Abstract
Exposure to toxic metals has been increased during recent decades, especially in megacities where various anthropogenic sources discharge loads of pollution to overcrowded urban districts. Soil as a simultaneous sink and source of metallic pollution is considered as an optimum media for monitoring such pollution. In this study, 41 surface soil samples were collected from a district in south of Tehran megacity. Despite determination of bulk metal concentrations (Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn, Co, Cd, Pb Mn, Fe, Ca and Na), a single-step extraction scheme was used for determination of anthropogenic portions. Enrichment factor and geo-accumulation (Igeo)/pollution (Ipoll) indices were calculated to estimate the enrichment class and degree of contamination, respectively. Except for Cd and Pb, other toxic metals showed no or negligible exceedance of reference values. Descending order of anthropogenic contribution from bulk metal concentrations was detected to be as: Cd > Pb > Mn > Cr > Zn > Co > Cu > Ni. Cadmium and lead were detected by all three indices to be in extreme and moderate/significant classes. Relatively high concentrations of Na were attributed to intense salt spraying for streets deicing during winter time when sampling occurred, while Ca concentrations were justified by geogenic source mainly dominance of limestones (dolomites). A prompt decision should be made to avoid further exposure of metals of concern to citizens in this overcrowded district of Tehran megacity.
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