فاطمه راست منش

During the last few decades, heavy metal pollution in indoor dust has been widely studied; While, the quality of the environment inside the cars has not been considered enough. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study generally include investigating the levels of selected heavy metals in the dust of private cars collected from Ahvaz city, as well as evaluating the health risk of carcinogenesis and exposure to the dust inside these cars through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.

10 cars were selected for this study. The condition of choosing the cars was not to wash the car for a week. Then, samples were collected and coded from the dust of the air conditioner filter and the cabin of each car. To determine the composition of heavy metals, spectroscopic analysis (ICP) was performed on the samples.

The study of non-carcinogenic risk index (HI) in the present study indicates that the values of more than 1 and the health risk is high. The sequence of HI index values for heavy metals was obtained as  Pb>Cu>Cr> Fe> Zn> Cd> Ni. Evaluated risks from different pathways in children was HQing < HQinh<hqder while in adults follows HQing<hqder< HQinh process. Additionally, the values of enrichment factor of the studied samples showed the maximum and minimum values for Cu (4.3) and Ni (8.3), the maximum and minimum geoaccumulation index for Fe (12.75) and Ni (1.9) and the amount of integrated pollution and pollution index were estimated to be 1.34+E27 and 2.07+E9, respectively, indicating the average range for the studied heavy metals.</hq</hq

According to this study, the risk of non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals (except Fe and Cu) for children is estimated to be higher than that of adults. Furthermore, the investigation of the CR index for the three carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, and arsenic) has exceeded the safe level, which indicates ingestion and inhale as the target pathways for the worst adverse effects of heavy metals in children andadults, respectively. In the present study, the amount of heavy metals studied is more than the set standards. The results of the current study showedthe more enrichment of heavy metals in the car filter as compared with  the cabin.

The aim of present work is the assessment of source of heavy metals,and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the dust streets of Mahshahr city. Samples were collected from areas with different utility (e.g., industrial, commercial, educational, high traffic, hospitals, residential, and park). Heavy metals concentration like, Sb, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Mo, V, Fe and PAHs were measured using ICP-OES and GC-MS analyses; respectively. The average values of enrichment factor for Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb is intermediate. Calculation of geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicate that heavy metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb in the dust samples belong to contaminated to medium contaminated categories, while other heavy metals (i.e., Co, Sb Cr, Mn, Ni, Mo, and V) belong to uncontaminated class. Statistical analyses such as principal component analyses (PCA) and clustering analyses (CA) was used to assess the natural and/or anthropogenic origin of pollutions. The results of these analyses indicate that heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons mostly originated from anthropogenic sources, owing to the presence of petrochemical industries, and vehicles traffic. PAHs with high molecular weight (HMW) are dominant in all selected dust street samples. Also, it is confirmed that PAHs in dust have a pyrogenic origin. Importantly, the sum of carcinogenic PAHs in all sampling sites is higher than sum of non-carcinogenic PAHs. The ratios of IND/(IND+BghiP) vs. (BaA/(BaA + Chr) proved that biomasses, together with oil and coal combustion could be considered as the source of PAHs in the dust street samples of Mahshahr.

In ruminants, cobalt is essential for synthesis of vitamin B12 by rumen microflora. Emaciation and anemia are the most important consequences of cobalt deficiency in ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cobalt, iron, zinc, and manganese levels of soil and forage with each other and with serum levels of cobalt, zinc, and vitamin B12 in emaciated and normal sheep of Ramhormoz city. Eight soil and 8 forage samples were taken from four areas in Ramhormoz city. The soil and forage samples were analyzed. Blood samples were collected from 25 (15 emaciated and 10 normal) and 43 sheep (28 emaciated and 15 normal) from areas with more and less than 0.07 μg cobalt/Kg of DM forage, respectively and were analyzed to determine serum cobalt, zinc, vitamin B12 values and some hematological parameters. The forage cobalt value in Plim (0.052±0.02 mg/kg dry matter (DM)) and Larkiabad (0.054±0.00 mg/kg DM) regions was lower than the standard value. The mean soil iron value (15767±1333 mg/kg arid soil) was more than its critical level in Ramhormoz. The highest soil manganese values in Larkiabad and Plim regions were associated with the lowest forage cobalt values. There was no statistically significant difference between serum levels of cobalt, zinc, and vitamin B12 in the emaciated and normal sheep. It is possible that the high amounts of soil iron and manganese, due to their chelating effects, could reduce the cobalt bio-availability of forage. Contrary to the available literature, the presence of 0.05 μg cobalt/Kg of DM forage is capable of providing sufficient amounts of cobalt and vitamin B12 for sheep in the region.

