Showing 45 results for Pollution
K. Asgari, S. H. Tabatabaei, P. Najafi, Sh. Kiani,
Volume 20, Issue 78 (1-2017)
Abstract
Constant use of treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation over long periods may cause buildup of heavy metals up to toxic levels for plants, animals, and entails environmental hazards in different aspects. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using a deep emitter installation on lowering the potential heavy metal accumulation in soil and wheat grain, and health risk under drip irrigation with treated municipal wastewater. A field experiment was conducted according to a split block design with two treatments (fresh and wastewater) and three sub treatments (0, 15 and 30 cm depth of emitters) in four replicates in Esfahan, Iran. Soil samples were collected before planting (initial value) and after harvesting (final value) in each year. Elemental concentrations (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Ni) in soil and grain were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A pollution load index (PLI) showed that there was not substantial buildup of heavy metals in the wastewater-irrigated soils compared to the freshwater-irrigated soils. Cu, Pb, Cr and Zn concentrations in wheat grain were within permissible EPA limits, but concentrations of Cr was above the safe limits of EPA. In addition, concentrations of Ni in wheat grain were several folds higher than EPA standards. A health risk index (HRI) which is usually adopted to assess the health risk to hazard materials in foods showed values higher than 1 for Cd and Cu, whereas children might also be exposed to health risk of Cd, Cu and Cr. Based on aforementioned results, it can be concluded that the depth of emitter in drip irrigation does not play a significant role in the accumulation of heavy metals from TWW in our sandy loam soil.
Prof. J. Abedi-Koupai, M. Fatahizadeh, Dr M. R. Mosaddeghi,
Volume 21, Issue 2 (8-2017)
Abstract
Today, modern irrigation systems are constructed at a very high cost to operate for optimal use of water and soil. Lack of appropriate technical, social and economic studies, caused high maintenance costs of these facilities during operation. Water resources have been polluted due to industrial development, increasing human population and non-compliance with environmental standards. Most of hydraulic structures are built in areas with poor water quality. Furthermore, engineering properties of fine-grained soils, especially the clay soils, depend on factors such as salinity of solute in the pore water. So that any change in salinity of solute leads to change in the physical and mechanical properties of soils, and consequently make damage to hydraulic structure. This study investigated the effect of water salinity on engineering properties of fine-grained soils. For this purpose, NaCl, with 5 different levels (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.41 and 0.72 mol/L) was added to the soil and the mechanical properties of soil including compaction, shear parameters, Atterberg limits and consolidation parameters were investigated. The results showed that the addition of NaCl had made no significant changes to the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content of the soil, but it reduced cohesion of soil and increased the internal friction angle .Also, Limit Liquid (LL) are decreased, but it had little effect on the Plastic Limit(PL) of soil.
M. Tayebi, M. Naderi, J. Mohammadi,
Volume 21, Issue 3 (11-2017)
Abstract
The aim of this work was to study distribution of some heavy metals in different soil particle-size fractions and to assess their spatial distribution. The study was carried out in Kafe Moor (Kerman, Iran) where the Gol-Gohar Iron Mine is located. One hundred twenty composite soil samples were randomly collected and transferred to the laboratory in bags. After air-drying, the samples were fractionated into six classes including 2- 0.5, 0.5-0.25, 0.25-0.125, 0.125- 0.075, 0.075-0.05 and <0.05 mm. Elemental concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni) were determined using acid digestion method (HNO3, 4.0 N) and an atomic absorption spectrophotometer in each class. Ordinary Kriging technique was used for predicting spatial distribution of heavy metals. The results showed that content of metals in soil increased with decreasing particle size. The results also showed that the concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Ni in <0.05 mm size fraction were 2.13, 1.70, 4.79,2.43, 1.42, and 3.47 times higher than in 2-0.05 mm size fraction, respectively. In addition, mapping the concentrations of heavy metals with kiriging showed that metals pollution decreased with increasing distance from mines area.
