Search published articles


Showing 12 results for Accumulation
Total mercury bioaccumulation tracking in a fresh water food chain, (Sanandaj Gheshlagh Dam Reservoir, Iran)
Sh Zare, Sh Kaboodvandpour,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (5-2014)
Abstract

Background and Objectives: Due to the importance of Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir (SGR) in the region and proven mercury pollution in SGR water, a research project was carried out to determine the amount of mercury concentration and bioaccumulation and its behavior through a food route in SGR food chain (i.e., water, sediments, fish, and human).This was done, because it has been reported that mercury concentration and its toxicity could increase during mercury exchange between trophic levels. Materials and methods: During April to December 2012, 24 water, sediment, and fish samples (Capoetta trutta) (4 samples per month) from SGR and 24 human hair samples from Sarab Ghamish village settlers (the major Capoetta trutta consumers in the region) were collected. Results: Total mercury mean concentration in water, sediment, Capoeta trutta, and human hair were 0.0028±0.000128, 0.110±0.0057, 0.296±0.0119, 2.059±0.1704 ppm respectively. Calculated bioconcentration factors were 4 × 10 and 1 × 102 in SGR sediment and fish, and related biomagnifications factors were 40 and 5 respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high bioaccumulation, biomagnifications factors and mercury concentration recorded in edible parts of SGR fish, local consumers should not eat more than 1182 gram of this fish weekly without accounting for other potential sources of total mercury in their food basket.


Pyrene’s bioaccumulation in muscle, gill and liver tissues of common carp (Cyprinus carpio): in vitro study
S.r Olyaei, A.r Riahi Bakhtiari, I Sharifpour,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2015)
Abstract

Background and Objectives: Over the past few decades, the entry of pollutants, especially PAHs compounds in natural ecosystems such as lakes and open water for aquatic organisms has created potential environmental hazards. This study aimed to investigate the extent and pattern of bioaccumulation of pyrene oil pollution in muscle, gill, and liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) cultured in vitro. Materials and Methods: thirty fishes with mean weight of 140±10g were exposed to 10, 50, and 100 µg/l pyrene. At the end of the 35 days trial period, fish were sampled in order to study the pyrene accumulation in different tissues. Preparing process of samples include soaping, extracting, and two-phase chromatography and finally injecting samples to the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Comparison between bioaccumulation of pyrene in muscle, gill, and liver tissues of cyprinus carpio in 10, 50, and 100 µg/l doses showed significant differences. Maximum average accumulation was in liver (dose100) with 685.67 ± 78.5 and the minimum was in muscle in dose 10 with 0.52 ±. 0.13 pyrene’s accumulation trend was the same in all studied doses: liver>gill>muscle. Conclusion: In the present study, pyrene accumulated in fatty tissue, especially liver-acceptor of all of the oil pollutants- was far more than of gills and muscle.


Determination of Geo-Environmental Factors and Source of Heavy Metals in Street Dust, Masjed-e- Soleiman City, Khouzestan Province
Z Javidaneh, Ar Zarsevandi, F Rast Manesh ,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract

Background and Objectives: Street dust reflects one of the most important indicators of pollution in the urban environment. Most studies carried out in the world on heavy metal pollution are related to cities and metropolitans, while less attention has been paid to towns. Masjed-e- Soleiman, the most oil-rich town is located in the north eastern part of Khuzestan Province in Iran. This town contains geogenic pollutants such as gas and oil sources, oil and gas activities, oil and gas combustion, industries, and heavy traffic, which make it important from the viewpoint of environmental impact assessment.

Materials and Methods: For monitoring and management of pollution, 11 samples of street dust were collected and prepared from different stations within the town during the dry season (June 2013). Each sample was analyzed using ICP-OES instrument.

