Iranian Journal of Health and Environment

Evaluation of the capability of Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus eldarica for bioremediation of heavy metals (Pb, Cr and Ni) in urban areas of Hamedan, west of Iran

Mehrdad Cheraghi

Background and Objective: Monitoring of pollutants in urban ecosystems is of particular importance. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the capability of Robinia pseudoacacia and Pinus elderica for biomonitoring of Pb, Cr and Ni in urban areas of Hamedan in 2023.
Materials and Methods: A total of 36 soils and 72 plant samples were collected from 12 sites. The contents of elements were determined using ICP-OES. Also, the values of PI, PLI, BAF, and CR indices were computed.
Results: The highest values of Pb, Cr, and Ni (mg/kg) in soil samples with 72.2, 67.5 and 101 values belonged to the commercial, industrial, and commercial sites, respectively. The highest average content of analyzed elements in unwashed and washed leaves/needles for Pb both belonged to the commercial areas; for Cr and Ni, all belonged to the industrial areas. The average values of PI followed the descending order of Cr > Ni > Pb. The average values of PLI varied from 1.22 to 1.34. Moreover, BAF values of Pb, Cr, and Ni of R. pseudoacacia leaves and P. elderica needles were found to be in the range of 0.100-1.00. Also, the highest mean values of CR of Pb and Cr were both found in P. elderica; and the highest mean value of CR of Ni was found in R. pseudoacacia.
Conclusion: R. pseudoacacia and P. elderica could be used as suitable and efficient species for monitoring and remediation of toxic elements from soil and air in polluted ecosystems.

Presence of microplastics in the digestive tract of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in Chabahar Bay

Arash Shakouri

Background and Objective: Microplastic pollution due to its small size can be used by a wide range of marine organisms and accumulate mainly in their digestive system, as they have been found in the tissues of aquatic animals, including fish. Due to the nutritional importance of fish for humans, it is very important to check their contamination. The main purpose of this research is to investigate the presence of microplastics in skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Oman Sea.
Materials and Methods: 17 pieces of skipjack tuna were used. After the biometry, dissection and isolation of the digestive system of the fish, the digestion and extraction of microplastics were done using KOH solution. Identification and counting were also done by a stereomicroscope equipped with a digital camera. FTIR spectrophotometric analyses were performed to investigate the polymers.
Results: The total frequency and average frequency of microplastics are 331 particles and 19.4±7.3 particles per individual, respectively. String (64.35%) and pieces (28.7%) were the dominant forms in the samples. The highest color spectrum was assigned to red (28.7%) and the lowest to violet (1.51%). The largest number of identified microplastics had a size of 0.5-1 mm (53%). Analysis of particles by ATR-FTIR method showed that nylon polymer and polycarbonate were the dominant polymer particles.
Conclusion: Microplastics are present in all samples. The abundance of microplastics in water, sediments and contaminated bait makes them easily available and swallowed by fish, which is most likely the main reason for the presence of microplastics in fish.

Controlling the release of high-consumption nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers using hydrogels based on sepiolite clay nanostructure and starch

Maryam Fayazi

Background and Objective: The emergence of nanotechnology and the use of nanoscale materials has made it possible to take advantage of the potential and novel applications of this technology in various fields of agriculture. Therefore, this research aims to make fertilizer for high-consumption nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) by hydrogels based on the sepiolite (Sep) clay nanostructure and starch (S).
Materials and Methods: In this study, the physical inhibition method was used to control the release of high-consumption nutrient elements of fertilizer. For this purpose, appropriate amounts of NPK salt were inserted in the structure of Sep-S hydrogels. Then, the release level of nutrients was investigated by the column elution and measuring the conductivity of the outlet solution of the column.
Results: The elution profile of the NPK fertilizer shows that the salts quickly leave the end of the column so that the conductivity of the solution at the end of the column in the first washing after consumption of 250 mL of water reaches about 12000 µS/cm. On the other hand, the elution profile of the slow-release fertilizer containing NPK salts shows that the release profile of the fertilizer in 4 times of washing with the same volume is almost similar (range 1400 µS/cm to 2300 µS/cm). Results show that the placement of fertilizer salt inside the proposed hydrogels leads to the slow release of highly consumed nutrients.
Conclusion: The release of nutrients from the structure of slow-release fertilizer based on Sep-S hydrogels has a delay, which is vital to prevent the excessive release of nutrients, and minimize negative environmental effects and excessive consumption of chemical fertilizers. Also, the materials used to make the slow-release fertilizer have a relatively low cost.

