Showing 70 results for Metals
M Mohammadian, J Nouri, N Afshari, J Nassiri, M Nourani,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (10-2008)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Heavy metals processing industry has always been a major cause of concern which affects soils, surface waters, ground waters and river sediments contaminations. Thus, the Zanjan Zinc and Lead Smelting Plant has been considered as a potential source of contamination.
Mterials and Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted in February 2008 in the site region .The concentrations of Lead, Zinc and Cadmium have been assessed. The samples have been taken from 17 wells and atomic absorption spectrophotometeric method has been used to assess the samples. In order to find out and locate the exact situation of the wells under study, Global Positioning System instrument has been used. The correlation between the concentration of each metal and the distance of studied well from the plant has been assessed too.
Results: The findings of this study showed that lead and cadmium concentrations were 53% and 59% respectively out of the guideline values of World Health Organization.
Conclusion: The concentration of Zinc was lower than both national and international values in all samples. As the heavy metal concentration is very important for human health status, the other fields of study like heavy metal air pollution effects and related diseases and conditions should be studied and assessed.
M Mosaferi, H Taghipour, A Ostadrahimi, Sh Nazmara,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (3-2009)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In the production of some high-consumed food products like cake, biscuit, chocolate and spaghetti water is used in the preparing of primary material and in the kneading processes. At the present study microbiological and chemical quality of consumed water in food industries of East Azerbaijan Province were studied.
Materials and Methods: Eleven factories with different products were selected. Water samples were collected and analyzed regarding the microbiological contamination and chemical parameters, and heavy metals. In addition, condition of water quality in selected industry was surveyed during the summer.
Results: According to the results, monitoring of water quality in the studied industries is not suitable. The chemical characteristics of consumed water in those industries had major differences. Ni, Cr, Zn, Fe and Mn were present in all analyzed water but in lower concentration than national Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Pb was measured in higher concentration than MCL in spaghetti factory no. 2 and close to MCL in wiener and frankfurter and sugar industries. Cd was close to MCL in spaghetti factory no. 2 and wiener and frankfurter industries.
Conclusion: It was concluded that for the safety and health of food products the food industries should use the public water supply system as water source at least in food processing units or in the units of preparing of primary materials. Also for the preventing of chemical pollution of food products it is necessary, pay more attention to the subject of water quality control according to the special water standard of food industries, and using less volume of water in some food industry isn.t acceptable reason for neglecting of water quality monitoring and assessing. In addition it is required to analyze heavy metals in the final products of those industries.
E Taheri, M Vahid Dastjerdi, M Hatamzadeh, A Hassanzadeh, F Ghafarian Nabari, M Nikaeen,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: Drinking water quality after treatment and before reaching the consumer could be affected by distribution pipes, service lines and Home devices. The structure of water coolers, a home device that are widely used in warm months of the year, could potentially affect the quality of drinking water. The aim of this study was to assess the microbial and chemical quality of water from conventional water coolers.
Materials and Methods : Water samples were collected from 29 water cooler systems at the Isfahan university of medical sciences. 29 control samples also obtained from the nearest drinking water taps. All samples were examined for total heterotrophic bacteria and physicochemical parameters including temperature, ph, turbidity and heavy metals.
Results: All samples from the water cooler systems complied with the EPA guidelines for total heterotrophic bacteria count. There were no significant differences between the levels of heavy metals in water samples from the water cooler systems and taps. There was only a significant difference between the level of Cu in the water samples from cooler systems and taps
Conclusion: The overall results of this study indicated that the use of water cooler systems from hygienic point of view could not cause any problems for consumers
Z Farahmand Kia, M.r Mehrasbi, M.s Sekhawatju, A.sh Hasanalizadeh, Z Ramezanzadeh,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (3-2010)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives : Heavy metals in dust can enter to the human body through ingestion andinhalation. They can pollute the water and soil resources via atmospheric precipitation and accumulate in the plants tissue and enter human body by water and food. The aim of this study was measurement of the heavy metals in wet and dry atmospheric precipitation and effects of pollution sources at the ground surface on the concentration of heavy metals in the atmospheric precipitations.