Iodine and selenium have been identified as essential elements for animal health. Primary or secondary deficiencies of soil and forage iodine could be associated with thyroid glands dysfunction and abortion and selenium deficiency could be related to white muscle disease and decreased fertility in sheep. This study was aimed to evaluate the association of iodine, selenium and sulfur of soil and pastoral forages with serum levels of thyroid hormones and enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase in sheep in Ramhormoz city, southwestern Iran. Four areas in Ramhormoz city were selected and eight soil samples, 8 forage samples (2 samples from each zone) and 60 sheep serum samples (15 samples from each zone) were obtained. With alkaline digesting, the soil samples were read by ICP-OES method. Forage samples were also analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Serum levels of thyroid hormones and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity (GPx) were measured by laboratory kits. The mean values of sulfur content in soil (2010± 658 mg/kg) and forage (21443± 2999 mg/kg) were significantly higher compared to its standard levels (p < 0.01). The mean iodine and selenium of forage and serum thyroid hormones were in the normal range compared to the standard values. The mean sheep blood activity of GPx in two areas was in deficient status and two other areas were in the marginal levels. In conclusion, the amount of forage iodine in all areas was sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of sheep, and the levels of thyroid hormones were in the normal range. It seems, besides selenium was sufficient in forage, the high levels of soil and forage sulfur resulted in reducing selenium bioavailability for sheep as well as a deficiency to borderline deficiency status for GPx in sheep in the study area.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of copper, sulfur, iron, molybdenum and zinc of soil and pastoral forages on copper and zinc serum levels of sheep in Masjedsolaiman, southwestern Iran. 4 soil and forage samples and 60 blood samples were taken from sheep in 4 under regarded areas of Masjedsolaiman. The samples were sent to the institute of radiation at Atomic Energy Organization of Iran for the elements measurement. After alkaline digesting, the soil samples were read by ICP-OES apparatuses. After acidic digesting, the forage samples were read by ICP-MS apparatuses. Serum levels of copper and zinc were also measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Comparing the averages mentioned elements of soil with international standard and similar previous researches showed that the soil elements were in normal ranges. Comparing the mean values of forage elements with their critical levels and other studies showed that iron was higher than international standard and critical level, while the mean values for sulfur, copper, molybdenum and zinc were in normal ranges. The results revealed, although copper forage content was in the lowest normal value (6.2 ± 1.5 mg/kg), because of normal sulfur and molybdenum amounts in soil and forage, there was not copper deficiency in zonal sheep. Comparing to normal values, due to high content of soil and pasture iron and decrease in zinc bioavailability, serum zinc concentration of sheep under this investigation was mostly in a borderline deficiency status.

The aim of this study is to investigate heavy metal concentrations in the Paddy farms of Ahwaz and Bavi counties and determine anthropogenic or natural sources of heavy metals, using statistical methods. 14 farms were chosen in Ahwaz and Bavi counties.After preparing samples, ICP-MS and ICP-OES devices were used to determine the concentration of heavy metals in soil and rice samples, respectively. Average concentration of Ag, As, Cd and Sb is higher than that of standard crust. Based on average environmental risk assessment indices, the highest contamination was related to Ag, As, Cd and Sb, which indicates the anthropogenic input to agricultural soil such as using pesticides and chemical fertilizers in the study area. Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, and V have natural source; Sb and Cd anthropogenic source; As and Mo both anthropogenic and natural sources; and Ag anthropogenic source. Health risk due to As and Pb is probable through rice consumption. The highest mean concentration of metals in the rice samples was measured for Pb and the lowest for V. Pb concentration in the rice samples was higher than, and As concentration is close to the WHO standard. Non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children due to As and Pb is medium.

