Using of the PI, IPI and Mcd indices for evaluating of contamination status of some metals in waste sediments caused by iron ore processing in Chogart Mineral Complex of Bafgh

The present study was designed to evaluate the pollution status of some heavy metals in waste sediments caused by iron ore processing ​​ in Bafgh desert area. After drilling 7 profiles and sampling from 0-150 cm depth of sediments, concentration of 14 heavy metals in 35 sediment samples were measured by ICP-OES. To determine the background of heavy metals in soil of control site, 25 samples from the profile with a depth of 2.5 meters (one sample per 10 centimeter) was prepared and the concentration was determined by ICP-OES. After testing data normality, PI, IPI and MCd indices were calculated for determining the amount of pollution and changes in the measured parameters. The results showed that PI amount for As, Co, Fe and V were 4.365, 9.254, 4.57 and 9.249. Also the results about IPI and Mcd showed that 100 percentages of samples were in moderate class of pollution. Overall As, Co, Fe and V are as important pollutant parameters in the waste sediment caused by iron ore processing in Bafgh desert area. In case of lack of appropriate modifying or Precautionary proceedings, it will lead to contamination of soil and water resources in the region. Moreover, the findings of this study revealed the status of pollution and identified potential sources of water and soil pollutants in waste sediment, It is guidance for future research in order to examine the possibility of their removal by phytoremediation method