Hydrogeochemistry and lead contamination of groundwater in the north part of Esfahan province, Iran

J Water Health. 2018 Aug;16(4):622-634. doi: 10.2166/wh.2018.034.

Abstract

Geochemical and hydrogeochemical studies were conducted to assess the origin and geochemical mechanisms driving lead enrichment in groundwaters of semi-arid regions in Central Iran. In this study, 149 water samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of Pb and As in about 68% and 27% of the samples, respectively, exceeded WHO guidelines. Analyzing the results of ICP-MS of parental rocks and aquifer sediments shows that unweathered volcanic rocks were the primary source for lead mobilizing to groundwaters.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Groundwater / chemistry*
  • Iran
  • Lead / chemistry*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / chemistry*
  • Water Supply / standards

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Lead