A review of soil pollution by potentially toxic elements and remediation strategies in copper mining areas in Iran

Abstract

AbstractWith a substantial rise in both domestic and worldwide copper mining rates over the past decade, Iran has become a major producer of copper in the Middle East. The increasing need for copper-based products in a variety of industries, including as information technology, electronics, transportation, and construction, is driving this rise. However, the expansion of copper mining activities has led to environmental degradation, particularly in mining sites where potentially hazardous elements (PTEs) have contaminated the soil. Despite these significant environmental impacts, they have often been overlooked, posing long-term environmental challenges as copper extraction continues. This research extensively reviews the literature (from 2000 to 2023) on soil contamination in Iran’s copper mining districts, focusing on PTEs. It evaluates the extent of potentially hazardous elements’ pollution in soils, comparing findings with global data, and explores remediation strategies employed in these regions. Results suggest that studies predominantly center around the Sarcheshmeh copper mine, highlighting copper, lead, and molybdenum as dominant PTE pollutants. Phytoremediation emerges as the primary remediation method used in these areas, indicating Iran's sustainable approach to addressing potentially hazardous elements’ contamination. This review recommends comprehensive monitoring of PTEs across all Iranian copper mines and further exploration of native plant species that successfully grow and stabilize potentially hazardous elements grow in copper mining areas remediation.