Demographic analysis of flood deaths in Iran from 2002 to 2018: a case-control study

Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh

Background and Objective: Demographic characteristics are among the factors that can contribute to flood-related deaths. Investigating the relationship between these factors and flood-related deaths, as well as measuring their impact on the prevention, reduction, and elimination of such deaths, is essential.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a case-control study in all flood-affected areas of Iran that experienced flood-related deaths from 2002-2018. The sample size of the study was 369 (123 cases and 246 controls) from 12 provinces and 30 counties. The study measured the impact of demographic characteristics on flood-related deaths using a valid and reliable tool.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that individuals under the age of 15 face a 31.974 times higher risk of flood-related death compared to individuals over 65. The young population, specifically those aged 15 to 29 in Iran, have a 1.475 times higher risk. Drivers face a 13.874 times higher risk, while individuals involved in agriculture, shepherding, and livestock farming have a 0.947 times higher risk compared to homeowners.
Conclusion: Among the demographic characteristics, children, young adults, and engaging in certain high-risk occupations such as driving or agriculture increase the risk of flood-related deaths. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize protection, education, and vulnerability reduction measures for these individuals, especially in flood-prone areas.

Environmental health management during the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies based on the analytic hierarchy process

Mohsen Hosami Arani

Background and Objective: Compliance with the principles of environmental health is of particular importance in any gathering ceremony. This issue needs more attention in the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies due to the position of health in Islam and the presence of different populations in this ceremony. Based on this, the present study was conducted with the aim of environmental health management during Muharram and Safar days using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Materials and Methods: According to the main purpose of the study, a literature review was done. Then, a team of experts was formed and criteria, sub-criteria and programs related to the purpose of the study were determined by brainstorming, and the relevant questionnaire was prepared and after completion by 25 experts, the relevant criteria were prioritized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process.
Results: Based on the weighting with the Analytic Hierarchy Process method, the highest score (0.441) was awarded to the health inspection criteria, and then the administrative coordination criteria(0.186), education (0.182), reporting (0.169) and finally the support and services criterion (0.022) were prioritized.
Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the emphasis on environmental health management during the Muharram and Safar mourning ceremonies from the point of view of experts, that compliance with the three principles of health inspection, administrative coordination and continuous training has the particular importance.

The effect of municipal solid waste compost on the reduction of lead and zinc toxicity and uptake of nutrients by two medicinal species Marrubium cuneatum and Verbascum speciosum in a soil contaminated with heavy metals

Sadegh Hosseinniaee

Background and Objective: The toxicity of heavy metals is one of the most important environmental issues in the current century. This research aimed to investigate the effect of municipal solid waste compost on the absorption of nutrients and lead and zinc metals in M. cuneatum and V. speciosum plants.
Materials and Methods: In a greenhouse experiment, compost at four levels (0, 1, 3 and 5% w/w) was completely mixed with natural soil contaminated with heavy metals (Pb and Zn). After six months of harvesting the plants, the shoot and root biomass was determined. Also, the concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients, Pb and Zn in the roots and aerial parts of plants and available Pb and Zn in the soil were measured using the ICP-OES. In order to investigate the correlation between the measured plant and soil parameters, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed
Results: Compost significantly improved the shoot dry weight of M. cuneatum and V. speciosum by 13 and 19%, respectively. 5% compost significantly reduced shoot lead by 64 and 34.4% in M. cuneatum and V. speciosum, respectively, compared to the control. Compost was more effective in increasing potassium, phosphorus, copper, and nickel than magnesium, manganese, and calcium, and increased shoot potassium by 22 and 32%, respectively, in M. cuneatum and V. speciosum compared to the control; this increase was 30 and 14% for copper and 19 and 21% for phosphorus, respectively. PCA analysis showed that, among the investigated elements, potassium, phosphorus and copper were most affected by composting and had the maximum role in improving plant growth and reducing lead toxicity.
Conclusion: Municipal solid waste compost improved the growth of M. cuneatum and V. speciosum and reduced phytotoxicity by immobilizing lead in the soil.

