Investigation of the Concentration and Effects of Light and Heavy Elements in the Surface and Groundwater of the Village of Zangalan

Abstract

Today, one of the problems facing human societies is the pollution of surface and groundwater, which can be polluted by various factors. The aim of this research is to examine the concentration of light and heavy elements in the waters of the village of Zangalan. In this research, the chemical quality of surface and groundwater in the region, particularly the heavy metals present in the water, has been examined. Groundwater samples were collected from four wells and surface water samples from two areas above and below the village of Zangalan using random sampling from the beginning of May to the recent month of January in the year 2023, and were analyzed for element concentration using the Plantest 7500-8000 analysis machine. The findings indicate that the levels of light and heavy metal pollution in the groundwater of the village of Zangalan are as follows: sodium 1mg/lit, potassium 0.94mg/lit, magnesium 0.33mg/lit, strontium 0.83mg/lit, iron 1.12mg/lit, zinc 1.21mg/lit, copper 1.12mg/lit, and bismuth 0.06mg/lit, which are below the international standards. The remaining elements exceed the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In surface waters, except for the manganese element which is present at 0.01mg/lit, the rest of the elements exceed international standards. The main reason for the high concentration of elements, especially heavy metals, in the surface waters of the village of Zangalan is the failure to prevent the mixing of wastewater from the 207 Al-Farooq Corps. Additionally, the improper use of chemical fertilizers for agriculture, the entry of domestic and animal wastewater into the water, and the absence of water treatment facilities are among other factors that have contaminated these waters with high concentrations of heavy metals.