Dissolved Heavy Metals in the Reservoir of Shahid Rajaei Dam, Sari, Iran

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Civil Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

3 Department of Civil, Faculty of Technology, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

Abstract

Concentrations of heavy metals (Ni, Co, Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu) in the reservoir of Shahid Rajaei
Dam, one of the main water reservoirs in north part of Iran, were determined using a differential pulse polarography
(Metrohm 797 VA) and compared with the national and international specified maximum contaminant levels
(MCL) for different purposes of water use. The results showed that concentrations of Cd and Pb in the reservoir
exceeded different MCLs and thus they could pose health problems for regional residents. Averaged concentrations
of heavy metals exhibited a decreasing order of: Zn>Pb>Cd>Cu>Ni>Co. The spatial distribution and seasonal
variation implied the significant effect of anthropogenic sources on concentration of heavy metals. These metals
mainly originate from the fertilizers and pesticides which are used in upstream farm lands of the flood plain;
however the natural sources should not be neglected. The results would help in water resource management of
Shahid Rajaei Dam.

Keywords

International Journal of Environmental Research
Volume 8, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
October 2014
Pages 997-1004

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