Iranian Journal of Health and Environment

Evaluation of infection control and disinfection used in barbershops and beauty salons in Gorgan

M Sadeghi

Background & Objective: Hairdressing is one of the most public places and most important from the health issues (personal and environmental) point of view. In such places, non-observance of sanitary and non-normative activities are detrimental to the health of the community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of disinfectants to control infectious diseases transmitted through hairdressers and infection control, as well as to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of barbers with reference to the infectious diseases. Materials & Methods: The study included all female hairdresser (150 hairdresser) having official work in Gorgan City. The data required were collected through a questionnaire consisted of four parts: demographic information, knowledge, attitude, and practice questions (13 questions each) respectively. Disinfectants used were assessed using a checklist. Results: It was found that the most used disinfectant was bleaching powder (74.4%). The weekly and daily disinfection frequencies were 52.63 and 33.3% respectively. The research revealed that 49.45% had not have oven or autoclave to sterilize their dressing tools. The most used antiseptic for skin and hair was alcohol. Regarding infectious diseases, the barbers mean awareness was 10.83 ± 2.03, mean attitude 54.71 ± 3.99, and the mean performance was 12.44± 1.07. There were a significant positive correlation (p<0.01) between the variables of knowledge and attitude, knowledge and behavior, and attitude and performance. Conclusion: Barbers awareness about disinfection was moderate indicating the need for education and training about the types of disinfectants and how to use them. Nevertheless, the knowledge, attitude, and practices of barbers about the disease was moderate to high. Existence of the mandatory training courses on public health and having valid certificate conducted by private sector are the main reasons for increased awareness and attitude of the barbers and beauty salon dressers about infectious diseases.

The Origin Determination and Identification of Perylene Entry Source and Other Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Surface Sediments of Anzali Wetland

A.R Riahi Bakhtiari

Background and Objectives: This study was performed to determine and identify the origin, concentration and source of perylene entry and some PAH compounds in surface sediments of Ghalam Goodeh (A), Siyah Kashim (B), and Talab Markazi (C) in Anzali wetland. Materials and methods: We collected 22 samples of sediments (from each region) and 2 samples of soils (from A region) in April of 2012. Sampling was performed from soil for proving the condition of concentration and origin of perylene in under investigating sediments. GC-MS was applied for extraction of PAH compounds using organic solvents and 2-phase column chromatography. Diagnostic ratios of Ph/An, Flu/Pyr, Flu/Flu+Pyr, BaA/BaA+Chr and IP/IP+BghiP were used to determine the origin of PAH compounds. Results: In all sediment samples, the origin of perylene and PAH compounds were found to be natural and petrogenic, respectively. The total concentration of PAH compounds were ranged between 560.05 to 1051.93 ng/g dry weight and perylene concentration were obtained between 70.65 to 204.41 ng/g dry weight. Total concentration of PAHs and perylene was significantly more in area A compared with other two area, whereas no relationship was found between normalized values of PAHs and TOC in sediments of all areas. Conclusion: With respect to the petrogenic source of PAHs in the surface sediments, the main sources of the PAH compounds entry are the discharge of domestic and industrials wastewater, the port and shipping activities, the exploration, excavation and refining activities of crude oil in offshore region and transportation of fishing and tourism boat but diagnosis of natural origin of perylene in the samples of surface sediment and soil implicated that this compound can be produced in terrestrial section due to activity of termites and fungi on the woody and cellulosic materials of forest floor, decaying wood and their fossilized remains and then their discharge to the wetland.

Performance of a hybrid bubble column/biofilter bioreactor for removal of dichloromethane from waste gas streams

A.R Mesdaghinia

Background and objectives: Dichloromethane (DCM) is one of the hazardous contaminants of the environment, especially ambient air that threatens human health at both acute and chronic exposures. In this study, the performance of a pilot-scale hybrid bubble column/biofilter (HBCB) bioreactor was studied for the removal of DCM from waste gas streams at steady state. Materials and methods: The experiments were conducted in four stages with relatively constant concentrations of DCM (approximately 240 ppm) and variable empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 50, 100, 150 and 200 s. In addition to determining DCM removal rate and efficiency, quality parameters of mixed liquor of the bubble column bioreactor were studied and kinetic of biofiltration was analyzed. Results: The average DCM removal efficiency of the HBCB bioreactor at EBRT of 200 and 150 s were 79 and 71% respectively. However, further reduction of EBRT resulted in significantly decreased DCM removal efficiency, so that at EBRT of 50 s, the DCM removal efficiency decreased to 32%. In addition, the EBRT reduction from 200 s to 50 s through increasing DCM loading rate resulted in increasing DCM removal rate from 12.1 to 19.6 g/m³.h. The results of kinetic analysis showed that the kinetic data of biofiltration were in the best fitness with the first order rate equation (R²>0.99 and &epsilon%<2.2) and the DCM removal rate constant was determined 0.0114 s^-1. The mixed liquor characterization indicated that the daily adjustment of pH and EC was sufficient to prevent any limitation in the performance of the HBCB bioreactor. Conclusion: This study indicated that the DCM removal rate and efficiency of the HBCB bioreactor were relatively high and the HBCB bioreactor had reliable performance during the variable operational conditions.

