Identifying the sources of hydrocarbon pollution in the unconfined aquifer around the Tabriz Railway Station

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Authors

1 Department of Earth Sciences,. natural science faculty, University of Tabriz, Tabriz

2 Dept. of Earth Sciences, University of Tabriz

3 University of Tabriz, natural science faculty,, Department of Earth Science

Abstract

The aquifer at the Tabriz railway station has been contaminated due to the leakage of hydrocarbons from above-ground (diesel) and underground (mazut) storage tanks, as well as the disposal of used oils. To determine the source of this contamination, ten exploratory-monitoring-remediation wells were drilled, aligned with the groundwater flow direction, which moves from the southeast and east toward the west and northwest. Following the drilling, samples were collected from these wells and existing ones. Analyzing the samples using GC-MS techniques revealed the presence of hydrocarbon substances. Notably, the concentration of toluene in a well located southwest of the diesel and mazut tanks measured 1.85 mg/L, exceeding Iran's national drinking water standards. In addition, significant levels of PAHs and TPH were found in wells situated to the west and southwest of the tanks. The highest concentrations recorded were 33.79 mg/L of TPH and 1.05 mg/L of PAH in a well outside the railway area, while the well located within the area measured 0.75 mg/L and 0.46 mg/L, respectively. By comparing concentrations, identifying compound types, and analyzing fingerprints, the origins of contamination were determined. Results indicated that some wells were contaminated by a mixture of mazut, diesel, and used oils, while others revealed one or two specific sources of pollutants. This study clearly illustrates the movement of the contamination plume toward the west and southwest and emphasizes the urgent need for control measures to protect local water resources.

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Main Subjects

Advanced Applied Geology

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 12 February 2025

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