Chromium Contamination in Water, Soil and Agricultural Products of Mayamey Area

Chromium is one of the heavy and toxic metals for microorganisms, animals, and plants, which the use of the sources that contain them may lead to serious environmental pollutants. High concentrations of chromium are considered a stress factor for plants that can affect plants' physiological and biochemical properties as a growth-limiting factor. Due to an active chromite mine in the Forumad area of ​​Mayamey city, Semnan province, this research is to determine the status of chromium contamination in water resources, the soil of the region, and plant samples. Regarding the mentioned issue and for the identification, simultaneously sampling of all water resources in the region, including wells, springs, and aqueducts, are implemented. Besides the qualitative analysis and determination of ions (anions and cations), the total chromium concentration is investigated in the Soil and Water Research Institute. The results indicate pollution centers in the areas of Forumad, Pole Abrisham, Estarband, Kalateh-ye Sadat. A sampling of crops, horticulture, and medicinal plants in the region showed that the amount of chromium adsorption in pepper as a national index product of the region was less than the allowable limitation (less than 1 mg/kg), and the initial concerns were largely resolved. The absorption of total chromium in pistachio and pear crops is also within the allowable range, considered in the region's cultivation program. Since the absorption of chromium in sesame seeds, wheat, alfalfa, figs, and some crops is higher than the allowable level, incentive policies should be implemented to improve the cultivation pattern and replace it with contaminated crops. Contamination of soil sources in the region with chromium was investigated at 32 points. The results showed that almost all soil samples are more contaminated with chromium (range 386-142 mg/kg). The results showed that the concentration of total chromium in the four samples sent from Forumad and the Pole Abrisham before treatment was 123.5, 107.2, 127, and 110.6 μg / l after treatment of zero, 6.7, zero, and 4.2 μg / l, which indicates the use of reverse osmosis in drinking water.