Evaluation of heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cd, Pb) in drinking water wells in the rural areas of Bandar Abbas, Iran

Introduction: Groundwater resources, including the most important sources of drinking water are based on studies of underground aquifers provide the main source of drinking water to more than 1.5 billion people around the world.Groundwater contamination by pollutants affecting the quality of these resources will be useless and even likely in some areas. Therefore, the present study aims at the evaluation of heavy metal concentrations in drinking water wells in the rural areas of Bandar Abbas. Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted in various parameters and the chemical quality of water. We measured the concentration of heavy metals (Zn, Cd, ,Pb) from 25 sources (wells) based on standard methods. Results: The findings of this study showed that concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd in drinking water wells in rural areas of Bandar Abbas were: 0.07, 0.02, 0.0054 mg liter, respectively. The values were less than the standard values of Word Health Organization. But, Cd concentration in 13 cases and Pb concentration in 9 cases were higher than WHO standards. Conclusion: The results suggest that measurement of the average metal concentrations in all drinking water wells in rural areas of Bandar Abbas were not higher than World Health Organization standards. However, more studies are recommended in areas with water wells contaminated with heavy metals.