Investigation regarding assessment of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination risk in Rasht city with emphasis on the two rivers, Goharroud and Zarjoub, Gilan province, Iran

Goharroud and Zarjoub rivers, vital contributors to Anzali Wetland in Rasht, Iran, face contamination risks from agricultural, industrial, and urban effluents. This study assesses heavy metal pollutants (Ni, As, Cd, Pb, Zn) in Rasht city and these rivers. Using Landsat 9 imagery and slope data, we classified diverse zones. 32 soil samples were collected from various locales, while 16 water samples were gathered for ICP-MS analysis during winter 2022. The analysis unveiled a low overall environmental risk, with As, Pb, and Cd posing the highest risks. Water monitoring indicated moderate pollution levels in the rivers. Metal concentration peaks were observed in the city center and areas adjacent to the Goharroud and Zarjoub rivers, largely tied to urban transportation and industry. This underscores the potential environmental impact on the city and the Anzali Wetland ecosystem. The study urges immediate attention to mitigate risks and emphasizes the urgent need for proactive policies to protect these crucial water bodies and the surrounding environment.