The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations and degree of metals contamination (Chromium, Cadmium, Nickel and Lead) and Arsenic in the soils of the three Industrial Estates in Arak city, Iran. The average concentrations of Arsenic, Chromium, Cadmium, Nickel and Lead were 5.06, 1.26, 37.13, 67.84 and 60.22 mg kg(-1), respectively. Pearson correlation indicated that Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead were mainly derived from anthropogenic inputs, and Chromium and Nickel were controlled by natural source, whereas Nickel appeared to be affected by both anthropogenic and natural sources. The geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) calculated in three industrial estates gave values indicating unpolluted to strongly polluted.

Levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and vanadium (V) were evaluated in coastal sediments, egg contents, and eggshells of crab plover (Dromas ardeola), bridled tern (Sterna anaethetus), lesser crested tern (S. bengalensis), and western reef heron (Egretta gularis) breeding in the northwestern Persian Gulf. Levels of Cd, Pb, Ni, V, and Se were greater in eggs of terns than in eggs of crab plover, perhaps due to the higher trophic level of terns. Levels of all elements were lower than known effects levels for birds. However, levels of Se in eggs were greater than those known to cause toxic effects in birds. Eggs of terns are ideal for monitoring metal contaminants on the breeding grounds because the bioaccumulation ratios (egg/sediment) of some metals (As, Co, Se) in the eggs of terns are significantly greater compared with those of crab plovers.

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This study assessed the baseline concentrations and spatial distribution of total mercury (Hg) in urban soils of the city of Arak, Iran. Concentrations of Hg were determined in soil collected from urban areas, and the spatial distribution was analyzed using the semivariogram approach in geostatistical technology. Mercury in soil ranged from 66.3 to 581 µg/kg. The experimental variogram of soil mercury concentrations was best-fitted by a spherical model. A spatial distribution map revealed that Hg concentration showed decreasing trends from south to north, west to east and center to suburb. Overall, the results showed that Hg concentrations in urban soils of Arak may be considered medium or low.

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