Investigation of environmental contamination of heavy metals in soil, groundwater and surface water in Sarcheshmeh copper mine, Kerman, Iran

Sarcheshmeh Copper Mine is the largest porphyry deposit in the world and in this study heavy metal contamination is investigated. To determine concentrations of these elements, intact samples of soil, surface water and groundwater of the region have been sent to the laboratory for analysis. After determining the concentration of samples, the data are analyzed using Excel and ArcGIS. Using Kriging method, the variations of chosen elements’ concentration are interpolated and the maps and charts are drawn.. The results show that concentrations of copper, molybdenum, lead and cadmium in the soil of this region, on average, are respectively 235ppm, 13ppm, 65ppm and 7.1ppm which exceeded the limits and according to international standard, soil is unfavorable. The concentration of Aluminum, lead, molybdenum and cadmium in river water source on average, are respectively 0.73ppm, 0.8ppm, 1.32ppm and 0.42ppm; and in of groundwater on average are respectively 0.9ppm, 0.4ppm, 0.8ppm and 0.2ppm is. The comparison of concentration of these elements in surface and groundwater with global quality criteria standards indicates that the concentration of these elements according to different uses are not desirable. The analysis indicates an increase in the concentration of these elements in the southern part of the map area (mine), the source of the river downstream and adjacent to the mine fields to other parts of the region.