Materials and Methods: In this study the zanjan city was divided into 5 zones and wet and dry precipitations were collected in autumn, winter and spring (2008- 2009) from zones. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn the collected precipitations were determined by Atomic Absorption spectroscopy method.
Results: The averages of concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn were 0.082, 0.286, 0.018, and 0.009 (mg/m 2.d)respectively. The correlation coefficients between Pb-Zn was 0.8 (P<0.01) and for Cr-Cd, Cd-Pb, and Cr-Pb were 0.89, 0.58 and 0.61 respectively.
Conclusion: The results showed that the industrial sources of heavy metals play the main role in concentration of heavy metals in wet and dry atmospheric precipitation in Zanjan.The correlation coefficients showed that the lead and zinc result from a common source. This source can be the lead and zinc factories locating around the city. The measurement of heavy metals in atmospheric precipitation shows the effects of anthropogenic sources in air quality. The heavy metals concentration in atmospheric precipitation can be use as air pollution index.
S Nazemi, A.r Asgari, M Raei,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (7-2010)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives : Vegetables are one of the most important components of daily food. Contamination of vegetables with heavy metals might ends to accumulate in the body, there for in this study the level of lead, chromium, cadmium, arsenic and zinc in cultural vegetables of shahroud suburb were measured in 1387.
Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 150 vegetable samples through 3 months, 50 for each month, were randomly harvested. Atomic absorption instrument was used to determine the amount of mentioned heavy metals after sample preparation, SPSS whit 0.05 was used for statistically data analyzing.
Results : For vegetables the average value of Pb, Cr and Cd in different vegetables were different from each other and P value was less than<0.001. There are no significant amounts of Arsenic concentration. The value of these metals with 95% acceptable level was in the range of satisfaction. Arsenic didn&apost have that much of error of its contamination
Conclusion : Except Zn and As other metals like Cr, Cd and Pb were above the standard zone by FAO&WHO. The wastewaters of urban and industrial facilities are the main reason for this problem.The best suggestion is using pure water for this purpose.
M Khoshnamvand, Sh Kaboudvandpour, F Ghiasi,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (10-2010)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives:There have been always concerns regarding to consumption of aquatic products, particularly fish, due to the possibility of heavy metals bioaccumulation in aquatic creatures organs, throughout the world.Aresearch project was carried out to assess the level of concentrated total mercury in different tissues of Silver carp as the most consumed fish from Sanandaj Ghesglagh reservoir in the region.
Materials andMethods:Twenty four silver carp were captured randomly during July to December 2009. Prior measuring mercury concentrations in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues by AdvancedMercuryAnalyzer (Model Leco, 254AMA) on the dry weight basis, biometry procedure was done.
Results: Mean accumulated mercury in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues were 367 (S.E.± 26.43), 311 (S.E.± 32.22) and 251 (S.E.± 28.70) ng gr -1 on the dry weight basis, respectively. Pair comparisons between the level of concentrated mercury in all tissues, except white muscle tissues (F5, 18 = 1.52, P = 0.2332) showed a significant difference (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The level of accumulated mercury in muscle and liver tissues of all samples weighted above 850 grams were higher than the established limits by WHO, FAO and EPA. Our results emphasis that the consumption of silver carp from Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir might place the health of all those peoples who live in the region at risk.
M Khosravi, N Bahramifar, M Ghasempour,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Anzali Wetland is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems of Iran which is located in south-west of the Caspian sea. This Wetland provides a suitable and non-market price habitat for valuable fish and aquatic animals which have an important role in the life cycle of this ecosystem. This study reports the results of some heavy metals contamination monitoring in superficial water of the Anzali Wetland, Iran.
Materials and Methods: The samples were collected from three sites (east, center and west) of Anzali Wetland, in each site three stations existed and each sample replicated three times.