Very clinical cases of mineral deficiency, specially associated with copper in sheep of Khuzestan province have been annually seen; whereas the studies on soil and forage related mineral and effects of them on zonal domestic animals are rare. The aim of the present study was to investigate the copper, sulfur, iron, molybdenum and zinc of soil and pastures forages status in order to see the probable correlation of these elements with copper and zinc serum of sheep in Susngerd town of Khuzestan province. 5 soil and forage samples and 50 blood samples from sheep that were grazing in the area were taken. All the samples were sent to the institute of radiation at atomic energy organization of Iran for the elements measurement. The soil samples were alkaline digested and read by ICP-OES apparatuses. After acidic digesting, forage samples were read by ICP-MS apparatuses. Serum levels of copper and zinc were also measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The averages iron and sulfur content of soil were higher than international standard and critical levels, while the averages copper and molybdenum were within normal range. The mean of soil zinc in comparison to the crisis amounts was in the lower level (p= .05). Comparing the mean values of forage elements with their critical levels showed that sulfur and iron were higher than standard levels. The results revealed that the serum copper and zinc were lower than normal and sheep under this investigation were mostly in a borderline deficiency status. It seem that high levels of sulfur and iron in pastoral forages reduces intestinal absorption and bioavailability of copper and zinc in sheep grazing in the under study areas.

In recent years, metal contamination in the aquatic environment has attracted global attention owing to its environmental toxicity, abundance and persistence. This study was carried out to determine the concentration, origin and toxicity of heavy metals (Fe,Mn,As,Ni,Pb,Zn,Cu,Cr) in surface sediments of Bahmanshir River.14 surface sediment samples (0-10 cm) were collected using a grab sampler. Concentration of heavy metals was measured using ICP-OES method. Physico-chemical parameters (pH, Organic Matter (OM)) of sediment were determined by standard methods. In order to assess sediment contamination to heavy metals, different indices, Enrichment Factor, Potential acute toxicity and Ecological risk were calculated. The results showed moderate contamination of sediment with metals of Ni and Cr ºand low risk level of sediments. The Statistical analysis showed that metals Pb,Zn,Cu,Cr may have originated from anthropogenic sources ; As can originate from natural process and Ni seems to have both natural and anthropogenic sources.

Street dust mainly is influenceed by pollution Polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAHs are organic compounds which are formed from carbon and hydrogen and two or more benzene rings. Presence of these compounds in the dust of the street, from various sources in the city, like traffic and industry and may also affect human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of compounds on human health and the environment.
In order to assess and determine the possible origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the street dust of Ahvaz city, 10 samples of dust were collected from the city in March 2014. After preparation, the samples were analyzed by GC / MS. To determine the possible source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, geochemical aromatic ratios, statistical analysis, cluster analysis (CA), and principal components analysis (PCA) were used.
Findings: From 16 PAHs determined by the EPA, 13 PAHs were detected in dust samples. The total concentrations of PAHs were detected between 271.56 to 3211.58 Ppb. The ΣCOMB / ΣPAH was between 0.53 to 0.71 Ppb with 0.66 Ppb average. Ant / (Ant Phe) was between 0.10 to 0.37 Ppb and BaA / (BaA Chr) between 0.17 and 0.57 Ppb and IND / (IND BGP) between 0.28and 0.37Ppb respectively. Probable carcinogenic were calculated by the toxicity equivalent factor (TEF) for PAHs in all sampling stations, it was lower than value of which is determined by Canada to protect human health (600BaPeq Ppb).
Discussion & The results indicate pyrogenic source for PAH of street dust and combustion of fossil fuels. B (a) P is most cancer PAH compound, were detected in all sampling stations with different concentrations. Also, the result indicate that Ahvaz city is intensively affected by the oil and gas upstream and down industries and PAHs can correlate with this industries.