Investigating the amount of heavy metals in compost produced in the compost industries of Mazandaran province

Mahdieh Mohammadi Alashti

Background and Objective: One of the main limitations of using compost is the possibility of heavy metals with high concentrations. Unlike organic contaminants, these elements resist decomposition by microorganisms and, when present at elevated levels, pose a toxicity risk to soil, plants, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2021-2022w. Samples were collected from three compost factories in Mazandaran (Babol, Behshahr, and Tonekabon) using random sampling methods and prepared according to the acid digestion method (National Standard Institute 5615). The concentration of heavy metals in the samples was measured using an ICP-OES.
Results: The average concentration of arsenic, zinc, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, and nickel in the analyzed samples were 1.38±3.47, 490±151.5, 74±12, 2.56±0.65, 4.5±1.46, 31.72±16.47, 186.11±49.9, 22.72±4.2 mg/kg dry weight of compost, respectively. The average concentration of heavy metals in different cities was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, based on which the concentration of heavy metals in none of the cities was significantly different from each other (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The concentration of heavy metals in the investigated compost samples was lower than the limits specified in both domestic and international standards. Therefore, the final product of the examined compost factories meets the health standards for heavy metals and is safe for use in environmental applications.

Experimental study of adsorption of amoxicillin residue from water samples using nanocomposite based on zirconium metal-organic frameworks and porous polymers

Vida Izadkhah

Background and Objective: Antibiotics as emerging pollutants are harmful to environmental health. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of Uio-66-NH₂@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid for the removal of amoxicillin (AMX) from aqueous solutions.
Materials and Methods: In this study, for the first time, guanidine and isocyanate monomers are cross-linked with chitosan. The combination of this polymer with organometallic compounds contributes to its chemical/thermal stability and reusability. Uio-66-NH₂@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and BET methods. Also, the effects of pH, initial concentration of AMX, contact time, and temperature were evaluated. Moreover, isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamics studies were performed.
Results: The results of TGA analysis showed that Uio-66-NH₂@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid was resistant to temperatures up to 400 °C. Also, optimal adsorption of AMX occurred in the first 25 min. The synthesized nanohybrid has a surface area of 101.2 m²/g and a type IV isotherm. Acidic groups were present on the synthesized nanohybrid surface based on the pHpzc = 4.7. Langmuir (for 25 °C and 45 °C) and Freundlich (for 65 °C) isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetic models are more appropriate to fit the adsorption data with the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity of the synthesized nanohybrid was equal to 56.49, 40.65, and 0.382 mg/g at temperatures of 25°C, 45°C, and 65°C, respectively. Based on the findings, Uio-66-NH₂@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid could be used for up to five cycles without significantly reducing their performance.
Conclusion: The results showed that Uio-66-NH₂@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid has a significant efficiency for removing AMX and could be used as an effective adsorbent for the treatment of wastewater containing pharmaceutical residues.

Assessment of indicators and prerequisite programs for food safety and hygiene in fruit and vegetable fields of Tehran city in 2022

Gholamreza Jahed Khaniki

Background and Objective: Compliance with the principles of food safety and hygiene is very important in the entire chain of production, storage, transportation and supply of food to ensure the safety and suitability of food to ensure the health of consumers. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the status of indicators and prerequisite programs for health and food safety in the fruit and vegetable fields of Tehran in 2022.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive-analytical study on 67 fruit and vegetable centers in Tehran city regarding the status of indicators and prerequisite programs for food safety and hygiene, such as the condition of buildings and facilities, employee training, employee health, food quality control, control of environmental pests, waste disposal and work environment hygiene were done. First, a questionnaire was prepared and its validity was confirmed by the opinion of five experts, as well as its reliability tool with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.87, then the questionnaire was completed and the necessary data was recorded. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that the favorable condition of buildings and facilities, employee education, employee health, food quality control, environmental pest control, waste disposal and workplace hygiene were 67.16%, 26.85%, 50.20%,67.91%, 43.65%, 58.39% and 63.11%, respectively. So the indicators of building and facilities, food quality control, food consumption and work environment with an average of more than a percentage are acceptable. However, the indicators of care education and combating environmental chastity have been evaluated as unfavorable
Conclusion: Knowing the status of indicators and prerequisite programs for food safety and hygiene in the fruit and vegetable fields of Tehran city can help to improve food safety and health. Also, the desirability of indicators of buildings and facilities, food quality control, waste disposal and workplace hygiene affect the supply and distribution of healthy food. It is also recommended to pay more attention to raising the level of education in the care and methods of environmental pest control in fruit and vegetable fields.

