Investigation of Heavy metals Enrichment in Stream Sediments of Sungun Porphyry Copper Deposit

The Sungun Porphyry Copper Deposit is located in East-Azerbaijan province, 75km northwest of Ahar city. Due to mining activities, streams of this region (Sungunchay, Pakhirchay, Ilginechay and Zarnekabchay) are exposed to heavy metals contamination such as Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn and Ni. In this relation, to determine contamination degree caused by toxic metals, 27 sediment samples were analyzed and it was found that concentration of Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn and Ni are above permissible limits (local background of these metals). Elements Correlation coefficient indicates that Cu, Mo and Ni are correlated to Fe, while Pb and Zn are correlated to Mn. In addition, results from Enrichment Factor, Geo-accumulation Index, Contamination Factor and Pollution Load Index for sediment samples indicate that potentially toxic metals contamination exists.