Results: The results showed high heavy metal levels in eastern site of wetland, where there were high levels of contamination. The mean of heavy metals concentration in sediment from Anzali Wetland were in order as Cd 157.023, Pb 3.646 and Hg 300.692 ng /g dried weight, Zn 186.953 and Cu 44.452 mg /g dried weight in eastern site. The concentration levels of heavy metals in three sites were in order as follows: Zn > Cu > Hg > Cd > Pb.
Conclusion: Concentrations of heavy metals in eastern zone reflected metal loadings from anthropogenic sources located at and in the vicinity of the sampling sites.
Mahdis Mosayebi, Habiballah Mirzaee,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Rice is one of the most consumed food items that is exposed to mycotoxins and heavy metals contamination. Due to the accumulation of heavy metals in the tissues of human body and its side effects on the body and being carcinogenic and mutagenic mycotoxin, the present study was conducted to determine contamination of rice imported in Golestan Province. Materials and Methods: We collected 80 samples of imported rice from India and Pakistan on the Inche boron border in Golestan province between January 2011 and August 2012. We analyzed each sample for the amount of mycotoxins (aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 and total aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and dexynivalenol) and heavy metals (lead, arsenic, and cadmium). We used HPLC to measure mycotoxins and immunoaffinity column (Dexynivalenol purification was conducted using DONSPE column) for purifying. Hydride generation atomic absorption based optical spectroscopy technique was used for determining arsenic. Graphite furnace atomic absorption according AOAC.986.15 was used to determine lead and cadmium. Results: We found that the average level of aflatoxin B1, B2, ochratoxin A, and total aflatoxin were 0.93, 0.036, 0.033 and 0.96 ng/g respectively. Aflatoxin G1, G2 and dexynivalenol was not observed in any of the samples. Average concentrations of lead, arsenic, and cadmium in the samples were 0.067, 0.007, 0.024 mg/kg respectively. Conclusions: All samples were within the accepted maximum limits of Iran National Standards for heavy metals and mycotoxins in rice.
R Mohajer, Mh Salehi, J Mohammadi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The contamination of agricultural crops with heavy metals due to soil and atmospheric contamination is a potential threat for their quality and their safety. Heavy metals such as Cd and Pb have been reported for their carcinogenic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the lead and cadmium concentration in some of crops grown in Isfahan province, Iran. Materials and Methods: During two seasons (spring and summer), 80 samples of four different crops (20 samples from each crop) were randomly harvested from some of the agricultural lands of Isfahan province. After sample preparation, lead and cadmium contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The average concentration of Pb and Cd were different in different crops. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between mean concentration of lead in beetroot with onion and also cabbage whereas no significant difference was observed for lead between beetroot and lettuce (p>0.05). Means comparison showed a significant difference for cadmium between beetroot and cabbage and also beetroot and onion (p<0.001). Results showed that the concentration of Pb and Cd in most of the samples was higher than the standard limits reported by Iran (maximum tolerance of heavy metal in lettuce, cabbage, rootbeet and onion is 0.2, 0.3, 0.1, and 0.1 for lead and 0.1, 0.05, 0.05 and 0.05 UNIT for cadmium respectively) and FAO-WHO. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that although most of the sampling plants were contaminated with lead and cadmium, the estimated daily intake of each metal (EDI) showed that except lead in lettuce, other crops have EDI below the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) recommended by the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran. In order to better management, preventing pollution and also finding the origin of elements, analyzing heavy metals content in soil, water, and dust of this region is recommended.
