Concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd and their distribution in the urban environment of Kerman, Iran
Subject Areas : environmental managementMohammad Ali Hamzeh 1 * , Mohammad Mirzaee 2 , Hossein Mozaffari 3
1 - M.Sc. in Environmental Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman
2 - Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, International Center for Science & High Technology & Environmental Sciences
3 - Senior Expert, International Center for Science & High Technology & Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Heavy Metals, Environmental geochemistry cyc, city of Kerman, GIS system,
Abstract :
This study investigated the concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in the urban areas of the city of Kerman to find out whether the measured concentrations of heavy metals in soil, rocks, surface and ground waters and sediments can be related to anthropogenic contamination or natural weathering of rocks. Heavy metal concentrations in these samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. These concentrations were compared with environmental investigation limits. The fresh rocks (limestone) contain relatively low concentrations of heavy metals as shown by background values. This study revealed that soil of Kerman is anomalously rich in some heavy metals. The accumulation of these contaminants is likely to accelerate as a consequence of rapid traffic as well as economic and industrial growth in the urban environment of the city. The characteristics of environmental geochemistry cycle are related to the pH range of rainwater (pH=6.8), high lead and copper values in dust particles (Pb>70 ppm and Cu>80 ppm), few anomalous values of lead in surface and ground water (0.01-0.12 ppm in surface water and 0.01-0.13 ppm in ground water), and very high values of lead (>10000 ppm) in some soil and sediment samples. The most polluted and dangerous cycles are caused by Sarasiab polluted creek (Pb and Zn values >10000 ppm) after Kerman garrison and soils close to battery, oil-change, and automobile-painting shops ( Pb>5000 ppm). However, Cd concentration was not a source of pollution in this region. Other pollution sources may be leachates, sewages, and landfills. Soil, sediment, and some of water samples had concentrations of metals (Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd) and the concentrations mostly exceeded the maximum permissible limit announced by the US EPA. A GIS system was developed for Kerman urban environment quality evaluation so that health risk management practices could be planned.