The distribution and contamination of minor ions and elements in the water resources of the Sarduiyeh plain, Kerman Province, Iran

This study investigated the contamination of some rare elements and minor ions for 43 points of the groundwater and surface water resources in Sarduiyeh area in Kerman province, Iran. In this region, low correlations between the concentration of rare elements were observed due to unsuitable geochemical conditions and heterogeneity in the lithological composition and groundwater outflow from multiple hard-rock aquifers. Moreover, two factors of mineral dissolution with high solubility and agricultural activities were effective factors in the presence of minor elements. Concentrations of Cu, B, NO3 and Mn in all points were below the standard of the drinking water and there was no contamination with these elements in the area. Barium concentration was lower than drinking water standard in the areas except in two thermal springs. Fe concentration was less than drinking standard in all areas except one of the river samples. The amount of fluoride in the points of spring SP1 and two thermal springs observed above the drinking water standard. While in some samples, aluminum had a concentration lower than the standard. Using the pollution index, it can be said that the surface and groundwater resources of the study area had a medium level of pollution. According to the evaluation of nitrate and fluoride consumption in water resources as drinking water, it was observed that water consumption in 1 year in terms of nitrate was not dangerous while for fluoride, consuming water resources for more than two years was harmful to health in most samples.