M Rajabi, B Souri,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Dust storms happening frequently in arid and semiarid regions of the world carry huge amount of particulate matters hence, these are recognized as one of the most important environmental issues at regional and international scales. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals laden dustfall particles in Sanandaj, Khoramabad, and Andimeshk cities, West Iran. Materials & Methods: Sampling of dustfall particles was conducted once every 10 days from June 20, 2012 for one year at three stations of Sanandaj, Khorramabad, and Andimeshk simultaneously using Deposit Gauge Method. The concentration of Fe and Mn were measured using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used for analyzing Ni, Cr, Ag, As, Cu, and Zn. Then, pollution levels for the heavy metals were evaluated using Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo) and Integrated Pollution Index (IPI). Mineralogy and morphology of the dustfall particles were inspected using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Results: Igeo index indicated that levels of pollution for Ag and Cu were higher than As and Zn among the dustfall particles of the three stations whereas the concentrations of the other heavy metals were not evaluated as contaminant. Moreover, means of IPI values calculated for stations of Sanandaj, Khorramabad, and Andimeshk were 2.86, 1.55 and 1.40 respectively. X-ray diffraction revealed abundance of silicate (quartz) and carbonate (calcite) minerals in dustfall particles. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy emphasized on similarity of shape of dustfall particles in the three stations. Conclusion: Although mean of dustfall particles on area unit in Sanandaj station was less than Khorramabad and Andimeshk, heavy metals concentration was relatively higher among the sampled dustfall particles.
A Bazzi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: This paper, discussed the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, chromium, iron, and magnesium in surface sediments of the Gulf of Chabahar. Materials & Methods: Samples of coastal sediment and shallow waters were collected from five different stations in summer and winter, 2013. Results: The research found that the concentrations of heavy metals in sediments is more than water, although the concentrations of metals in sediment and water from different stations followed a general trend. Seasonal variation had effect on the concentration of metals, so that in winter, the concentration of heavy metals such as copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, and nickel was more than of the summer season. Conclusion: Generally, concentration of heavy metals in the study area was less than the quality guidelines for sediments and water. However, between different stations, higher concentrations of heavy metals were found in stations nearby the fishing ports. The results show that increase in the concentrations of heavy metals can contribute considerable impacts on the pollution level due to fishing boats in the study area although some metals are also of natural origin.
M Hatami Manesh, M Mirzaei, M Gholamali Fard, A.r Riyahi Bakhtiyari, M Sadeghi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: one of the most important environmental concerns is heavy metals emissions from human activities to natural ecosystems, particularly transfer to soil. The aims of this study were measured the concentrations of Cu, Zn and Cr in landfill soil and hospital waste ash of Shahrekord municipal solid waste landfill. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from three sites: out of the landfill, municipal landfill and hospital landfill. In each site 2, 1, and 1 stations ware selected respectively and each sample was replicated in three times. Results: We found that there was a significant difference between concentrations of Cu, Zn and Cr in the landfills soil (95% confidence, P <0.05). Furthermore, the highest levels of Zn and Cu were detected in the hospital landfill and also for Cr in the municipal landfills. However, the concentration levels of heavy metals in all of the sites were in order as follows: Zn>Cu>Cr. Conclusion: High concentrations of metals determined in the present study represents the high application of these metals in the structure of municipal and hospital solid wastes and also their inaccurate separation. Thus, awareness about physical and chemical characteristics of municipal and hospital wastes and also the landfill soil is necessary for evaluating their effects on the soil quality and surrounding environments.
N Ravankhah, R Mirzaei, S Masoum,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and purpose: Soil contamination resulted from either natural or anthropogenic factors reduces environmental quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the geoaccumulation, contamination factor, and principal component analysis indices to estimate topsoil contamination in Aran-Bidgol town.
Materials and methods: 135 topsoil samples were collected from Aran-Bidgol town and the metal concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn in each sample were determined. The index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and principal component analysis (PCA) techniques were applied to determine the status and trends of soil contamination in this region. The inverse distance weighting (IDW) was then used to map these soil contamination indices.
Results: The research found that the means concentrations of Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cu were 0.72, 11.41, 29.87, 48.59, and 14.82 mg/kg respectively all exceeded the background values. Mean Igeo and CF of elements followed the order: Cu> Cd> Ni> Zn≈ Pb. The Igeo and CF maps showed higher values of Cd, Pb, and Zn in areas near industrial estates, brick kilns, and urban areas whereas higher levels of Cu and Ni occurred in urban and agricultural areas. According to the PCA index, two principal components were identified that Cu, Ni and Zn were highly loaded in PC1 and Cd and Pb occurred in PC2.