Results: Possible sources of the heavy metals were identified by multivariate analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA). In addition, factors such as the Index of Geo-accumulation (Igeo), Pollution Index (PI), Integration Pollution Index (IPI), and Enrichment Factor (EF) were assessed to determine the degree of heavy metals pollution in street dust of the Masjed-e- Soleiman Town. The results of PCA and CA indicated that the region is mostly affected by oil pollution (both natural and combustion of fossil fuels), traffic, and industrial activities (PI revealed high levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn pollution in samples and the average level of Ni, As, and V pollution in other samples). Igeo indicated the moderate to severe pollution of some samples to Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn while no to moderate pollution against Ni, As, and V in other samples. EF for Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn showed a significant pollution in some samples and other samples represented the least pollution against Ni, As, and V.

Conclusion: Results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in dust samples were higher than control samples in Masjed-e- Soleiman. Thus, the classification of pollution in street dust in Masjed-e- Soleiman is as follows: IPI> EF> Igeo ≈ PI.


Assessment of the metals and metalloids level in street dust of the east and west of Tehran
S Mazloomi, A Esmaeili - Sari, N Bahramifar, M Moeinaddini,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Street dust is considered as one of the important sources of particulate matters and heavy metals in the atmosphere. The goal of this study was to assess the heavy metals pollution in street dust of Tehran and evaluate their ecological risk.
Materials and Methods: The sampling of street dust was carried out in two areas at the east and west of Tehran. After preparation of samples, the concentration of heavy metals was measured by ICP-MS. The pollution level of heavy metals in the street dust was assessed using geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), integrated pollution index (IPI), enrichment factor (EF) and ecological risk index (RI).
Results: The results of the calculations of the indices showed that the street dust in both studied areas was non-polluted with Li, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Sr and Ba. The origin of these elements was mainly natural sources. However, Cd, Cu, As, Zn, Sn and Pb had medium to high level of contamination. These elements had a very high to extremely high enrichment in both areas. Their origin was mainly anthropogenic sources. The ecological risk index indicated a moderate ecological risk for the east and a low ecological risk for the west area.
Conclusion: The higher level of lead in the East is the main reason of higher ecological risk of this area. Therefore, the heavy metals pollution of the street dust, especially lead and its enterance into the environment, should be considered in this area.
 

Comparison of different inorganic amendments on decreasing of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn sorption by wastewater-irrigated plants
R Salmasi, A Behbahaninia, Ar Ostadrahimi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals fixation in-situ by using inorganic amendments is a method for immobilization of polluted soils. The goal of this research was to determine efficiency of five amendments for heavy metals fixation of waste-water-irrigated soils around Tabriz city.
Materials and Methods: Cadmium, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn- containing solutions were added to 0.5 gram of five amendments including calcite, hematite, zeolite, illite, and bentonite. 10 soil samples from around of Tabriz city were taken. After shaking the samples, the concentrations of the five elements were determined in the filtered solution by using atomic absorption instrument. Retention capacity percentages of these elements were calculated, and the best amendments were determined by using Dunkan method.
Results: There were differences of heavy metals retention between amendments. Calcite had the highest retention of Cd (91%), Ni (78%), and Zn (94.7%); hematite had the highest Cu (90.5%) and Pb (94.3%); and illite showed the lowest retention of the 5 elements. Calcite, zeolite, bentonite, and hematite had significant higher retention capacities of Cd, Ni, and Zn in compared to 10 the soil samples.
Conclusion: Among the studied amendments, retention capacities of calcite and hematite for the five elements were higher than the remaining ones for addition to the soil. These two amendments can cause low uptake and low accumulation of the elements in agricultural crops in polluted soils.
 

