DETERMINATION OF LEAD AND CADMIUM IN THE WATER OF THE DAMAVAND RIVER, IRAN

Heavy metals contamination of surface waters has become an important issue in the last decades. The present study aimed to investigate the levels of lead and cadmium in the water of the Damavand River, Iran. Sampling was carried out in 10 stations during summer and autumn 2015. Metal analysis was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Surface water at each sampling point was measured for selected physicochemical parameters with a multiparameter meter. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS and Excel software. The results showed that the mean concentrations (mg/L) of lead in the samples were higher than cadmium over the studied months. The highest levels of lead (2.13 +/- 0.80) and cadmium (1.03 +/- 0.50) were found in station 9 while the lowest levels of lead (0.09 +/- 0.00) and cadmium (0.03 +/- 0.00) were in station 1 (before entering the city of Damavand). Significant differences (P< 0.05) were observed between the stations, however, there were no significant variations between the levels of metals in the months. Significant differences were found between the levels of physicochemical parameters among different months at 95% confidence level. Present values revealed that the concentrations of metals in the stations were higher than the maximum permitted levels for drinking water set by different organizations.