Conclusion: Results indicated that the concentration of Pb and Cd are mostly affected by human activities, whereas Ni, Zn, and Cu contents are controlled by both anthropogenic and natural sources.
H Kamani, M Hoseini, G.h Safari, A.h Mahvi, H Zarei,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: Quantity of trace metals in the wet precipitation can illustrate the environmental pollution of different urban areas. Up to now, there is no study regarding the chemistry of wet precipitation in Tehran .The objectives of this study are: measurement of heavy metal concentrations and identification of the main factors affecting the heavy metal concentrations in wet precipitation using factor analysis method.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which measurements of heavy metals were performed in 53 wet precipitation samples collected from a central site of Tehran City, capital of Iran. The samples were collected during November to May in 2010, 2011 and 2012 on the roof of the student’s dormitory building of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and then the concentration of heavy metals in each sample was measured with ICP-MS.
Results: pH ranged from 4.2 to 7.1 with a mean value of 5.1 indicating in acidic range. Result of EF calculations revealed that samples were not enriched with Fe and Cr but were enriched with Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Cu. Factor Component Analysis with Varimax normalized rotation showed Al, Fe and Cr are originated from crustal source and Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Cu are originated from anthropogenic sources.
Conclusion: EF and acidic pH values indicate Tehran is under the influence of extremely anthropogenic activities. Large number of vehicles and industrial activity in the city are undoubtedly responsible for the emission of a wide range of pollution.
L Tabande, M Taheri,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The contamination of soils and plants with heavy metals is a serious and growing problem. The present study aimed to determine the concentration of heavy metals in soil and some agricultural products and the probability of risks due to their consumption.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using random sampling at harvest time in 2014 on 205 samples of vegetable crops (Leek, chard, parsley, watermelon, melon, tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, onion, garlic, radish, green peas, and broad bean) and 129 samples of soils under cultivation. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in soil and plant samples were determined by an atomic absorption instrument and the data was analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: There were significant differences between the mean concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn for different vegetables (P<0.001), but no significant difference was observed for Cd. The highest mean levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn were detected in parsley, chard, broad bean, and leek respectively. However, there was no heavy metal pollution in the remainder of the vegetables and soil samples (with the exception of agricultural soils adjacent to the lead mine of Mahneshan area) studied. Hazard probability (HQ) of each element for cancerous diseases was less than unit and the intake of heavy metals was lower than the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that major accumulation of heavy metals was obtained in leafy vegetables. Therefore, much attention should be paid to consumption of leafy vegetables, especially vegetables grown in the surrounding industrial areas.
M Sabouhi , F Nejadkoorki, H.r Azimzadeh, M.s Ali Taleshi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The presence of industrial workshops has increased urban pollution. This study aimed to investigate the heavy metal pollutants of Yazd battery repairing workshops and to identify the ecological and environmental effects resulted.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Yazd. In this regard, the city was divided into three parts on the basis of geographical features. Then, 30 workshops were selected from each part through stratified random sampling method. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) in the floor were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The impacts assessment of heavy metals was evaluated using environmental potential risk index (RI), cumulative pollution index (IPI), pollution coefficient factor (Cf), and the degree of modified contamination (mCd) and Pearson’s correlation statistical test.
Results: The trend of heavy metals concentrations in floor dust particles of workshops was as Fe>Cu>Pb>Zn>Mn>Cr>Cd. Therefore, the average concentrations of Fe and Cd in the samples were 27011.52 ±4721.05 and 78.25±21.07 mg/kg respectively. The results of the RI showed that heavy metal of floor dust had very high danger (2816.29). The mCd value was as 63.35 indicating these workshops were at severe contamination class. The value of Cf was as 304.17 revealing that these workshops were at very severe contamination class.
