Evaluation of Pollution Indices in Deposited Dust (Case study; Qayen Cement Factory, Iran)

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Environment Department, Faculty of Environment and Energy, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS), Tehran 1411813389, Iran

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to evaluate the ecological risk and assess the chemical accumulation indices and individual contaminant factors in the deposited dust at surrounding of Qayen Cement Factory. The necessity of the research lies in its role in protecting public health and the environment by identifying and mitigating heavy metal pollution, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable practices in industrial operations. For this purpose, dust samples were collected along five axes, at distances ranging from 500 to 1500 meters, in the prevailing wind direction. Two dust samples were taken at each axis, resulting in a total of 10 samples, each collected in triplicate. The concentrations of chromium and cadmium were investigated. The geochemical accumulation index for chromium indicated that it fell into the highest pollution class, while cadmium was classified as non-polluting. The individual contaminant factor values for chromium and cadmium were highest at station 5. The geochemical accumulation index calculation in this study showed that the chromium index was at the highest pollution level in the study zone, while cadmium was positioned in non-polluted environmental conditions. The individual contaminant factor indicated that both chromium and cadmium had ICF values greater than 1, suggesting high bioavailability, which could be dangerous for the study area. This result indicates that the contaminants in the dust from Qayen Cement Factory were highest at station 4, likely due to higher chimney output in this direction compared to other stations. The geochemical accumulation index calculation in this study showed that the chromium index was in the highest pollution degree. The study reveals significant ecological risks due to high chromium pollution and bioavailability in dust around the Qayen Cement Factory, necessitating urgent monitoring and mitigation efforts.

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References

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