1. Introduction
Angoran area of Zanjan province located in North West of Iran has a large metalliferous site and has been
considered as a traditional mining region since antiquity. There are still large reserves of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in
the area. Both mines and smelting units within the province present a risk of contamination of soils, plants, surface
and groundwater by dissemination of the particles carrying metals by wind action and/or by runoff from the tailings.
Heavy metal contamination in Zanjan province has also been previously reported in the vicinity of Lead and Zinc
mining and smelting sites [1-5].
Heavy metal contamination of soils is widespread and there is a risk of transfer of toxic and available metals to
humans, animals, and agricultural crops. In fact, heavy metals have a significant toxicity for humans, animals,
microorganisms and plants [6, 7]. Heavy metals are natural constituents of the Earth crust. A number of these