Ricerc@Sapienza

In this investigation, δ13C and δ15N isotope ratios and heavy metal levels were assessed in macroalgae, sediment samples, and benthic species from northern parts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The highest δ15N values in algal samples (11±0.42), indicative of anthropogenic organic N inputs, were detected in the Sadaf region, whereas the lowest values (3.17 ± 0.12), indicative of anthropogenic inorganic inputs, were detected in the Parvaz region.

The Caspian Sea hosts areas of high ecological value as well as industrial, leisure, and agricultural activities that dump
into the water body different kinds of pollutants. In this complex context, a proper description of the origin and potential
sources of pollution is necessary to address management and mitigation actions aimed at preserving the quality of the
water resource and the integrity of the ecosystems. Here, we aimed at detecting sources of both nitrogen inputs, by N