Investigation of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Groundwater Resources, Oshtorinan, Southwest Iran

Abstract

Abstract. For the first time, a comprehensive groundwater heavy metal and trace element study was conducted in the Oshtorinan plain situated in the north corner of Boroujerd basin located between the two important structural zones, Sanandaj-Sirjan zone in the east and Zagros in the west, aiming to investigate the impacts of natural weathering of minerals, industrial and agricultural activities on distributions of these elements. Groundwater samples were collected including ten wells, five Qanats and one spring in different seasons, and analyzed for heavy metal and trace element values using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MASS) and their levels compared with WHO specified maximum contaminant level. The levels of heavy metals under study in water used for drinking purpose are below the maximum allowable limits recommended by WHO except for Fe, Mg, Pb, Sr, and V.The levels of Pb, B and Fe in groundwater in the area understudy increase from east and west to center.It is found that elevated levels of the strontium concentration (Sr) in groundwater were considered to be mainly the result of natural processes such as the weathering of minerals such as feldspars in granites and Granodiorites. Wells diesel engines are a probable source of contamination in the area, because in the region about 88 wells of total 144 wells have been excavated are diesel engines. Alloy steel industries, especially in the aquifer from the north entrance that release their effluent on ground surface Could be a potential source of contaminants such as heavy and trace metals and threat the environment and groundwater.