Survey of air pollutants emitted from rendering plant of poultry slaughterhouse and design of local ventilation system and suitable collector for control and treatment of air pollutants

f Ghorbani Shahna

Background and Objectives: Emission of volatile organic compounds and unpleasant smell are the important characteristics of the rendering plant, causing disturbance for the workers and nearby residents. In order to prevent the spread of air pollutants and to provide favorable environment, application of treatment technologies is essential. Materials and Methods: In this study, in order to select suitable collector and ventilation system for rendering plant, air sampling was performed via NIOSH sampling methods (1501, 1300, 1600, and 2002). Totally, 24 air samples were collected from the ambient air, air pollution source, and worker’s breathing zone using two sorbent, activated charcoal and silica gel and were analyzed using GC-MS. Then, the local ventilation system was designed based on the qualification and quantitation analysis of air samples. The stairmand high efficiency cyclone and thermal oxidizer were designed for dust control and gas cleaning respectively. Results: In total, 41 chemical pollutants in exhaust air from rendering plant were identified these compounds included hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethers, halogenated compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, and acids. The results of ventilation system designing showed that the system with airflow of 5725 m³/h and a cyclone with the diameter of 1 m and the height of 4 m could remove 50% of particles with 9.45-micron diameter. Gaseous pollutants were removed using thermal oxidation via the consumption of 96 m³/h fuel gas flow. The chamber volume was 6.67 m³. The daily fuel costs were estimated 310000 RLS. Conclusion: Application of local exhaust ventilation system and integrated collectors for control of air pollutants in rendering plant can remove large amounts of particulate and gaseous pollutants. Control of these pollutants can cause loss of smell nuisance and environmental pollution and improving the health and welfare of workers and neighboring residents of such industries.

An investigation of inhibition effect of metronidazole before and after using advanced oxidation process (UV254/H2O2) on specific methanogenic activity of anaerobic biomass

M.M Ahmad Moazzam

Background & Objectives: Disposal of pharmaceutical compounds to environment as an emerging pollutants cause concerns significantly and it is necessary to use new methods of sewage treatment for removal of these compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition effects of metronidazole before and after using UV254/H₂O₂ process on specific methanogenic activity of.anaerobic biomass. Materials & Methods: Fourteen anaerobic digestion tests were carried out at batch scale before and after using UV254/H₂O₂ process in 500 ml reactors with 30% anaerobic biomass and 70% substrate. The liquid displacement method was used. Duration of each test was in the range of 10-17 days. Results: Cumulative Biomethane production in concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/l metronidazole was 34.04, 95.12, 100.86, 3.28, 27.88, and 6.97 ml respectively. This production was 800.73, 243.54, and 10.66 ml in concentrations of 25, 50, and 80 mg/l respectively using UV254/H₂O₂ process as pretreatment at 60 min retention time. Biomethane production in concentrations of 80,120, and 150 mg/l was 377.2, 380.48, and 63.14 ml respectively at 90 min retention time. Conclusion: Different concentrations of metronidazole had an inhibition effect on anaerobic digestions and therefore the efficient pretreatment method is needed to reduce this inhibition effect. The UV254/H₂O₂ process is an effective method for degradation and conversion of metronidazole to more biodegradable compounds for anaerobic bacteria consumption and, in turn, to increase biogasproduction in anaerobic digestions.

Study on the nitrite and nitrate levels changes by drying and frying processing in vegetables

M Ghayebzadeh

Background and objectives: Nitrate and nitrite threaten the human health. According to recent research works, one of the great sources of exposure to nitrate and nitrite in human diet is vegetables. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of drying and frying processes on nitrate and nitrite levels in abundant vegetables. Materials and methods: In this descriptive – analytical study, 180 vegetable samples were taken randomly from Kermanshah markets. Nitrite and nitrate concentration was determined by Greece- Ilosoay method. Then, freezing and boiling processes were carried out on samples and again, nitrite and nitrate levels were measured. The mean differences were analyzed using ANOVA and SPSS program. Results: the concentrations of nitrate and nitrite were significantly different (p<0.5) in terms of vegetable type, storage process, or consumption. As average, frying and drying process led to increase nitrite and nitrate levels in the vegetables except Garlic chives. Frying process and drying process decreased the nitrite levels by 13 and 52% respectively, while in the case of nitrate, it was 29 and 25% respectively. Conclusion: Reducing nitrite and nitrate levels does not occur in frying and drying processing in vegetables. Therefore, it is essential to study other methods of processing or control of nitrate and nitrite levels in the vegetables. It is crucial to monitor and control the quality of this product and studying other food processing because of the daily intake of vegetables and potential risks of nitrate and nitrite accumulation and its association with some illnesses and gastrointestinal tract cancers. .

