Hydrogeochemistry and lead contamination of groundwater in the north part of Esfahan province, Iran

Abstract

Geochemical and hydrogeochemical studies were conducted to assess the origin and geochemical mechanisms driving lead enrichment in groundwaters of semi-arid regions in Central Iran. In this study, 149 water samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of Pb and As in about 68% and 27% of the samples, respectively, exceeded WHO guidelines. Analyzing the results of ICP-MS of parental rocks and aquifer sediments shows that unweathered volcanic rocks were the primary source for lead mobilizing to groundwaters.