Spatial distribution analysis of Copper, Zinc and Arsenic heavy metals in the soil of surrounding areas of Khatoon-abad copper smelter industry

According to harmful environmental effects of Khatoon-abad copper smelter industry activities on soil quality; this research was conducted to determine the spatial distribution pattern of Zn, Cu and As heavy metals of soil in the surrounding areas of this industry company. Soil sampling was designed in a systematic network plan from 0-5 cm horizon, and laboratory analysis was carried out by ICP. Mean of Zn, Cu and As metals concentrations was obtained 731.13, 72.06, and 40.13 (mg/kg), respectively. Statistical and geostatistical analysis was conducted by Gs+ and GIS softwares. The results showed that there exist strong spatial correlations with spherical variography model for all of heavy metals due to high amount of (C/C0+C) ratio that equal 0.99, 0.83, and 0.99, respectively for Cu, Zn, and As heavy metals. Regarding to mobility of studied heavy metals in soil, the effective ranges equal to 2480, 2380 and 1083 (meter) and the Sill content equal 0.94, 4.55 and 0.87 (%) were obtained for Cu, Zn, and As respectively. Furthermore, the zonation map of contaminants illustrated that the amount of Zn pollution problem is not remarkable and there is a sever contamination of Cu and As with the spatial extending direction of the southwest of Khatoon-abad industry.