F. Masoudi, M. Shirvani,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (2-2018)
Abstract
Water and soil pollution with heavy metals has become a worldwide environmental issue. Therefore, development of efficient and low-cost methods for removal of metals from water or metal stabilization in soil has been identified as priority research areas. Biochar, produced from plant biomass and agricultural wastes, has recently been used to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions as an effective sorbent. In this study, biochars were made from pyrolysis of palm tree residues at different temperatures of 200, 400 and 600 °C. The prepared biochars were then used to remove Ni from aqueous solutions in batch systems without pH adjustment and with pH adjustment at 7. To investigate Ni sorption rate, kinetic experiments were also carried out at a Ni concentration of 10 mg/L. The results of kinetic tests showed that the biochar prepared at 600 °C had more Ni sorption rate with equilibration time of about 5 h. Power function and Elovich models were the best equations fitted the kinetic data. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms described sorption of Ni on the sorbents very well. According to the Langmuir model predictions, the biochar produced at 600 °C and the palm raw residues had highest and the lowest capacity to sorb Ni from the solution, respectively, and the biochars produced at 200°C and 400°C were intermediate in this respect. Both the capacity and affinity of the biochars for Ni sorption increased with pH. Overall, under the experimental conditions applied in this study, the biochar prepared at 600 °C showed the highest efficiency for Ni removal from aqueous solution.
F. Saberinasab, S. Mortazavi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (6-2018)
Abstract
Today, the growth of population, the excessive growth of cities and subsequently, the industries development in all parts of the planet are evident. Such development leads to the entrance of chemical martials with various compounds, particularly heavy metals, in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the contamination of the sediments around the Mighan wetland basin with heavy metals such as lead, zinc, copper and nickel was investigated using CF indexes (contamination factor), IGeo geo-accumulation indexes, and IPOLL sediment contamination severity. The results indicated a high concentration of copper and nickel metals, in comparison to zinc and lead metals, in the studied area. Also, regarding the location of sampling stations and their proximity of the industries around the wetland, the comparison of the results related to the measured metal concentration and the sediment quality indices, indicated a high concentration of the pollutants under examination in the southern part of the wetland, thereby emphasizing the need to control the pollutants in the wetland.
S. P. Mousavi, M. A. Asghar Mokhtari, Y. Khosravi, A. Rafiee, R. Hoseinzade,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
In this study, the distribution of heavy metals pollution including arsenic, antimony, nickel, copper, cadmium, cobalt, bismuth, lead and zinc in the stream sediments of Zarshuran- Aghdarreh area was investigated by using statistical techniques and the geometric integration of each sample basin. For this purpose, the degree of pollution in 154 stream sediment samples was analyzed and the distribution maps for enrichment factors were prepared by using a combination technique, pixel estimation, and statistical and geostatistical methods. The results of calculating the enrichment factors indicated that the higher enrichment was related to arsenic, antimony, bismuth, cadmium and lead. Furthermore, the concentration of zinc, copper, lead, arsenic, antimony, cadmium and bismuth in the stream sediment samples was higher than the global average. Application of the principal component analysis on the data led to the recognition of 9 main components for the dataset; the first 5 were components with eigen values greater than 1 and a cumulative percentage more than 85%. Arsenic, antimony, cadmium, lead and zinc in the first component, cobalt in the second component, bismuth in the third component, copper in the fourth component and nickel in the fifth component had the highest values.
A. Azough, S. K. Marashi, T. Babaeinejad,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (11-2018)
Abstract
The concern about the war and the threat of terrorism and weapons application and prohibited weapons is growing; on the other hand, the contamination of soil, plant and disease outbreaks in the community is increasing. The main problem with crops, especially wheat in the contaminated soils of war zones, are associated with the high concentrations of heavy metals and toxic things, especially arsenic. Zeolite is one of the solutions to the problem of contaminated soils in war affected areas. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the ionic strength of zeolite on the adsorption of arsenic and nutritional properties of wheat in contaminated soils including weapons. The experiment was carried out in a factorial arrangement involving a randomized complete design with three replications. Treatments included four levels of zeolite 2.5 (a4), 1.5 (a3), 0.5 (a2), 0 (a1) percent of the weight of the soil and two soil recourses, one obtained from out of the war zone (without contamination) (b1) and other one was from the contaminated soil to weapons (b2). The results showed that soils contaminated by weapons increased the concentrations of arsenic in wheat. Also, with the application of Zeolite in the contaminated soil treatments, there was a significant reduction at 1% level and a remarkable increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium in the wheat grain in both soils.
