Authors: Ahmad Abbasnejad Azam Mirzaie Reza Derakhshani Esmat Esmaeilzadeh
Publish Date: 2012/11/09
Volume: 69, Issue: 8, Pages: 2549-2557
Abstract
Bardsir plain is located in the central part of Kerman Province of Iran The relative prevalence of arsenicrelated cancers the high concentration of arsenic in nearby plains as well as the recharge of this aquifer through the mountains composed of highsulfide volcanic rocks have been motivations of the authors to study the concentration of this element in Bardsir plain Arsenic concentration was measured in 63 groundwater samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method The results were evaluated through isoconcentration maps correlation diagrams and multivariate statistical methods Accordingly the concentration of arsenic ranges from 13 to 4645 μg/l with an average value of 1342 μg/l So the groundwaters are enriched with arsenic to much higher levels than permitted for than drinking water acceptable level 10 μg/l The high arsenic levels in groundwaters of Bardsir plain are ascribed to joint influence of decomposition of sulfides present in mountainous volcanic rocks and the mixing with hydrothermal waters in some locations Supposedly the prevalence of higher than 8 pH values has enhanced the release of arsenic from Fehydroxides generated during sulfide weathering process
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