Assessment of pollution level, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of heavy metals on human health in surface soils of Arak industrial areas, Iran
Abbas Taati, Mohammad Hasan Salehi, Jahangard Mohammadi, Reza Mohajer,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metal contamination of surface soils has become a serious concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential risk of heavy metal (loid) pollution on human health in the surface soils of Arak industrial areas, the capital of Markazi province in western Iran.
Materials and Methods: 235 surface soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-5 cm. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc, copper and arsenic were determined by digestion with nitric acid (4 N). The level of soil pollution in the region was measured using geo- accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF). The model proposed by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was used to assess the health risks of heavy metals.
Results: The Mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Ni, and Zn were 37.88, 1.17, 151.78, 13.48, 92.98 and 104.04 mg/kg, respectively. The calculated enrichment factor values ​​for soil samples varied from deficiency to significant enrichment. The mean geo-accumulation index (Igeo) for Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn and arsenic were 0.37, 1.59, -2.53, -0.48, -0.63 and 2.9, respectively. The results of the health risk assessment showed that hazard quotient (HQ) for children and adults through the ingestion route was higher than dermal contact and inhalation pathway. The Hazard index values for all studied metals were lower than the safe level of 1 except for As. Arsenic showed the highest risk of carcinogenicity (CR) for children (2.37 x 10-4) through ingestion.
Conclusion: The carcinogenic risk (CR) of As in children and adults is higher than the safe limit of 1 × 10-4, which indicates an unacceptable risk.

Air quality and trace elements biomonitoring in Tehran urban areas using epiphytic lichen
Mohammad Sohrabi, Nasrin Hassanzadeh, Fariba Hedayatzadeh, Mehdi Mofid,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Air quality and distribution of trace elements in the Tehran metropolis were evaluated using transplants of the epiphytic lichen Ramalina sinensis.
Materials and Methods: Thalli of R. sinensis were collected from a non-contaminated area and transplanted in the six urban sites of Tehran for six months. After the end of the exposure period, the content of twelve elements in lichen was determined by ICP-MS method and the obtained data were evalusted using statistical analysis and various indicators.
Results: Based on the results, the order of mean concentration of the trace elements in the R. sinensis lichen samples was determined as: Ca > K > Fe > Mg > Na > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Co and the highest amount of bioaccumulation was found for the essential elements. For sevelar elements, significant differences were observed in various sampling sites. Based on the pollution load indexes (PLIs), two sites at Sharif university and Setad Bohran were more polluted than other areas. Exposed-to-control (EC) ratio values for Pb, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Mg, and Co were also found in the range of 1.25-1.75. Based on the relative accumulation factor (RAF), the accumulation preference of elements by R. sinensis lichen was observed as Na > Cr > Cu > Fe > Mg > Ni > Zn > Mn > Co > Pb > Ca > K, respectively, which represents the significant ability of this species in the accumulation of elements such as Na, Cr, Cu and Fe. PCA and EF analysis indicated that trace elements adsorbed by lichen were mainly sourced from vehicle transportation.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the application and importance of R. sinensis lichen in biomonitoring of air pollutants elements in urban areas. This approach can justify the suitability, accuracy and cost-effectiveness of lichen compared to other biomonitors for air pollutants and more importantly highlights its capability to the determination of wide levels of air pollution in large scales.

Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals (Copper, Nickel, and Lead) and air pollution tolerance index of Prosopis juliflora and Conocarpus erectus species in Mahshahr, Iran
Aram Arpanaei, Sina Attarroshan, Sima Sabzalipour, Iman Arpanaei,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Pollutants emitted from industries can endanger human health if they enter the food chain, so environmental monitoring is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals including lead, copper and nickel and the level of air pollution tolerance index in Prosopis juliflora and Conocarpus erectus tree species during one-year period (1399-1400) in Mahshahr city.
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals by two species of Prosopis juliflora and Conocarpus erectus, 15 stations were selected separately. After recording the coordinates of each tree (station), 4 leaveas were taken from each tree that accounted for total 60 samples. The samples were then transferred to the laboratory and digested then analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. For statistical analysis, K.S test was used to normalize data and independent t-tests were applied to determine the level of significance. The correlation between variables were tested by Pearson correlation. Spatial distribution of heavy metals was performed using Ver.10.4 Arc GIS software.
Results: Conocarpus erectus established the highest adsorption value for metals such as lead (0.1223±0.35 mg/kg), copper (0.2101±0.053 mg/kg) and nickel (0.2023±0.094 mg/kg). No significant correlation was observed between heavy metals. Evaluation of air pollution tolerance showed that Conocarpus erectus (6.53±0.026 mg/kg) was more tolerant than Prosopis juliflora (4.77±0.029 mg/kg). Spatial distribution revealed that heavy metals accumulation in the leaves of trees were more obvious in the southest area of the city.
Conclusion: Conocarpus erectus is more tolerant of air pollution than Prosopis juliflora. Therefore, it can be used in areas with the high levels of pollution. Moreover, the spatial distribution of heavy metals’ bioaccumulation illustrated that the south and southeast parts of the city (due to industry concentration) are more affected by the heavy metals pollution which call for more palnting trees.