Miss M. Halil, N. Ghanavati, A. Nazarpour,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (6-2019)
Abstract
High concentrations of heavy metals in street dust are considered to be a serious risk to the human health and the environment. In this study, 30 dust samples were collected from the pavements in the main streets of Abadan to determine the level of pollution of heavy metals in the street dust. Heavy metal concentrations were analyzed by inductively coupled spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. The level of heavy metals pollution was estimated based on enrichment factor, pollution index and Nemro Integrated Pollution Index. The average concentrations of heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, As and Co were 59.13, 287.50, 112.97, 50.03, 0.52, 56.77, 35.83, 7.10 and 7.53 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the average enrichment factor (EF), Ni, Cu and Pb had high levels of contamination and Zn contamination was high. According to the mean of pollution index (PI), heavy metals of Zn and Pb had a high contamination. According to the Nemro Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI), 96.66% of the samples had a high degree of contamination. The spatial distribution pattern of the heavy metals concentration showed that in the areas with high population densities, high traffic volumes and urban shopping centers, heavy metal pollution was severe.
E. Sadeghi, F. Raiesi, A. Hossienpur,
Volume 23, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Abiotic stresses such as salinity and contamination individually have a negative effect on the soil enzyme activities, whereas addition of organic matter to soil can alleviate the negative impacts of stresses on the enzyme activity. However, the combined effects of these stresses (multiple stresses) on soil biochemical conditions and the role of organic matter addition in these interactions are largely unknown. The objective of this research was to explore the interaction effect of NaCl salinity and cadmium (Cd)-pollution on the activities of catalase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis in a Cd-contaminated calcareous soil treated with alfalfa residue over 3 months of incubation. A factorial experiment with 2 levels of Cd, 3 levels of salinity and 2 plant residue treatments was conducted using a completely randomized design with 4 replications. The results indicated that salinity increased the Cd availability in both uncontaminated and contaminated soils and reduced the soil enzymatic activity. Nevertheless, addition of alfalfa residue reduced the detrimental effects of salinity and Cd-pollution on the soil enzyme activities. This indicated that in saline Cd-contaminated soils with low organic matter, adding plant residues could lower the concentration of available Cd and the effect of soil salinity with a concomitant increase of enzyme activities. So, this study showed that the joint effect of NaCl salt and Cd on enzyme activity was mostly synergistic in plant residue-untreated soils, but it was antagonistic in the plant residue-treated soils.
F. Sadeghdoust, N. Ghanavati, A. Nazarpour, Dr Timoor Babaenejad, M. J. Watts,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Heavy metals in street dust, as one of the most important environmental consequences of human activities, have attracted many researchers' attention in recent years due to their toxicity and sustainability. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hazard of heavy metals (lead, zinc, copper, chrome, cadmium, nickel, vanadium, arsenic and cobalt) on human health in street dust in Dezful. To this end, 30 dust samples collected from sidewalks of main streets of Dezful were analyzed by Atomic Absorption (AAS). The level of heavy metals pollution was estimated based on the pollution index and Nemro Integrated Pollution Index. Moreover, the spatial pattern of the concentrations of metals in street dust was prepared in GIS. The average concentrations of heavy metals in Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, V, As and Co were 54.2, 223.6, 50.6, 44.4, 0.4, 45.8, 37.8, 3.3 and 7.6 (mg/kg), respectively. The average concentration of all heavy metals except As, V and Co in the samples of dust in the city of Dezful was several times higher than that of the background one. Based on the average EF and PI in the target area, heavy metals of Zn and Pb have high contamination. Based on the evaluation of NIPI, 100% of samples have high degree of contamination. The results showed that the source of pollution of the studied metals such as urban transport and burning of fossil fuels was anthropogenic.
