Toxic heavy metals in rainwater samples of Tehran

Abstract

This study investigates the concentrations and spatial distribution of toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) through chemical analysis of rainwater samples collected in Tehran, Iran during winter and spring of 2022, characterized by different land use, emission sources, traffic conditions and population density. The average concentrations of the examined heavy metals at the five sampling sites were 52.9, 11.8, 14.6 and 0.93 μg l⁻¹ for Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd, respectively. The concentrations of all heavy metals were significantly higher (p < 0.05) at the sampling points in central and south Tehran compared to sites in the west and north, due to different urban characteristics, higher pollution emission rates from the traffic and domestic sectors, and local wind patterns developed within the city. High traffic load in the central part of Tehran also escalates the heavy metal concentrations in this region. The significant correlations between the examined heavy metals at the five sites indicate common, local anthropogenic sources. The heavy metal concentrations were higher for rain samples collected in spring than in winter, likely associated with dilution processes in winter and the restriction measures due to COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown period, a drastic decrease in traffic load was observed in Tehran, confirming that motor vehicles is the main regulatory factor for air pollution and potential toxic elements in the city.