Geochemistry and potential of toxic elements in sediments originating from salt domes, north of Hormuz strait (Pol, Gachin, Angouran and Hormuz)

This study investigates the concentration, potential of toxicity, and source rocks of seven toxic elements (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Ni) in the sediments of four salt domes on the north of Hormuz Strait (Hormuz, Pol, Gachin and Angouran). In this regard, to determine the origin of toxic elements in the sediments of salt dome waterways, field studies, sediment sampling, and mass spectrometry elemental analysis were performed. Moreover, the enrichment factor and index of geo-accumulation were calculated. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was also performed to determine the carriers and adsorbents of the elements. The results showed that sediments of the study area have the potential for toxicity of As, Cd, and Pb. In contrast, the contingence ‎intoxication by Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni is minimal in the sediments around the salt domes of the Hormuz strait area. Based on the concentration of elements in the sediments, determined their probable source rocks. The minerals of the sulfate salts, Fe-oxides/sulfides, and volcanic rocks of the Hormuz Series are the major sources of As and Pb, and mafic/ultramafic minerals of the volcanic rocks are sources of Cu, Zn, and Ni. Neogene carbonate rocks are also a source of cadmium.