Removal of Uranium (VI) from aqueous solution by Uranium Benzamide Complex using AC_Fe3O4 Nanocomposite

M Farzadkia

Background and Objectives: Increased growing nuclear industry has increased the researchers concerns on uranium presence in the environment and its effects on human health. Uranium is a dangerous radioactive heavy metal with high half-life and chemical toxicity. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to removal uranium (VI) from aqueous solution by uranium benzamide complex using AC_Fe3O4 nanocomposite. Materials and Methods: AC_Fe3O4 nanocomposite was synthesized using co-precipitation method. The experiments were designed as one factor at the time method. The optimum range of pH, contact time, amounts of adsorbent, and concentration of benzamide were determined. Then, kinetic and isotherm of uranium adsorption were studied. In addition, the properties of this adsorbent were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Results: The SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed that activated carbon is coated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the magnetic property of AC-Fe₂O₃ was approved. According to the results, the optimum conditions were pH =6, contact time =30 min, and 0.06 g of adsorbent dose. The adsorption of uranium on the AC_Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite fitted to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model. The removal of U(VI) was increased about 6% with increasing in benzamide concentration to 50 mg/L. The best percentage removal of uranium in aqueous solution was 95%. Conclusion: The removal of U(VI) on AC_Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite with the aid of benzamide is a rapid and highly pH depended process. The maximum sorption capacity (15/87 mg/g) of AC_Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite shows that this method is a suitable method for Uranium removal.

Prediction of quality parameters (NO3, DO) of Karaj River using ANN, MLR, and Denoising-based combined wavelet-neural network based on Models

R Rahimi Benmaran

Background & Objectives: The prediction and quality control of the Karaj River water, as one of the important needed water supply sources of Tehran, possesses great importance. In this study, performance of artificial neural network (ANN), combined wavelet-neural network (WANN), and multi linear regression (MLR) models were evaluated to predict next month nitrate and dissolved oxygen of “Pole Khab” station located in Karaj River. Materials and Methods: A statistical period of 11 years was used for the input of the models. In combined WANN model, the real monthly-observed time series of river discharge (Q) and the quality parameters (nitrate and dissolved oxygen) were analyzed using wavelet analyzer. Then, their completely effective time series were used as ANN input. In addition, the ability of all three models were investigated in order to predict the peak points of time-series that have great importance. The capability of the models was evaluated by coefficient of efficiency (E) and the root mean square error (RMSE). Results: The research findings indicated that the accuracy and the ability of hybrid model of wavelet neural network with the attitude of elimniations of time series noise had beeb better than the other two modes so that hybrid model of Wavelet artificial neural network wase able the improve the rate of RMSE for Nitrate ions in comparison with neural network and multiple linear regression models respectively, amounting to 35.6% and 75.92%, for Dissolved Oxygen ion as much as 40.57% and 60.13%. Conclusion: owing of the high capability wavelet neural network and the elimination of the time series noises in the prediction of quality parameters of river’s water, this model can be convenient and fast way to be proposed for management of water quality resources and assursnce from water quality monitoring results and reduction its costs.

Evaluation of modified anoxic/aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) performance for the removal of organic matter and nitrogen from wastewater

A Azhdarpoor Esfanabadi

Background & Objectives: Excessive discharge of hazardous materials such as nitrogenous and organic compounds into the environment has negative impacts on the health of the aquatic environment. The main objective of this research was focused on evaluating the feasibility of using modified SBR reactor for the removal of nitrogenous compounds and chemical oxygen demand (COD). Materials & Methods: The experiments were performed using an up-flow continuous reactor with intermittent effluent. At first, four different cycles including aeration, settling, and decant (3, 4, 6, and 8 h) were designed for the performance of the reactor. Then, the efficiency of each cycle was determined for different concentrations of COD (250-1500 mg/L) and ammonia (40-100 mg/L). Results: Data demonstrated that all cycles had very good performances for the removal of COD. The average COD removal efficiencies of phases 1 through 4 were 91.7, 91.5, 92, and 92.7% respectively. The average NH^₄₊ removal efficiencies of phase 3 and 4 were 92.7 and 95.8% respectively. Conclusion: The performance of phase 4 (with the cycle of 8 h) for the removal of nitrogen compound and COD was particularly high. The combination of anoxic and aerobic cycles in the reactor and providing nitrate as an electron receptor had the best performance for the removal of nitrogen from wastewater. Therefore, the continuous up-flow reactor was a good alternative to batch reactor in removing nitrogen compound and COD simultaneously.