Effect of irrigation with treated wastewater on lead and cadmium accumulations in soil and sweet pepper plant
Maliha Afkhami, Fazel Amiri, Tayebeh Tabatabaie,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Limited water resources in arid and semi-arid regions are one of the major limiting factors in agricultural production. Thus, unconventional water resources, such as urban treated wastewater, may be used for irrigation. Application of wastewater to the soil may cause accumulation of heavy metals (HMs). Soil pollution causes uptake of these metals by plants and their entrance to the food chain. In the present greenhouse research, concentration variations of HMs (lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)( in soil and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) plant were investigated.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three replications and irrigation with different wastewater treated (well water, wastewater treatment and diluted wastewater). To evaluate the effects of different irrigation treatments on soil, parameters of acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), the concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cd in soil were studied.  Additionally, for the effects of irrigation treatments on sweet pepper plant, parameters of biomass weight, fresh and dry weight and Pb and Cd concentrations (in branches, fruits and roots) were measured. The amount of Pb and Cd in the pepper were measured by ICP-OES. The obtained average concentrations were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Duncan test was used to determine the differences between groups (p <0.05). The independent t-test was also used to investigate the difference in concentrations of Pb and Cd in soil and water (p <0.05).
Results: The results of chemical analysis of soil and pepper showed that irrigation with wastewater did not cause a significant increase in the concentration of Pb and Cd in the soil and in the branches, fruits and roots of the pepper. The concentration of Pb and Cd in the soil and in the branches, fruits and roots of the pepper was within the allowable and standard concentration range. The difference in lead and cadmium concentrations in the soil before planting was not significant; however, at the end of the study period, the Pb concentration in pepper was higher than the Cd concentration. The use of wastewater increased the fresh and dry weight of branches, fruits and roots of the pepper.
Conclusion: The results showed that Pb and Cd concentration in roots and aerial parts of pepper plant was not increased significantly as a result of wastewater irrigation (p <0.05). The results of this study are limited to one growing season and by the continued use of municipal wastewater, the concentration of Pb and Cd in the soil and then in the plant may exceed the standard. Especially in the case of Pb, which seems to have shown a slight tendency to increase relative to the primary soil and the pepper. Therefore, the continuation of this study is recommended to evaluate the long-term effects of Bushehr municipal treated wastewater on the concentration of heavy elements in soil and plants, and soil properties. Overall, it should be acknowledged that based on technical recommendations, the use of treated wastewater are not recommended.

Geochemical and ecological assessment of some heavy metals in the soil around the lead and zinc mine in northwestern of Iran
Sadegh Hosseinniaee, Mohammad Jafary, Ali Tavili, Salman Zare,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Today, soil and water pollution with heavy metals is one of the major challenges around the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the contamination of soils around a lead and zinc mine.
Materials and Methods: In the summer of 2019, 100 soil samples were taken from the mine vicinity and the characteristics of texture, acidity, salinity, calcium carbonate, organic matter and heavy metals chromium, cobalt, zinc, lead and cadmium were measured. Pollution indices including pollution factor (PI), enrichment coefficient (EF), geoaccumulation (Igeo), toxicity probability (MERMQ), contamination load (PLI), background enrichment (PIN), pollution security (CSI) and Nemerow index (PINemerow) ) Were calculated. Correlation between soil variables and determination of metal origin were determined using Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis.
Results: The average concentrations of chromium, cobalt, zinc, lead and cadmium were obtained as 92, 21.33, 453.98, 351.24 and 4.28 mg/kg, respectively. The metals pollution evaluated based on PI, EF and Igeo indices were moderate for chromium and cobalt, considerable for zinc and significant for lead and cadmium. The results of MERMQ, PLI, PIN, CSI and PINemerow indices showed high soil contamination with heavy metals. According to the PCA test, the elements lead, zinc and cadmium are in a group with high correlation with each other that are of anthropogenic origin. Chromium and cobalt with a correlation of 88% also showed the same geological origin.
Conclusion: mining activities should be done with more caution and measures should be taken to reduce pollution.

