Investigation of the Heavy metals concentration in the air of west Bandar Abbas industrial zone

Industrial development, on one hand, creates harmful chemical products and industrial waste, including heavy metals. On the other hand, it increases energy consumption and leads to the release of atmospheric pollutants, causing environmental pollution. Bandar Abbas, compared to other areas of Hormozgan province, has a high concentration of industries. Therefore, it is necessary to study the pollution caused by these industries in the region's environment. The general purpose of this study is to investigate the amount of heavy metals associated with industrial activity.

Ambient air sampling was conducted at seven locations in the region during winter and spring (2020). The sampling and preparation methods were based on EPA and NIOSH Standards. Sampling was performed using a High-Volume pump with a flow rate of 1.7 cubic meters per minute for a duration of 24 hours. The sampling device was installed at a height of 3 meters above the ground. The heavy metals in the collected samples were measured using the Varian Z220 atomic absorption spectrometer with the furnace technique. Circular fiberglass filters with a diameter of 47 mm were used for environmental sampling.

Based on the analysis of air particles, the concentration of heavy metals showed a decreasing trend as follows: V < Cd < Fe < Pb. The average concentrations of these elements were 0.0006, 0.0060, 0.0061, and 0.339 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. With the exception of lead, the average concentration of these metals exceeded the limit value.

The amount of suspended particles at all sampling locations exceeded the environmental standards. Additionally, except for vanadium, the average concentration of metals in the samples from residential areas was below the limit value.