Abstract

In order to make evaluation of some heavy metals bioaccumulation and explore their histopathological effects on hepatocytes of oriental sole (Euryglossa orientalis) and deep flounder (Psettodes erumei), fishes were caught from two areas of north coast of the Persian Gulf, Bandar Abbass and Bandar Lengeh. Concentrations of nickel (Ni) and vanadium (V) in liver of both species in two sampling regions were in the following order: Bandar abbass> Bandar lengeh. Between the two species, these quantities were higher in P. erumei than E. orientalis in both sampling regions. Histopathology of the liver shows some cellular alterations including degeneration, necrosis and tissue disruption, and histopathological effects were severe in P. erumei than E. orientalis. Results showed that Bandar Abbass region was more polluted than Bandar Lengeh and because Ni and V were oil pollution indicators and two flat fishes were benthic, they can receive considerable amount of oil pollution through their biological activities like feeding. Also, higher amounts of heavy metal concentrations and major histopathological effects in E. orientalisshowed strong relationship between benthic habitat of the fish and amounts of received pollutants from water and sediments since E. orientalis is more related to the bottom than P. erumei.

Key words: Vanadium, nickel flatfishes, Persian Gulf.