Distribution and origin of heavy metals in the sand sediments in a sector of the Oman Sea (the Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran)

In order to study natural concentration of heavy metal in sand sediments of the Oman Sea and its relationship with composition and provenance of the deposits, the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Sr, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, Mn and Fe were determined. Relationships between the heavy metal concentration with composition of the sediments and rocks existing in the rivers drainage basins of the area were studied. The results indicate that the Zn and Cu concentrations are closely related to biotite and muscovite contents of the sediments. The amounts of Sr, Cd and Pb change similarly to the variation of calcium carbonate content in the sand sediments. The Fe and Mn concentrations show correlations with the total amount of heavy minerals. The distribution pattern of Cr resembles the pyroxene content. The Co and Ni concentrations fluctuate similarly to the variation of the amphiboles and the intrusive igneous fragments, respectively.