Modeling Sediment Ni and V Spatial Distribution to Identify Hotspots in the Shadegan Wildlife Refuge, at the Head of the Persian Gulf.

The distribution and origins of Ni and V were assigned in the surficial sediments from 160 stations in Shadegan international wetlands with 537,700 ha. The findings showed that the mean total content of Ni and V in the surface sediments were 45.08 ± 12.09 and 25.25 ± 20.8 μg g⁻¹ dw, respectively. According to the analysis chemical speciation, the Ni and V residual fraction in the surface sediments were calculated for > 80% of the total level of metals, indicating that the metals may be an indicator for the input of natural resources. The analysis of the interpolation maps according to their chemical fractionation manifested that the Ni and V pollution hotspots have been happened in the northern, southern, and western points. Interpolation maps also highlighted that Ni and V are often controlled by natural factors like parent material; however, anthropogenic inputs have also caused the accumulation of these metals in the sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]