Investigating the Mineral Ingredients of Dust Fall in Agricultural Areas in Poldokhtar, Iran (2019-2020)

 Dust storms have negative effects on public health, social economy and environment and, thus, lead to many damages in human resources, health sector and agriculture. Iran is one of the areas affected by particulate matter, with serious damages annually.  For these reasons particulate matter increases should receive particular attention in Iran.

This research was conducted on solid/mineral section of dust fall in Poldokhtar, Lorestan Province, Iran. Sampling of the particles was done in nine spots in three stages during three months to measue heavy metals, cations and anions. Analysis of the samples for cations and anions was done using the Ic Metrohm system and that for heavy metals using the Icp OES-arcoss system.

Sampling of dust fall was done in February, March and April 2019. Data analysis showed the most highly concentrated cation and anion were SO4 and F, respectively, while the concentrations of Fe and Al were the highest among heavy metals. 

The highest amounts of dust fall were found to occur in February 2019, followed by that in March 2019, and the lowest occurring in April 2019. Due to the fact that compounds/elements with both natural and unnatural origins were found in this study, it can be concluded that the origins of the compounds/elements observed could be both natural and unnatural.