Assessment of Accumulation and Human Health Risk of Trace Elements in the Vicinity of Industrial Estates, Central Iran

Abstract

Background & Aims of the Study: Regarding to development of industry, soil contamination has become a serious problem in many countries, such as Iran. The aim of the present work was the illustration of the accumulation of potentially harmful trace elements and the potential risk which is posed to human health in surface soils of three industrial estates of Aran-o-Bidgol city, Isfahan province of Iran. Materials & Methods: Altogether, 24 composite soil samples were collected at depths 0-20 cm from industrial estates of Helal, Sobahi and Ansar located in Aran-o-Bidgol in September and October 2014. Element contents (Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu) were extracted by 3 acids digestion (HF-HNO3-HClO4). Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni in soil extracts were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, whereas Cd was measured by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The accumulation and non-cancer risk of trace elements were investigated of these industrial states soils. Results: The mean contents of Cd (0.81 mg/kg), Pb (13.41 mg/kg), Ni (30.14 mg/kg), Zn (53.85 mg/kg) and Cu (14.15 mg/kg) were higher than the uncontaminated background values. The average values of Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu at Ansar industrial site were higher than other industrial sites. Igeo for Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu were found in the range of 2-2.80, -2.26 - 3.33, 0.5-2.54, 0.47-2.49 and 0.44-4.01, respectively. The highest non-cancer risk was belonged to Pb (0.3 and 0.01) while the lowest was Zn (0.008 and 0.0002) for child and adult, respectively. Conclusions: Pollution index indicated that industrial estate soils were ‘moderately contaminated’’ or ‘‘moderately to heavily contaminated’’ by Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu. The non-cancer risk levels of sampling sites were lower than the regulatory limits. Also, it can be concluded that, non-cancer risks for adults were lower than children.