Determining the concentration of Ag, Pb and Zn elements in some indigenous plant species grown in Zarshouran mining area, northwestern Iran
Samaneh Torbati, Shokouh Esmailbegi Kermani,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Phytoremediation is one of the eco-friendly treatment methods that can play important role in removing heavy metals. In the present research that was done in 2021, the potential of 20 plant species for treatment of silver, lead, and zinc elements from the soil of Zarshouran mine area was evaluated.  
Materials and Methods: Sampling of the soil and plants were done following the selection of 20 sampling points. After preparing the samples, the amount of the studied elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metal pollution levels in the soil were assessed using the enrichment factor (EF). Moreover, the enrichment coefficient of root (ECR) and shoot (ECS), translocation factor (TF) and metal accumulation index (MAI) were calculated.
Results: A high contamination of Ag, Pb and Zn elements were determined in the soil of the studied area. Two plant species Astragalus rostratus and Prangos ferulacea had ECS and TF higher than one for Ag. Also, only Eryngium billaridieri and Scrozonera latifolia had ECS/ECR >1 and TF <1 for the three elements. The highest amount of MAI in root and shoot belonged to E. billardieri with values ​​of 29.7 and 16.2, respectively.
Conclusion: A. rostratus and P. ferulacea had the potential for phytoextraction of Ag from the soil. Also, only two species E. billaridieri and S. latifolia were able to phytostabilization all three elements. Based on MAI values, E. billardieri had the greatest ability to bioaccumulate Ag, Pb and Zn elements.

Investigating the accumulation of heavy metals in the bartail flathead fish (Platycephalus indicus) of Makkoran coasts
Mahin Gholami, Seraj Bita, Mostafa Ghaffari,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals have become a major environmental and public health concern due to their entry into marine ecosystems and accumulation in aquatic organisms. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the accumulation of cadmium, lead, chromium, zinc, copper, and nickel in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues of Platycephalus indicus.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-six fish were collected from the fish landing site on the Makoran coast and transported to the laboratory in ice-filled containers. After drying and digesting the samples with nitric acid, the concentrations of heavy metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS software were used to compare the concentrations of the analyzed heavy metals.
Results: The results showed that, except for lead, the highest concentrations of the studied metals were recorded in the liver tissue. A significant difference in zinc concentration was observed between the Chabahar, Gowatr, and Konarak regions and the other sampling sites (p < 0.05). Among the analyzed metals, zinc had the highest concentration, with an average of 27.66 mg/kg, while cadmium had the lowest, with an average of 0.029 mg/kg. Health risk analysis indicated that, except for lead and nickel in fish caught from Chabahar, the concentrations of the other metals in Platycephalus indicus were below the permissible limits recommended by international standards, including WHO, FDA, UKMAFF, NHMRC, and FAO.
Conclusion: According to the results, the liver serves as the primary site of heavy metal accumulation in Platycephalus indicus. The findings also indicate that lead and nickel concentrations in certain areas exceed permissible limits, potentially posing a risk to consumer health. These results underscore the need for enhanced monitoring of marine pollutants along the Makoran coastline.
 

Page 1 from 1     

© 2026 , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, CC BY-NC 4.0

Designed & Developed by: Yektaweb