Health risk assessment of heavy metals in Ahvaz oilfield using environmental indicators

Abstract

The high rate of hydrocarbon production in Ahvaz oilfield, is probably linked to environmental pollution, in particular in soils. In this study, 21 soil samples were collected and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry to determine the degree of contamination and health risk by different computed indices. The results based on the geochemical index of an enrichment metal factor showed extremely high enrichment levels of Pb in the studied soils. The potential ecological risk index is reported in four regions with severe environmental issue, which included a sample of contaminated soil around the well and three samples of soil contaminated with petroleum-related drilling wastes. Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the region’s soil was studied. In the adults’ group, the risk of non-carcinogenic elements (risk of diseases besides cancer) due to high levels of Pb and the risk of carcinogenic ones, by As and Cr, threatened the health of exposed people. In the children’s group, the risk of non-carcinogenic factors was due to high levels of Pb and As. The risk of carcinogenic impact of Cr and Pb reaches levels threatening the health of exposed children. Due to the regional climate and the location of the petroleum field with respect to the dominant wind direction, it is likely that in the near future, the region will be a source of contaminated dusts and likely transferred contaminated soils to the residential and urban areas, which would be a health threat for residents of area.