Investigating the Distribution of Heavy Metals (Lead and Zinc) in the soil around the Shahin Lead and Zinc Mine in Shazand city

Barzegar, Sana; Solgi, Eisa; Fattahi, Bakhtiar

doi:10.22111/jneh.2026.55050.2168

Investigating the Distribution of Heavy Metals (Lead and Zinc) in the soil around the Shahin Lead and Zinc Mine in Shazand city

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ MSc. Graduate, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

² Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran

10.22111/jneh.2026.55050.2168

Abstract

Mining activities are among the major sources of heavy metal input into soils and can intensify environmental risks in areas surrounding mines. This study aimed to assess soil contamination around the Shahin mine in Shazand County and to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). For this purpose, 24 surface soil samples were collected radially from around the mine at a depth of 0–20 cm. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to examine variations in metal concentrations across different directions and distances from the mine. In addition, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and pollution load index (PLI) were calculated to evaluate contamination intensity. The results showed that the mean concentrations of Pb and Zn in the study area were 239.97 and 73.04 mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentrations of Pb (629.12 mg/kg) and Zn (131.38 mg/kg) were observed in the southern part of the mine, whereas the lowest Pb (50.30 mg/kg) and Zn (9.64 mg/kg) concentrations were recorded in the northwest and east, respectively. The Igeo values for Pb ranged from 1.42 to 5.07, indicating moderate to extremely severe contamination, while those for Zn ranged from -3.45 to 0.32, reflecting unpolluted to slightly polluted conditions. The CF values for Pb (4.02–50.33) indicated high to very high contamination, whereas those for Zn (0.14–1.88) indicated low to moderate contamination. The PLI value (2.21) also confirmed considerable soil contamination in the area, with Pb as the main contributor. Overall, soils surrounding the Shahin mine, especially near the mine site and waste dumps, showed significant Pb contamination. This contamination is mainly attributed to mining activities, weathering of metallic minerals, and surface transport of pollutants. Therefore, continuous monitoring and proper waste management are essential to reduce environmental risks in the area.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Environmental Contamination

References

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