Accumulation of lead, antimony and arsenic in soil and water in Khunik gold prospecting area, Eastern Iran

Khunik gold prospecting area is located in the eastern part of Lut block, eastern Iran. Main rock units are andesite, agglomerate, latite, dacitic lava, rhyodacite, volcanic breccia and conglomerate. Geological and geochemical evidences indicate low to medium sulfide gold mineralization. Mining activates accumulate heavy metals in soil and water that are associated with harmful effects on human health. The object of this research is to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals in soil and groundwater resources and assess the effects of the mineralization zone. All investigated metals in soil samples are below world concentration except arsenic, antimony, and iron. Based on the assessment of pollution, high enrichment of silver, medium to high enrichment of antimony, arsenic, lead, and selenium in some samples were detected. The high correlation of silver, gold, and arsenic is due to the sulfide mineralization of gold in the Khunik area. Chemical analysis of water samples comparing International Standards confirms that water resources in this area have been polluted by heavy metals and it is not drinkable. MI and HPI values denote the dangerous pollution of groundwater, which has been described as serious in most sites.