Author/Authors :
Mosaferi، Mohammad نويسنده National Public Health Management Center (NPMC), Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , , Hajalilou، Behzad نويسنده Department of Geology, Payame Noor University of Iran , , Khaleghi، Fazel نويسنده Department of Geology, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch , , Jadidi، Sakineh نويسنده Department of Geology, Payame Noor University of Iran , , Vosugh، Bahram نويسنده Department of Geology, Payame Noor University of Iran , , Fatehifar، Esmail نويسنده Environmental Engineering Research Center (EERC), Sahand University of Technology ,
Abstract :
ABSTRACT
Background: Pollution due to mining activities could have an important role in health and
welfare of people who are living in mining area. When mining operation finishes, environment
of mining area can be influenced by related pollution e.g. heavy metals emission to water
resources. The present study was aimed to evaluate Valiloo abandoned arsenic mine effects
on drinking water resources quality and possible health effects on the residents of mining
area in the North West of Iran.
Methods: Water samples and some limited composite wheat samples in downstream of mining
area were collected. Water samples were analyzed for chemical parameters according to
standard methods. For determination of arsenic in water samples, Graphite Furnace Atomic
Absorption Spectrometric Method (GFAAS) and for wheat samples X – Ray Fluorescence
(XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Method (ICP) were used. Information about possible
health effects due to exposure to arsenic was collected through interviews in studied villages
and health center of Herris City.
Results: The highest concentrations of arsenic were measured near the mine (as high as 2000
?g/L in Valiloo mine opening water). With increasing distance from the mine, concentration
was decreased. Arsenic was not detectable in any of wheat samples. Fortunately, no health
effects had been reported between residents of studied area due to exposure to arsenic.
Conclusion: Valiloo abandoned arsenic mine has caused release of arsenic to the around environment
of the mine, so arsenic concentration has been increased in the groundwater and
also downstream river that requires proper measures to mitigate spread of arsenic.
