistan

3. Syeda Ayesha Iman: Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi-75270,Karachi,Pakistan

4. Jibran Anwer: Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi-75270,Karachi,Pakistan

5. Lubaba Javed Iqbal: Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi-75270,Karachi,Pakistan

6. Muhammad Shoaib Kiani: Institute of Marine Science, University of Karachi-75270,Karachi,Pakistan

Abstract:

This study investigates heavy metal contamination in the mangrove strand of the southwestern Bundal Island near Karachi, in the vicinity of major industrial zones. Concentrations of nine heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Co, Cr, Zn, Pb) were analyzed in surface sediments, the mangrove Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh (A. marina) and the gastropod mollusk Telescopium telescopium (Linnaeus, 1758). The collected samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Contamination was assessed via Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Bioconcentration Factor (BCF), and Translocation Factor (TF). Sediments showed high pollution by Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cr (the highest Igeo = 23.20 for Iron), while Cd remained below harmful levels. T. telescopium had the highest BCF for Cd (5.77) and Zn (2.22). A. marina accumulated the most Fe (307.78 ppm) in pneumatophores, with Pb showing the highest translocation (TF = 1.03). The findings reveal ecological stress and highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and sustainable management. Given its ecological significance and vulnerability, the Bundal Island should be considered for designation as a suitable category of Marine Protected Area (MPA) to ensure the long-term conservation of its mangrove habitats and associated biodiversity.

Page(s): 917-926

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: International Journal of Biology and Biotechnology, Volume: 22, Issue: 4, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Karachi , Heavy metals , Sediments , Heavy metals , Mangroves , Heavy metals , Telescopium telescopium , Avicennia marina , Bundal Island

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