Environmental investigation of some heavy elements in the intrusive mass of Soungoun copper mine in Varzaqan, North-West of Iran

Among the most important environmental pollutants are heavy metals that enter the environment from industrial activities such as mining, fuel and energy production, the use of herbicides, cleaners, and urban waste production. The most important and valuable natural habitat in the study area is Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve. The purpose of this research is to determine the concentration of heavy elements in Soungoun copper mine, which have the potential of environmental pollution.

The collected samples after preparation were analyzed by ICP-MS method. Then the geochemical data were statistically analyzed by software such as SPSS. Many univariate and multivariate calculations including: linear correlation, cluster analysis and factor analysis were performed on the database.

Investigations show that the rocks of this area are enriched with elements Te, Mo, Cu, S, As, Sb, Bi, W, Ag, Tl, U, Sn and Pb. Among them, the enrichment of Te, Mo, Cu and S is very impressive. Three groups can be distinguished in the cluster analysis diagram: 1- Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Ni, Be, U, Tl, Co and Fe. 2- Bi, W, Ag, Sn, Cu and As. 3- Sb, Zn, Mn, Pb, Mo and Te. The highest correlation values are observed between Sc-Ti-V, Cr-Ni, Be-U, Co-Fe, Ag-Sn and Sb-Zn elements. The extracted grade of copper and molybdenum in Soungoun complex is 0.61% and 0.01%, respectively, while their average in the studied rocks is 0.73% and 0.0113%, respectively, which are close to each other.

The formation of sulphide minerals is a factor for the high amount of chalcophile elements in the intrusive mass rocks of Soungoun copper mine. Due to the fact that mining activities may cause the release of heavy and toxic elements into geochemical cycles, design is very important in the matter of extracting minerals and should be done with sensitivity and correct and accurate environmental assessment. Therefore, if the mining site is not restored, it will turn into polluted land and this pollution will cause many changes in the physicochemical properties and pH of the soil. Correct, efficient and dynamic management of the environment must be continuously applied to mining activities so that these activities do not deviate from the path of sustainable and healthy development.