Arsenic in groundwaters of the alluvial aquifer of Bardsir plain, SE Iran

Bardsir plain is located in the central part of Kerman Province of Iran. The relative prevalence of arsenic-related cancers, the high concentration of arsenic in nearby plains, as well as the recharge of this aquifer through the mountains composed of high-sulfide volcanic rocks have been motivations of the authors to study the concentration of this element in Bardsir plain. Arsenic concentration was measured in 63 groundwater samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The results were evaluated through iso-concentration maps, correlation diagrams, and multivariate statistical methods. Accordingly, the concentration of arsenic ranges from 1.3 to 464.5 μg/l with an average value of 134.2 μg/l. So, the groundwaters are enriched with arsenic to much higher levels than permitted for than drinking water acceptable level (10 μg/l). The high arsenic levels in groundwaters of Bardsir plain are ascribed to joint influence of decomposition of sulfides present in mountainous volcanic rocks and the mixing with hydrothermal waters in some locations. Supposedly, the prevalence of higher than 8 pH values has enhanced the release of arsenic from Fe-hydroxides generated during sulfide weathering process.