F. Mehri Yari, H. Pirkharrati, Kh. Farhadi, N. Soltanalinezhad, F. Naghshafkan,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Soil pollution by heavy metals is a serious environmental problem that threatens the human health. The present study was carried out to investigate and detect the contamination of heavy metals of arsenic, copper, lead, zinc and iron due to human and natural activities in the sediment of lake bed and the surface soils of the eastern part of Urmia Province, West Azarbaijan Province. A total of 20 soil samples and surface deposition from the depths of 0 to 30 cm were collected randomly from the studied areas. After preparing the samples, extraction was carried out to determine the concentration of the heavy metals in the soil by using hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, and the total concentration of metals was measured using ICP-OES. The results of the calculation of the contamination factor showed that copper, iron, zinc and lead in the class of low and medium pollution and arsenic in 65.5% of the samples were very high in the class. The high concentrations of copper, lead and zinc contamination in the margin of the city and the contamination of arsenic in the lake bed were observed. The analysis of the contamination factor maps and contamination index with land use and geological map showed that copper, lead and zinc were mostly affected by human activities and arsenic influenced by the maternal materials in the region.
M. Mirjani, M. Soleimani, V. Salari,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Growing concerns about water pollution and its potentially harmful effects on human being have stimulated serious efforts to develop reliable biological monitoring techniques. The bioluminescent analysis is one of the most promising approaches for the biomonitoring of the environment, due to the sensitivity of the luminescent system to even micro quantities of the pollutants. The aim of the current study was to assess the petroleum compounds toxicity using Vibrio fischeri bacterium. The growth pattern of the bacterium was determined in photobacterium broth using the optical density measurement at 600 nm, which showed the optimum growth time of 16-18 hours after inoculation. In this research, the effects of environmental parameters such as temperature, pH and various concentrations of oil on the growth and luminescence of Vibrio fischeri were examined. The results revealed that the optimum growth conditions of the bacterium after 16 hours included the temperature of 25 °C and pH 7. Besides, the growth and luminescence intensity of Vibrio fischeri were a function of total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in the medium, which were significantly reduced in oil concentrations by more than 4% w/v. Therefore, the Vibrio fischeri could, therefore, have the potential for monitoring of petroleum pollutants in the aqueous media.
M. Javaheri Tehrani, S. F. Mousavi, J. Abedi Koupai, H. Karami,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (7-2020)
Abstract
In the last few decades, the use of porous concrete to cover the sidewalks and pavements as an interface to collect the urban runoff has been increased. This system is economically more efficient than other runoff-pollution reduction methods. To design a runoff control system and reduce its pollution, it is necessary to determine the hydraulic and dynamic properties of the porous concrete (with and without additives). In this research, the effects of cement type (2 and 5), water to cement ratio (0.35, 0.45 and 0.55), fine grains percent (0, 10 and 20%), the type of additive (pumice, industrial pumice, perlite and zeolite), and the added additive percent (5, 10, 15 and 20%) on the physical properties of the porous concrete (porosity, hydraulic conductivity and compressive strength), each with three replications, were investigated using robust design. Qualitek-4 software was also used to discuss the results. The results showed that to obtain the highest porosity in the mixing scheme of the porous concrete, no fine grains, cement type 2 and 15% industrial pumice should be used, and water to cement ratio should be 0.35. Also, the water to cement ratio of 0.55, 0% fine grains, type 2 cement and 15% industrial pumice resulted in the highest value of hydraulic conductivity in the porous concrete. Finally, the water to cement ratio of 0.55, 20% fine grains, type 2 cement and 5% zeolite led to the maximum compressive strength. In general, it was not possible to reach a logical conclusion in this research with the least costs without employing the robust design.
H. Alipour, A. Jalalian, N. Honarjoo, N. Toomanian, F. Sarmadian,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Dust is one of the environmental hazards in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In some areas, under the influence of human activities, dust is contaminated by heavy metals. In this study, the dust of 10 stations in the Kuhdasht region of Lorestan province in four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as adjacent surface soils (a total of 40 dust samples and 10 surface soil samples), were sampled and some heavy metals including Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Mn were analyzed. The results revealed that the amount of Zn in the dust was much higher than the surface soils of the region (800 vs. 85 mg/kg). Contamination factor index calculation indicated that high contamination of Cd and Zn, significant contamination of Ni and Pb, and lack of contamination by Cu and Mn. The annual enrichment factor of Cd (33.9) and Zn (24.6) was very high, Ni (11.3) was significant, Pb (6.4) was moderate, Mn (1) and Cu (0.82) were low. Based on the enrichment factor values, Cd, Zn, and Ni seem to have a human origin, Pb has both human activities and natural origin, and Cu and Mn have an only natural origin.