Conclusions: This research showed that the high concentration of heavy metals in battery repairing workshops is due to the interaction of heavy metals of industrial wastes components, including electrical wastes and battery with the dust having mankind origin.
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.
N Rouniasi , H Parvizi Mosaed,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Heavy metals are seriously dangerous for the human body and their accumulation in the body can cause pathological changes in the organs and this can result in cardiovascular, liver and bone diseases, and even cancer. Human is exposed daily to these pollutants via consumption of food and water.
Materials and Methods: Considering the cumulative properties of these metals in plant organs, the amount of Cr, Mn, and Fe in soil and leaf, stem, and root tissues of cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and onions in Karaj City were investigated. For this purpose, 15 samples were randomly collected from each part of the plants, and then, the density of heavy metals was measured via atomic absorption spectrometer after cleansing, grinding, drying, and acid digestion. The data were then analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: It was found that leaves of spinach, cabbage, lettuce, and onion have higher concentrations of Cr, Mn, and Fe rather than their stems and roots. The roots of plants contain the least densities of metals. Moreover, concentrations of Fe, Cr, and Mn in soil were 11.87, 3.99 and 17.78 mg/kg, respectively. This was due to the high transportation of these metals to air-related parts of the plant like leaves. This research also showed that the densities of Cr, Mn, and Fe in leaves of studied spinach, onion, cabbage, and lettuce exceeded the FAO/WHO standard limitations (0.15, 0.3, and 0.3 mg/kg for Cr, Fe and Mn, respectively).
Conclusion: Due to the high concentrations of Cr, Mn, and Fe in studied vegetables in Karaj City, the consumption of these kinds of vegetables by citizens must be taken into consideration by regulatory agencies.
V Past, Ar Mesdaghinia, M Naderi,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and objective: Compost is beneficial for conditioning the structure and nutrient content of soil. Toxic metals are the most important contaminants that can enter the food chain through the compost products and affect human health. The aim of this study was to assess the arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead levels in six brands of vermicompost produced from the organic solid wastes in Tehran and to compare the amounts with the international and national standard levels.
Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive - analytical study in which samples of six brands of vermicompost products were randomly selected from the distribution centers in Tehran, and from each brand four samples were prepared (24 samples). Then the samples were extracted using the TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) method and after filtration the metal concentrations were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). All data were analyzed using Excel software.
Results: The means and standard deviations of the toxic metals concentrations (arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead) in the collected samples of each brand were reported in terms of mg/kg. The maximum concentrations of these toxic metals were 7.45, 0.15, 0.19, and 79.95 mg/kg, respectively.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the levels of toxic metals in the vermicompost samples derived from the municipal solid waste in Tehran were lower than the permissible limits of the national and international standards.
M Kolahkaj, S Battaleblooie, H Amanipoor, S Modabberi,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Arsenic accumulation in rice has become a major disaster in the recent decade. A number of studies indicated that rice is a major source of arsenic pollution in human diets. This study assessed the arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grain in Meydavood where rice is the main agricultural crop of the region. This research studied the probable presence of arsenic in the rice grains of Maydavood region in Khozestan province and evaluated the arsenic intake through daily rice consumption.
Materials and Methods: Ten rice samples were taken from Meydavood farms during cropping time. Samples were analyzed for arsenic using ICP-MS.
Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and then compared with the World Health Organization standards. The mean concentrations of arsenic in rice samples were 0.079 ppm based on dry weight. The results showed that in 30% of the samples, arsenic concentration exceeded the WHO standards. Due to the high concentration of arsenic in rice samples, the arsenic intake by human was calculated using a regimen of safety and considering a consumption rate of 110 g of rice per day and an average body weight of 70 kg.
Conclusion: The total daily intake of As (TDI-iAs) for adults (70 kg body weight and 110 g rice consumption) was in the range of WHO recommended provisional tolerable daily intake value. Since the source of arsenic in Meydavoud is a natural source, thus, comprehensive studies are recommended on its water resources. Additionally, a solution should be found to prevent probable health effects on the residents.
