Heavy metals pollution in surface soils of Jamalabad District of Lowshan in Guilan Province

Background & Aims of the Study: Jamalabad district of Lowshan is one of the ancient industrial zones of the country with regard to having Lowshan industrial estate, Shahid Beheshti power plant, and the locality of two cement production factories. Hence, the study of some persistent pollutants such as heavy can be extremely valuable in terms of public health and environmental issues. Materials & Methods: In this survey, 30 samples of surface soils were collected around Lowshan industrial estate and Shahid Beheshti power plant. After sample preparation the specimens were analyzed using ICP-OES. In the next, according to the results of statistical analyzes, Pollution Loading Index (PLI) and Contamination Factor (CF), the qualitative status of the soils in the region was evaluated. Results: The distribution of metals was obtained according to pattern of Si>Pb>V>Co>Ni> Cd, respectively. The mean soil concentrations ranged within 1.33-2.08 for Cd, 32.55-49.33 for Ni, 80.12-124.76 for Pb, 45.51-66.36 for Co, 59.58-106.76 for V and 140.61-304.36 mg/kg for Si. According to the results of PLI, the soil of the area was classified as inappropriate quality. Conclusions: The main components of cobalt, cadmium and nickel were more effective on contamination levels than other metals. According to cluster analysis, these grouping of metals can illustrate the industrial origins of pollutants. Surface soil pollution in the area, demonstrate the long-term effects of various industrial units activities in the industrial estate, power plant activities, and road transport, operation of various mines activities and the existence of cement industries, can also be effective in discharging of pollutants in the region.