Author/Authors :
Islami ، Mina Department of Chemistry - Faculty of Science - University of Zanjan , Abadi ، Mohammad Department of Environmental Science - Faculty of Science - University of Zanjan , Zamani ، Abbasali Department of Environmental Science - Faculty of Science - University of Zanjan , Aazami ، Jaber Department of Environmental Science - Faculty of Science - University of Zanjan , Badiee ، Hamid Department of Environmental Science - Faculty of Science - Guilan University-University Campus
Abstract :
Background: The present study aims to assess the amounts of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Mn, and Fe by analyzing the particle composition of the surficial sediments in Ghezel Ozan River located in Zanjan, Iran. Methods: 18 sediment samples were collected from Ghezel Ozan River. After Aqua Regia Digestion, the studied heavy metals in sediment samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Several pollution indices, such as Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Factor (Cd), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), were calculated. Results: Observed average values (in unit mg kg−1) were in the range of Zn: 480.0-34294.0, Cu: 7.8-32.00, Cd: not detected -100.0, Pb: 22.0-256.0, Ni: 2.50-60.00, Co: 7.60-34.0, Mn: 144.0-31600.0 and Fe: 9320.0-62300.0. The Igeo index confirmed that the average values of Zn, Pb, and Cd are in the heavily contaminated levels. The mean EF index suggested minimal enrichment for Cu, Ni, Mn, and Co, whereas Zn, Cd, and Pb indicated severe enrichment. Conclusion: The average Cd, RI, and PLI indices for all investigated heavy metals confirmed a considerable contamination level.
