Monitoring of Heavy Metals Contamination (Pb, Zn, Cr and Cu) in Sediments of Balkhlou River of Ardebil by Implication of Sediment pollution Indices

Background: Water contamination of heavy metals is one of the major threats to human health and food chain. In this study, concentration of heavy metals of lead, chromium, copper and zinc in sediment was measured in order to assess their ecological effects and their risk. Methods: To determine the concentration of metals, 12 stations were selected along the river and 3 samples from the sediment were taken in each station. After the preparation and acid digestion of the samples, the concentration of these metals was determined using atomic absorption device. Results: The average total concentration of lead, copper, chromium and zinc metals in sediments was obtained in mg / kg (22.24±8.08). The results showed that the pollution load and ecological risk of heavy metals in the area are in lower risk category. The environmental hazard of metals was also evaluated (zinc lead). Also, by calculating the geochemical index of molars and contamination coefficient of Balkhloo sediments, the pollution of heavy metals was classified with zero degree of contamination and in non-contaminated area. Conclusion: Based on the results, the contamination and the ecological risk level of metals in the sediments of the region are evaluated at a low level.