M Shahraki; M.H Mahmudy Gharaie; R Moussavi-Harami; A Ahmadi
Abstract
In this research the catchment of the Sarbaz river, SE Iran, has been studied to determine sediment provenance and its possible pollution potential. 30 sediment samples collected from the riverbed were analyzed for major and trace elements, using combined XRF and AAS methods. Based on major and trace ...
Read More
In this research the catchment of the Sarbaz river, SE Iran, has been studied to determine sediment provenance and its possible pollution potential. 30 sediment samples collected from the riverbed were analyzed for major and trace elements, using combined XRF and AAS methods. Based on major and trace element data and identification charts the sediments are identified to be of litharenite composition. Quartz-rich sedimentary and intermediate igneous origin and island arc tectonic setting is proposed for the sediments, mainly inferred from discrimination diagrams. Regarding the hazardous potential of metals and metalloids, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn were studied from 30 locations. Pb, Cd and As concentrations measured respectively in 7, 10 and 20 locations are more than concentrations of the same elements in the world riverbeds. In this research, the polluted sediments were evaluated using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Based on this index, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu show some degrees of pollution, while other elements are evaluated to be less pollutant. Statistic analysis show strong correlation between studied elements. Volcanic activity in north of the Makran zone can readily justify the common origin of the contaminants in the catchment of the Sarbaz river. Chromium is most probably originated from the nearby Makran ophiolites. It is concluded that geological factors have mainly been the controlling factors for the sediment pollution in the Sarbaz catchment.
A Sarhangi; S Modabberi; S.R Mousavi Harami; M Zibayi
Abstract
The anthropogenic and natural contaminants are considered as the main factors threatening water resources and they are in direct connection to the public health and also threaten the development of water resources. The Latyan Dam reservoir is the main source of drinking water of Tehran metropolitan ...
Read More
The anthropogenic and natural contaminants are considered as the main factors threatening water resources and they are in direct connection to the public health and also threaten the development of water resources. The Latyan Dam reservoir is the main source of drinking water of Tehran metropolitan area. In this paper, the environmental geochemistry of water and sediments have been studied. Eight sampling stations were selected in the lake and water samples were taken for measurement of trace elements in dissolved and particulate phases. In addition, sediment samples were taken at the same points by using a grab. The geochemical analysis performed by ICP-OES method showed that the concentration of potentially toxic metals were measured below the detection limit of the instrument and fall in the ranges of safe drinking water guidelines. The sediment samples showed concentrations within the quality guideline values except for As and Pb. The enrichment factor and Igeo were calculated for the sediment samples indicating that the sediments are not contaminated. Metal enrichment in sediments is however very strong compared to water samples and it is suggested that the adsorption processes have important role in sorption of metal contaminants onto the surface of sediment particles and it could be regarded as a potential for contamination if they return to water column in case of change in sediment physicochemical conditions.