Soil plays a vital role in human life as the very survival of mankind is tied to the preservation of soil productivity (Kabata- Pendies and Mukherjee, 2007).
The purpose of this study is the assessment of heavy metal contamination (Zn, Mn, Pb, Fe, Ni, Cr) of the soil around the Khuzestan Steel Complex.
For this purpose, 13 surface soil samples (0-10 cm) were taken. Also a control sample was taken from an area away from the steel complex. The coordinates of each point were recorded by Global Positioning System (GPS). The samples were transferred to the laboratory and then were air dried at room temperature for 72 hours. Then they were sieved through a 2mm sieve for determining physical and chemical parameters (soil texture, pH, OC), and a 63-micron sieve for measurement of heavy metal concentration. pH was measured using a calibrated pH meter at a 2: 1 mixture (soil: water), and soil texture was determined using a hydrometer. The amount of organic matter was measured using the Valkey black method (Chopin and Alloway, 2007).
After preparation of the samples in the laboratory, the samples were analyzed using the ICP-OES method to assess concentration of heavy metals.
Measurement of heavy metals concentration was carried out at the Zar azma laboratory in Tehran. To ensure the accuracy of the analysis of soil samples, replicate samples were also sent to the laboratory.
In order to assess the heavy metal pollution in the soil samples, different indices including contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (Cd), anthropogenic enrichment percent (An%), and saturation degree of metals (SDM) were calculated.
In addition, the mean concentrations of heavy metals in soil samples were compared to the concentration of these metals in Control Sample and unpolluted soil standard.
Measurement of soil pH showed that the soil has a tendency to alkalinity. Also, soil texture is sandy loam (Moyes, 2011).
The results showed that the mean Organic Carbon in the soil sample is 1.03%, the higher amount of OC is related to soil sample numbers 7 and 11.
The mean concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cr in soil samples were 61.42, 19.90, 156.63, 443.63, 38762.63 and 127.58 (mg/kg), respectively.
The highest concentrations of manganese, chromium, zinc and lead were found in soil samples number 4 and 12. This is in agreement with the results of the saturation degree of metals so that, the highest values of saturation degree of metals were found for soil samples close to the factory, (i.e. 4 and 12). The SDM values decreased with distance to the factory. The highest contamination factor was obtained for soil samples which were taken near the steel factory (4 and 12).
Also, the highest contamination degrees were found for soil samples 4 (23.7) and 12 (14.1) while, the lowest values were obtained for soil samples 6 (6.35) and 10 (6.07).
The results of the contamination degree calculation, anthropogenic enrichment percent, as well as statistical analysis are consistent. It can be said that the origin of iron in study areas is related to anthropogenic and geogenic activites.
The results of anthropogenic enrichment percent, indicated that Lead, Manganese, and Zinc in the soil samples which were taken around the steel factory have an anthropogenic source. Moreover, the source of Chromium and Nickel is mainly geogenic.
The results showed that all variables are normally distributed. Three components originate with a cumulative variance of 79.55% for soil samples.
PC1 which explains 41.47% of the total variance can be defined as an anthropogenic component since Mn, Pb and Zn soil samples have the highest loading on PC1. As previously indicated, the concentration of these elements in the study area is mainly influenced by the steel industrial complex.
The PC2 represents 22.26% of the total variance, and is strongly associated with Ni, Fe can be defined as geogenic and anthropogenic component, as the variability of the elements seems to be controlled by parent rocks and human activities.
Cr was individually included in the PC3 whith 15.82% of the total variance. The distribution of Cr in the studied soils confirmed that it was derived from the parent materials of soil.
The highest concentrations were found at soil samples 4 and 12. Comparison of heavy metals concentration with unpolluted soil standard indicated that, concentrations of Cr, Zn, Fe, Ni and Pb is higher than that of unpolluted soil standard. In general, Manganese, Chromium, Zinc and Lead are the most important elements that are found in emissions of steel plants.
The soil samples near the steel plant and downwind direction have much higher pollution level.
The results showed that Mn, Pb and Zn is related to human activity and Cr have geogenic source and Fe and Ni have both geogenic and anthropogenic source in the study area in the city of Ahwaz.

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.
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.
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.
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.

In this study, the distribution of heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni, V, Mn, Fe, Zn, Pb) and sulfur in soil samples collected around the petrochemical complex and petroleum refinery at Abadan has been investigated. For this purpose, 22 surface soil samples were taking into consideration the prevailing wind direction (NW-SE). Sample number 22 is a control sample and was collected from a rural area. After preparation in the laboratory, the samples were analyzed using the ICP-OES method to assess concentrations of different elements. Also, the pH and organic matter content of samples were measured using standard methods. Pollution levels in the soil samples were investigated using different indices, including enrichment factor, contamination factor, contamination degree, saturation degree of metals and Potential acute toxicity. The mean concentrations of elements in the samples were compared to the mean concentration of these metals in the upper crust, soil worldwide, and EPA standards. The results of calculating the geochemical indices indicated that soil samples are more contaminated with S, Pb and Zn. The statistical analysis showed that nickel, vanadium, iron, manganese may be mainly derived from geogenic sources. Lead and zinc may originate from traffic and vehicle emissions as well as the petrochemical complex and petroleum refinery activities. As and Cr have both a geogenic and an anthropogenic origin. High concentrations of sulfur in the study area originated from the petrochemical complex and petroleum refinery activities.

