Evaluating the trace elements contamination and corrosive potential in the groundwater of south and southwest of Sirjan city, Iran

Abstract

This research investigates the contamination of trace elements, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and corrosive potential in the groundwater of south and southwest of Sirjan city, Kerman province, Iran. Therefore, 115 groundwater samples were collected for Hydrochemical analysis from Sirjan city area, Kheirabad salt playa area, Chahderaz plain, Golegohar mining area, Ghatarbaneh-Eynolbaghar plains and Marg salt playa in July 2016. In descending order, the mean values of minor ions and trace elements are such as: NO3 > B > NH4 > As > Mn > Ba > Cr > NO2 > Cu > Pb > Cd. Generally, the concentration of elements and ions in the groundwater of Chahderaz plain and Marg salt playa is above the maximum admissible concentration (MAC) values for drinking water according to WHO. Also, Cd, B and As have concentration more than MAC in total groundwater samples. Chromium in all of the groundwater samples except in Sirjan city samples have concentrations more than maximum admissible concentration. Moreover, Pb in groundwater of Kheirabad salt playa and Chahderaz plain shows a groundwater contamination. While concentrations of Cu, Ba, NO2, and Sb in all of the area are less than MAC. The evaluation indices showed spots in a high-risk level observed in Golegohar mining area, Chahdereaz plain, KH1, and KH2 from Kheirabad playa and KM1 and KM7 from Marg playa area. Finally, according to Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), most of the groundwater samples are corrosive in this area. Therefore, in the processing plant, corrosive process control of groundwater should be accompanied.

Keywords

• groundwater contamination
• evaluation indices
• langelier corrosion index