Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Desert and Arid Zones Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Desert and Arid Zones Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
3 Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Ferdowsi, University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
4 Faculty of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran.
5 Faculty of Desert Management and Control, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.
Abstract
The Heavy Metal (HM) contamination in surface soils poses significant environmental and health concerns near the mining operations. This study examined the concentrations and health risks of the five HMs lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), and iron (Fe) in soils surrounding the Sangan iron ore mines in eastern Iran. Sixty soil samples were collected at depths of 0-20 cm from sites adjacent to the mining area and one control site. The HM concentrations were compared to the global shale values. Soil contamination was quantified using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Health risks to the local residents were assessed using the US Environmental Protection Agency's Human Health Risk Evaluation Index. The analysis revealed that the lead concentrations near the mine exceeded the global shale standards, while the arsenic levels remained marginally below permissible limits established by global soil standards. The Igeo values indicated low to moderate the contamination levels for both Pb and As in the mining-adjacent areas. The risk assessment results showed that non-carcinogenic risk indices were within acceptable limits for both children and adults. However, arsenic posed a significant carcinogenic risk to adults through two exposure pathways: ingestion (3.36E-04) and dermal absorption (1.36E-04). These findings highlight the importance of implementing regular monitoring protocols for potentially hazardous elements in the mining region to prevent and mitigate pollution-related health risks.
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