Environmental Evaluation of Thermal Springs from Central Region of Mazandaran Province

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Geology, Payame Noor University, P.O.Box 19395-4697, Tehran, Iran.

2 Quality Assurances Management, Geological Survey of Iran, 13185-1494, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

In this study, thermal springs from central region of Mazandaran province including Ab-e Ask, Larijan, Astarabaku and Lavij (Moosavi-e Lavij and Fil-e Lavij) were evaluated environmentally. Although the studied thermal waters are used directly or indirectly for treatment purposes, the high concentration of some trace elements can be harmful to human health and environment. In this study, general characteristics of thermal waters as well as As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, Mg, Zn, Mo, V and Co concentrations in thermal waters and surrounding soils and rocks were measured and their environmental significances were evaluated. As a result, it was revealed that As concentration in water and soil of the studied region was more than the upper limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In all water samples except for Larijan spring, Pb content was more than allowed levels recommended by WHO. Concentration of other trace elements in thermal springs was less than the upper limits recommended by WHO, consequently they had not harmful environmental impact. As content of soil samples around the Ab-e Ask, Astarabaku and Larijan springs were less than the allowed levels, but was higher than allowed limits in Ab-e Ask travertine. Concentration of other trace elements in studied soil samples was lower than allowed levels recommended by WHO.

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