Risk identification and assessment in a battery-manufacturing industry using FMEA method, and estimating the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention

Ghader Ghanizadeh

Background and Objective: The health and safety of the employees of any industry is one of the most important issues to prevent the occurrence of accidents. This study aimed to identify and assess related risks in a battery-manufacturing industry using FMEA method and estimate the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, the production activities of the industry were first identified. Then the work process, employee duties, and Potential risks were determined by the HAZID method. Evaluation and prioritization of risks were done using FMEA method. Risks whose RPN was higher than 145 were determined as important risks and the ratio of incident cost to accident prevention was calculated.
Results: In 62 active units of this industry, 716 risks were identified and prioritized, 16 of which (2.23%) had RPN above 145 with the highest priority. The financial pulp unit with falling and fire hazards and the assembly unit with the risk of fumes and lead dust leakage with RPN 245 were among the most dangerous units and hazards identified in the industry. In all units except one unit, the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention varied from 1.2 to 25.
Conclusion: The results showed that it is necessary to consider the correction of the important risks by the industry officials, according to the set priorities so that potential accidents caused by these risks are minimized. This prioritization can play an effective role in optimal risk management and reduce related costs.

Effectiveness of chemical and electrical coagulation process in removing fluoride from the wastewater of the pre-painting unit of the automotive industry

Ehsan Aghayani

Background and Objective: The development of the automobile industry has caused various pollutants to enter the environment, one of which is fluoride. Therefore, this study aims to improve the fluoride removal from wastewater pre-paint units of the automotive industry to achieve discharge standards to surface waters.
Materials and Methods: The study is descriptive and on an applied scale, which has been carried out to compare the efficiency of the chemical coagulation process using lime and alum, as well as the electrocoagulation process using aluminum anodes in the presence of lime to remove fluoride.
Results: The results of real wastewater characteristics showed that the pH of wastewater is in the range of 6.1 to 6.3, and its fluoride concentration is in the range of 45 to 55 mg/L. The results of the experiments show that in the most optimal possible state in the chemical coagulation process, it is possible to achieve fluoride removal efficiency in the range of 76 to 81 percent. However, the removal efficiency in the electrocoagulation process using an aluminum anode at a concentration of 5 mol/L of calcium ions, and current density of 20 A/m² after reaction time of min 20 to 99% can also be achieved.
Conclusion: Considering the high fluoride removal rate (more than 99%) in the electrocoagulation process in the presence of calcium ions, this process can be introduced as an efficient technology for fluoride removal.

A systematic review of the methods used for sampling and analysis of microplastics in air and settled dust of indoor and outdoor environments in Iran

Mohsen Heidari

Background and Objective: Given the concern about the presence of microplastics in the air and settled dust, and the lack of a standard approach for their detection, it is necessary to investigate the methods and techniques used to study this type of pollution in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the methods and techniques used for sampling, quantification, and characterization of microplastics in the air and settled dust in indoor and outdoor environments in Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, the keywords Microplastic*, Air*, Atmosphere*, Dust, Indoor, Outdoor, Iran, and their corresponding Persian equivalents were searched until Dec 1, 2023, in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Magiran, and SID databases. Obtained articles from the databases were analyzed in order to find the eligible ones.
Results: Overall, 175 articles were found in the initial search, and after removing the duplicates and nonrelevant, 13 eligible articles were included in the study. In most of the studies, the samples were digested with H₂O₂, and the microplastics were mainly analyzed using a variety of microscopes and µRaman spectroscopy. The abundance of microplastics in the indoor environment was much higher than in the outdoor environment.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there is the required equipment for the sampling and analysis of microplastics in air and settled dust in Iran, and these pollutants have been detected in both indoor and outdoor environments.