Study on the effects of Cu-Mo deposit Haftcheshmeh on health life species in the protected area of Arasbaran

Abstract

Haftcheshmeh Cu-Mo deposit is located in East Azerbaijan, 28 kilometres northwest of Varzeghan. Surface water and groundwater in the area pass over deposit and may leach heavy metals and toxic deposits from the chemical reactions of the mass and resolved. This would place forest plant species and organisms of Arasbaran Protected Area in danger with the passage of time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Cu-Mo deposits in Haftcheshmeh with the increasing of pollution in surface and groundwater and the impact of this pollution on life species is the area. In order to evaluate the effects of Cu-Mo deposits on the health of species in the study area, 24 water samples were collected from the deposits and the surrounding area. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for some heavy metals such as Zn, Pb, Mo, Cu. The results showed that, under the impact of these deposits, some elements were increased which it can be harmful for the life of human, plant and animal species and the health of the site. Investigations showed that the concentration of molybdenum in near deposit to standards (EEC, EPA, WHO), the lead level in all the samples was high in relation to the EPA standard and the concentrations of zinc and copper were high in comparison with the EEC standard and this can be harmful for human health and that of the site. However, the concentration decreased with distance from the deposit. If we compare these elements’ concentrations with their permissible levels for aquatic organisms, plants and wildlife, it is demonstrated that around the deposit the concentrations were higher than permissible levels and it can be dangerous for the life of species. The results of this research revealed that studies of the environmental impact (EIA) of the Haftcheshmeh deposit are required before mining operations are started. The location of deposits inside the Arasbaran Protected Area showed that special techniques should be employed for mining.