Investigation of the ambient particulate matter concentration changes and assessing its health impacts in Tabriz

A.H. Mahvi

Background & Objectives: Determining the impacts of air pollution in cities is facing two major challenges first, the limited data on the health effects of pollutants, and secondly, the lack of information on exposure to air pollutants and their concentration. This is an applied-observational carried out to determine the concentration, seasonal changes, and to estimate the health impacts attributed to the particulate matters in Tabriz during September 2012 to July 2013. Materials and Methods: The particulate matters were sampled using high volume sampler and were analyzed using portable HAZ-DUST EPAM-5000. The health impacts of particulate matterswere estimated using AirQ software developed by W.H.O. Results: The annual mean concentration of TSP, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ in the urban sampling site were 139, 83, 38, and 27 µg/m³ respectively. In addition, these concentrations were 178, 110, 40, and 27µg/m³ in industrial area. The average of PM₁₀/TSP, PM_2.5/PM₁₀, PM₁/PM₁₀, and PM₁/PM_2.5 ratio level was 0.6, 0.48, 0.33, and 0.7 in the urban areas and 0.61, 0.37, 0.28, and 0.77 in the industrial areas respectively. The total mortalities associated with the TSP, PM₁₀, and PM_2.5 concentrations were estimated as 327, 363, and 360 respectively. Nevertheless, the calculated cardiovascular mortality for TSP and PM₁₀ were estimated to be 202 and 227 respectively. Conclusion: This research found that the concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were 73 and 69% more than National Standard and 8 and 5% more than USEPA Standards respectively. In Tabriz, especially industrial area, the soils of surrounding ground and re-suspension of particles fromcontaminated soils have a significant contribution to particulate emissions.

Determination of Optimum Conditions for Fenton Oxidation to Remove Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate using Taghuchi Method and Requirement Evaluation to it for Additional Treatment of Biolac Effluent

H khorsandi

Background & Objectives: Entering LAS through the wastewater plant’s effluent to water resources causes taste and odor changes, aquatics death, oxygen transfer limitation, and disorders in water treatment processes. Therefore, the study objective was to determine optimum conditions for fenton oxidation process to remove linear alkyl benzene sulfonate from aqueous environments using taguchi method and its requirement evaluation for additional treatment of Biolac effluent. Materials &Methods: LAS removal using Fenton oxidation was evaluated in a 500 mL laboratory-scale batch reactor. In order to save the costs, to determine the optimum conditions of the Fenton oxidation, 25 runs were computed using Taghuchi method by Minitab 16 software. Sampling and required tests were performed based on standard methods examination for water and wastewater. For evaluation of Biolac process sufficiency in LAS removal, biolac efficiency in Urmia Wastewater Treatment Plant was studied in 2012. Results: Based on the LAS removal and chemicals required, Minitab software (Ver. 16) recommended the optimum conditions of Fenton oxidation at 900 mg/L H2O2, 170 mg/L Ferrous ion, pH of 4, and reaction time of 20 minutes. It was found that the Fenton oxidation for LAS removal had 86.5% efficiency under optimum condithions and it was second order reaction with the rate coefficient of 0.0152 L/mg.min. Biolac process does not need any additional treatment due to meeting LAS standard in municipal wastewater treatment. Thus, this process decreased annually mean LAS from 5.28 mg/L to 0.734 mg/L in municipal wastewater. Conclusion: Although the Fenton oxidation appears as a chemical process with high efficiency in the removal of LAS, the low efficiency of COD corresponding to the LAS indicated partial decomposition of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate by Fenton oxidation.

Study and Zoning The Karun River Sediment Contamination by alkylphenolic compounds as Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs)

A.A Babaei

Background and Objectives: alkylphenol poly ethoxylates (APnEOs) and their metabolites enter environment through discharging wastewater and are of particular concern due to their persistence, toxicity to aquatic organisms, and a potential endocrine disruptor. In this work, we focused on the determination of nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol polyethoxylate (NPnEOs) in sediment samples collected from Karun River, Khoozestan Plain, Iran. Materials and Methods: Sample collection of Karun River sediment was carried out on rainy and dry seasons from 10 hydrometric stations. The sediment samples were prepared and extracted using solid phase extraction procedure and were analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Results: We found that NP and NPnEOs concentrations in sediment samples of Karun River were 0.21-2.43 and 0.18-0.91 µg/g respectively. This study revealed that NP concentration in sediment samples of Karun River was higher than the other alkyphenolic metabolites. Conclusion: The results indicated accumulation of endocrine disrupting contaminants (EDCs) in the Karun river sediments. The results showed significant difference between mean concentrations of these compounds in the upstream and downstream stations of Ahwaz Megacity (p-value<0.05).