F. Sadeghdoust, N. Ghanavati, A. Nazarpour,
Volume 25, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Street dust is mainly affected by the pollution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are a group of organic pollutants consisting of two or more benzene rings and are mainly produced during incomplete combustion. PAHs have attracted widespread attention due to their high carcinogenic and mutagenic properties in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the sources and extent of the impact of these compounds on human health and the environment. To achieve this goal, 30 dust samples were collected from the sidewalks of the main streets of Dezful and the concentration of PAHs was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total concentration of PAHs in street dust of Dezful varied from 562.85 to 51447.10 μg / kg. The ratio of carcinogenic compounds to total PAHs was in the range between 0.73 to 0.91. Low molecular weight and high molecular weight PAHs accounted for 12% and 88% of total PAHs, respectively. The most important sources of PAHs in Dezful are the combustion of fossil fuels and petroleum products and emissions from vehicles and traffic. Moreover, incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) in pathways ingestion in children was higher than in adults, but the ILCR in pathways dermal contact and inhalation in adults was higher than in children. The total cancer risk (CR) for children (5.77×10-3) was higher than adults (5.56×10-3), which shows the high potential for CR in the study area.
A. Safadoust, S. Ghanizadeh, M. Nael,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (5-2022)
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of vegetation type (Alfalfa and Wheat) and slope (5% and 20%) on runoff and drainage pollution in clay loam soil. Sampled soils were repacked in the box with one soil drainage outlet and one surface flow outlet and were cultivated by wheat or alfalfa. A solution containing 0.05 M KCl was poured quickly and uniformly, over the surface of each box, after plant growth. Simulated rainfall was applied to the soil box with the intensity of a constant rate of 64 mm h-1 for 2 hours immediately. Then the concentration of Cl- and K+ were measured in the collected samples of runoff and the drainage outlet. Results showed that the measured concentration of K+ was lower than the Cl- concentration as a result of its absorbable property. The breakthrough curves (BTCs) of Cl- and K+ showed that slope and vegetation type affected the transport of Cl- and K+. The peak of the BTCs for Cl- and K+ in runoff ranked in the order of wheat and 20% slope> alfalfa and 20% slope> wheat and 5% slope> alfalfa and 5% slope, and in the drainage changed to alfalfa and 5% slope> wheat and 5% slope> alfalfa and 20% slope> wheat and 20% slope. For each slope, the intensive vegetation cover of alfalfa than wheat considerably reduces Cl- or K+ pollution in runoff; whereas drainage development of larger and deeper root systems was the cause of higher leached concentrations for both tracers. Based on our research changes in soil surface vegetation cover from wheat to alfalfa are suggested in slope land to prevent surface water pollution; although other factors such as the climate, soil texture, and structure should also be considered.
S. Dehghani, M. Naderi Khorasgani, A. Karimi,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Knowledge of the distribution of heavy metal concentrations in different components of soil particles is significant to assess the risk of heavy metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate some pollution indices and spatial variations in their estimation in different components of soil particle size fractions (<2000 and> 63 μm) in the Baghan watershed in the southeast of Bushehr province with an area of about 929 square kilometers. The location of 120 surficial composite soil samples (0-20 cm) was determined by using the Latin hypercube method. Soil pollution was assessed using geochemical indices of contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI). The kriging method was used in the Arc GIS software to interpolate the spatial variations of CF and PLI. Based on the results, the CF displayed the particles in the size < 2000 microns compared to all metals in moderate pollution conditions (1≤CF <3) and with the fineness of soil particles (particles with a diameter <63 microns) concerning to Cd metal shows significant contamination status and moderate pollution with other metals, respectively. CFZn, CFCu, and CFFe in particle size <2000 microns and CFPb in finer class were fitted with a spherical model and other metal contamination coefficients with an exponential model. CFCd and CFFe have the highest impact ranges at <2000 and < 63 microns, respectively. The results of this research confirm that corrective operation is needed to monitor cadmium status in the studied area.
