Assessment of heavy metal concentration in Irankuh Lead and Zinc mine

Mojgan Entezari, Fattah Torabi

Abstract

Irankuh Lead and zinc mine is one of the largest reserves of lead and zinc in Iran. This reserve located in Isfahan province, along the mountain range of Irankuh and at a distance of 20 km southwest of Isfahan. In this study, concentrations of lead, zinc , iron , copper, manganese and chromium, were measured in water and soil samples by atomic absorption method. Among the elements of water samples contamination with copper , iron and manganese are important. The concentration of these elements in this research, compared to international standards (WHO) is concerned. The concentration of mentioned heavy metals in the soil compared to the international standards, apart from chromium is higher than anticipated. Increasing the concentration of these elements in the soil can be attribute to lead and zinc mineralization activity in the region, weathering of rocks that rich in studied elements , and the reaction of other elements in the soil.