Geochemistry of heavy metals in brine springs of Khouzestan province: Tracing of pollution potential of water resources and Persian Gulf

In this study, the geochemistry of heavy metals in the discharged waters of 16 brine springs, namely Pirmusa, dual springs of Gare-bardi, triple springs of Ghale-Madreseh, Batvand, Kuhzar, Aghili, Keh-e-Salen (Hafttanan), Ghasemabad, Ispareh, Garu, Dobalutan and Ramshir were evaluated. Most of the studied springs are discharged first in Karun river and finally to Persian Gulf. The assessments show that except for Ramshir and Garu spines cropping out in Mishan and Asmari Formations, respectively most of other brine springs are located in the evaporative Ghachsaran Formation. The maximum discharge ranges between 2 Lit/Sec (Ramshir and Ghale-Madreseh springs) and 330 Lit/Sec (Garu spring). The assessment of heavy metals dispersion and comparing with the standards of World Health Organization (WHO) and institute of standards and industrial research of Iran reveal that metals such as Hg, As and Pb are exceed than standards. Highlightly, Ramshir springs show variable degree of Cd enrichment. In the studied springs, the metal index is more than 1.