Environmental Effects of Zehabad-e-Qazvin Lead and Zinc Mine

Protection of environment is one of the most important principles of sustainable development in each country. Accumulation of heavy metals in the soil and water threaten the life of organisms in all ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to investigate the environmental effect of Zehabad-e-Qazvin Mine which is one of the active mines in Qazvin province. Exploitation of this mine lead to environmental pollution and releasing of toxic and hazardous elements by mineral processing and accumulation of waste materials into hydraulic systems (surface and ground waters) as well as soil in the region. Sampling was done on 120 soil types and 18 water samples in 7 stations in the mine zone.The results of analysis of lead and zinc in the soil and water in this region were compared to international standards of EPA and their permissible limit. The results of the present study showed that the level of lead and zinc elements in the sampling stations is more than standard level and permissible limit. Furthermore, the present study showed that the solid wastes and wastewater produced in this mine have imposed irreparable damages to environment.