The Aligudarz region is located in middle part of the Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone. During and before the Jurassic time, a variety of Cu, Fe, Zn-Pb and Ba mineralization are formed in this area due to tectono-magmatic activities. This diversity of mineralizations with volcano-plutonic activities caused some complexities and ambiguities in geology-metallogeny evolution of the region. In this way, the aim of this study was investigation of geological evolution and its relation with mineralization and tectono-magmatic evolution of the Aligudarz region. The field and petrographic observations show that mineralization composition consist of barite with sulfide minerals (chalcopyrite, pyrite and covellite) and Fe-oxides in the Farsesh deposit withPermian carbonate host rock in the Farsesh area; sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite in the Jurassic phylite, slate and meta-sandstone host rocks (Gol-e Zard deposit) and Cu mineralization associated with andesite rocks. In order to approach these aims, sampling for petrographical and geochemical studies with ICP-MS was done from each ore body separately. In addition, the granitoid rocks of the region were considered. In the Gol-e Zard Zn-Pb deposit, REE pattern represent enrichment of LREEs and La/Lu>1. The metamorphic host-rocks show positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies, whereas sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite and quartz show negative Eu and Ce anomalies. Lack of Eu anomalies indicates high Oxygen fugacity during the precipitation of these minerals. Therefore, according to similarity of REE pattern in host-rock and ores of the Gol-e Zard deposit, it seems REEs extracted from host rock and then added to mineralizing fluid. The chondrite normalized pattern of REEs in barite ores and its host rocks in the Farsesh deposit show LREE enrichment. The positive Eu and negative Ce anomalies indicate that hydrothermal fluids are the main fluids, which caused precipitation of barite inthe host rock. REE pattern of andesite rocks show the same magmatic source for these rocks. LREE enrichment in andesite samples, lack of Eu and Ce anomalies indicate that clinopyroxene and plagioclase were crystallized in the same time and Ce+3 extracted with other REEs from depositional environment. The chondrite normalized pattern of granite rocks in the region show LREE enrichment, negative Eu anomaly and lack of Ce anomaly, which can indicate that diffraction process was controlled by plagioclase crystallization during the granitoid generation. The chondrite normalized spider diagram show the same trend of depletion of HFSE and HRRE and enrichment of LREE and LILE for all of the samples, which represent occurrence of magmatism in the study area and indicate all of these mineralizations are related to the subduction zone. These studies indicate that there is geodynamically a genetic relation between mineralizing fluids and volcano-plutonic activities of the region during or before the Jurassic system.

One of the serious and growing potential in most large urban areas is the shortage of land for waste disposal. An inapproprriate landfill site may have negative enviromental, economic and ecological impacts. Therefore, it should be selected carefully by considering both regulations and constraints on there source. Choosing different factors leads to diversity in data layers and Geographic Information System (GIS) is very suitable due to the ability to manage huge volumes of data with different sources. The main aim of this research is to determine a suitable landfill site with less impact on environment For this purpose, the following data layers and maps have been utilized in this study, maps of slope, use land, soil, the depth of groundwater and the layers related to the distance from centers of waste generation (Ramhormoz), Population centers (village), surface water sources, underground water source (well, Spring), road network. The results of present research represents that the conditions in Analytical Hierarchy process(AHP) method has less certainty and the lack of definite limitations in this method, the sites selected according to Weighted Linear Combination(WLC) and Fuzzy-AHP (FAHP) have more parameters. However in studing the WLC and FAHP methods applied in this study, it was revealed that although WLC is simple, it has deficiencies; this method will locate many areas that may not be suitable, meanwhile FAHP, by ordered weights, offers this chance to the decision marker to include more important subjects which have greater role in site selection. Regarding to this ability, the result of site selection by FAHP has better resolution.

In order to quality assessment of some pollutant industrials in Bandar Abbas, 16 effluent samples were collected from important industrial units. Lead, cadmium, copper, Chromium, Arsenic, Mercury, Vanadium and Nickel were chosen as representative trace metals whose levels in the environment represent a reliable index of environmental pollution. Some discharged effluents to the environment show V, As and Hg pollution probably related to fossil fuel consumptions. Also, effluents used for irrigation of landscapes indicate high TDS constant and so are unsuitable for this purpose.

In this study, concentrations of heavy metals in soils around a Zn-smelter in Qeshm island, Iran, are investigated. Calculated geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), and contamination degree (Cdeg) values indicate surface soil contamination by toxic metals (As, Cd, Pb, and Zn). The results also indicate that most contaminated areas are located in the vicinity of the smelter and waste pile. However, concentrations of soil metals decrease with increasing distance from the pollution sources. Results from a potential ecological risk assessment indicate high risk in areas around the smelter. Statistical analysis also confirms the role of the Zn-smelter in soil contamination in the study area.