M. Pasandi, H.r. Pakzad, A.m. Halvaie Lengeh, M.r. Taherizadeh,
Volume 26, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
The relationship between the concentration of heavy metals and physicochemical factors was studied in the fine-grained sediments of the tidal section of the Mehran delta where mangrove trees have grown. Surface sediments of the tidal zone of the Mehran delta were sampled. The grain size distribution, calcium carbonate, organic matter contents, pH/Eh, and heavy metals concentration were determined in the mud fraction of the sediments. The presence of high calcium carbonate in sediments is an effective factor in the abundance of Mn, Cd, and Pb. Clay and organic matter as adsorptive have contributed to the high concentration of Zn, Cu, while Fe oxy-hydroxides have affected the concentration of Co, Cr, and Ni. According to the index of Enrichment Factor (EF), the average enrichment of the elements in the studied sediments from high to low order is Cr, Ni, Cd, Zn, Mn, Pb, Co, and Cu. According to the Pollution Load Index (PLI), none of the delta sediments including sediments from inside and outside of the mangrove forestare classified as polluted to the heavy metals. According to the Igeo Index, most samples, and only Cd, Cr, and Ni show slight pollution in some samples. Accordingly, there is no current threat of contamination of potentially toxic elements of natural and anthropogenic origins to the mangrove environment and Mehran delta.
M. Naderi Khorasgani, T. Azarbeig, J. Mohammadi,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Soil pollution by heavy metals is a significant issue that threatens human health directly and indirectly. The objectives of this research were to map the extension of some heavy metals in soils of a part of Sirjan Plain, Kerman province, to study the role of natural agents on the distribution of heavy metals, and to assess the risk of soil heavy metal concentration for human health. 120 surficial (0-15 cm) compound soil samples were collected during fieldwork. Soil characteristics like soil texture components, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and total soil heavy metal (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) concentrations were measured using standard protocols. The mapping of soil texture components and heavy metals was done by the usual Kriging method. Results indicated significant correlation coefficients between soil texture components (silt and clay) and total soil Fe and Cu concentrations. Dominant wind direction and spatial distribution of Fe, Cu, and Zn strongly induced the possible dust-born origin of such elements. Results revealed that the sources of Fe, Cu, and Zn were different from those of Cd and Pb. Maximum soil Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations were in the southern part of the study area, increasing in an upwind direction while for Cd and Pb, maximum soil concentrations were in the northern part of the study area. The Nemerow integrated pollution index revealed that soils were clean for Cd, lowly polluted for Fe, Pb, and Cu, and moderately polluted for Zn.
B. Akbari, H. Khademi,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract
Street dust enters the urban environments due to the resuspension of particles smaller than 100 micrometers. The magnetic properties of street dust and their relationship with the concentration of heavy metals have received less attention from researchers worldwide, and not much study has been performed on this issue in Iran. The objectives of this study were: (i) to investigate the spatial and seasonal changes in street dust, and (ii) to determine their relationships with the concentration of selected heavy metals in several cities in the Isfahan province. Sampling was carried out in the first half of the second month of each season including 20 samples from Isfahan city and 10 samples from Natanz, Shahreza, Falavarjan, Khomeinishahr, and Najafabad. The concentration of selected heavy metals was measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Also, the magnetic susceptibility values of the samples at low and high frequencies were determined and frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility was calculated. The results showed that the presence of ferromagnesian minerals in the parent materials could be the reason for the high values of magnetic receptivity in Natanz City. However, the high level of this characteristic in the street dust of other cities could be due to human activities, especially in Isfahan city. Based on the results of principal component analysis, the high correlation of the first component with magnetic susceptibility and the concentration of zinc, copper, and chromium elements most likely indicates the absorption of these elements by particles close to superparamagnetic (SP). The high correlation of the second component with frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility and concentration of nickel and cobalt is most likely related to the adsorption of magnetic elements and heavy metals into coarse polyhedral particles that remained on the street floor after the re-deposition of street dust particles. Also, the high correlations between magnetic parameters and the concentration of copper and zinc confirm their anthropogenic origin. On the other hand, low or negative correlations of Pb, Ni, Cr, and Co concentrations with magnetic susceptibility might confirm their natural or non-anthropogenic origin. The higher values of magnetic parameters of street dust in the spring season reflect the significant contribution of magnetic minerals in this season, compared to autumn and winter, and indicate the higher influence of human activities.
