Iranian Journal of Health and Environment

Contamination levels and human health risk assessment of mercury in some fish species from the Anzali International Wetland, Iran

Hassan Malvandi

Background and Objective: The presence of toxic mercury in fish has caused global concern, as one of the main ways of humans are exposed to it is through fish consumption. Therefore, the main goal on this research was to determine the concentration of mercury in fish and evaluate the health risk to consumers.
Materials and Methods: Samples of pike, common perch, European perch, common carp and goldfish were collected from Anzali wetland. Mercury concentration was measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Differences in mercury concentration among the species and the comparison of mercury concentration with the standards were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and one sample t-test, respectively.
Results: The average concentrations of mercury for pike, common perch, European perch, common carp and goldfish were 59.59, 67.55, 30.45, 9.84, and 10.44 µg/kg ww, respectively. The results showed significant differences in mercury concentrations among different species. The concentrations of mercury in all samples were below the permissible limits of international standards (300 and 500 µg/kg dw), and the HQ index values were less than 1. Therefore, the results indicated no potential risk to consumer health. Additionally, the consumption of European perch, common carp and goldfish is considered safe for sensitive people (children and pregnant women).
Conclusion: In general, there was no potential concern regarding mercury exposure from consuming the studied fish species.

The role of environmental health in the prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran: a scientometric study

Masoumeh Ravanipour

Background and Objective: Scientometrics is used to identify existing study gaps, discover the future research directions, investigate fundamental trends and implement the necessary policies in a specific field of knowledge. Considering the key role of environmental factors in the health trends and the varyingburden of diseases in the country, this study was conducted with the aim of performing scientometric analysis of the role of environmental health in the prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Bibliographic information related to scientific documents indexed in the Web of Science database until September 12, 2022, was analyzed and visualized using Citespace and Biblioshiny software.
Results: A total of 1,212 documents were retrieved. These documents were published in 629 sources with the participation of 8,461 authors. The average publication year of the documents was 2010. The top three ranks of organizational affiliations were as follows: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (747 documents), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (436 documents), and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (393 documents). Iran's cooperation network with other countries indicates substantial joint researchbetween Iran and the main countries in this network. Over time, the co-occurrence network of keywords has evolved from outcomes (such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc.) to environmental exposure factors, especially air pollutants, heavy metals, and food-borne pathogens factors. Risk assessment has also been a category of interest in recent years.
Conclusion: Scientometric analysis showed that environmental health studies in prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran are young and still progressing. In the early years, studies were mainly focused on diseases as an outcome, while in recent years, they have focused more on exposure factors or environmental pathogens. It is suggested that the future studies based on the retrieved keywords should be more mission-oriented and the priority of solving the problems of environmental pollutants affecting people's health in the country based on the extent and scope of the problems of each province should be considered by policy makers and researchers.

Evaluation of compliance with hygiene guidelines and microbial load of hands in bakery workers of Mahmoudabad city

Mohammad Rafiee

Background and Objective: Personal hygiene and adherence with health protocols in food preparation and distribution centers by operators are essential for controlling the transmission of infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the microbial contamination and compliance with health protocols among bakery workers in Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran, in 2020.
Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 149 samples were collected from the hands of workers in bakeries in Mahmoudabad. The microbial load was determined using the System Sure Plus device. Additionally, standard checklists, which included questions related to compliance with health protocols in the workplace, were used. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS 26 software.
Results: Among the studied samples, 51.1%had a microbial load higher than 30 RLU (Relative Light Units), 28.86% had a microbial load of 10-30 RLU and 20.13% had a microbial load less than 10 RLU. Based on the results of the checklists, the rates of adherence to hand disinfection protocol, observance of social distancing, use of liquid soap, and use of a mask were 43.6%, 61.7%, 59.7%, and 53.7%, respectively. Additionally, data analysis revealed a significant relationship between business gown usage and microbial contamination on personnel's hands (p = 0.031).
Conclusion: Based on the results, it was evident that the workers' hand hygienewas in a concerning condition, posing a potential threat to their overall well-being. Therefore, individual health education and food safety practices should be improved, and inspections by environmental health monitors should be considered to ensure stricter public health standards.

Investigating environmental pollutants released in integrated urban waste management centers (case study: Koohak)

Seyed Masoud Monavari

Background and Objective: The increase in waste at integrated urban waste centers, along with the problems and adverse environmental consequences due to their inappropriate establishment have become more apparent. This research was conducted with the aim of determining and investigating environmental pollution in urban waste integration management centers.
Materials and Methods: This research investigated the environmental pollutants in the integrated waste center in Koohak at various distances ranging from 0 to 900 meters. Four main criteria—waste, water pollution, air pollution and sound pollution—were determined, each with 16 sub-criteria. The map of each criterion and sub-criteria were multiplied by the coefficients they received from the weights obtained using the Analytical Network Process (ANP) method. By combining the criteria using the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method and superimposing them, finally, the studied area was ultimately classified into three classes: inappropriate, medium, and suitable.
Results: Air pollution, with a weight of 0.26, had the highest rating compared to the other three criteria. Noise pollution (0.25), water pollution (0.24) and waste-related criteria (0.23) were ranked next. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference in pollutant concentrations between different stations (p<0.05). Additionally, the results show that the average concentration of pollutants at distances of 0-300 meters differed significantly from those at all other distances (p<0.05). After determining the suitable zones using the WLC method, the results showed that 62.5 percent of the criteria were approved by the environmental organization.
Conclusion: By examining the results of the methods used in this research, it can be concluded that the combination of ANP and WLC methods provide effectivee results. However, uncertainty in subjective decisions and time constraints in decision-making have posed challenges in assessing waste collection in integrated urban waste centers.

Investigating the effect of educational intervention on the awareness and attitude of health workers (Behvarzes) and health care workers of Ardestan city about household hazardous waste management

Amir Hossein Nafez

Background and Objective: Household hazardous wastes can pose significant risks to the environment, increase the death rate and dangerous diseases due to their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical, or biological quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of educational intervention on the knowledge and attitude of health workers (Behvarzes) and health care workers of Ardestan city regarding household hazardous waste management.
Materials and Methods: This research was a semi-experimental interventional study conducted among 64 healthcare workers of the Ardestan health network in Isfahan province. A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered into SPSS version 22 software for statistical analysis and analyzed through Mann-Whitney, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and paired T-tests.
Results: After the training, the average knowledge scores of Behvarzes and health-care workers in the sample group increased from 22.56±1.65 to 26.78±0.66, and their average attitude scores also increased from 89.37±2.67 to 95.31±2.71. The paired T-test showed a significant difference in the mean and standard deviation of knowledge and attitude scores in the intervention group before and after the intervention (p<0.05). The independent T-test did not show any difference in this regard according to the gender variable. The ANOVA test showed a significant difference between the different education groups after the intervention regarding the change in knowledge score or attitude according to education level (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the educational intervention for Behvarzes and healthcare workers was effective in raising their awareness and improving their attitudes towards the importance of household hazardous waste managemnt. Considering that the improvement of the household hazardous waste management system requires enhanced public awareness and attitude, as well as effective communication between Behvarzes, healthcare workers, and citizens, city managers can use the method employed in this study to organize regular training programs on household hazardous waste management.

Assessment of the risk of gastrointestinal infection from swimming at the Caspian Sea shores: a case study of Faridonkanar city beaches

Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni

Background and Objective: There have been concerns about microbial contamination along the coastal cities in the north of the country, particularly in cities of Mazandaran province, which could pose health risks for swimmers and tourists. The present study aimed to quantitatively assess the risk of gastrointestinal diseases resulting from exposure to E. coli and enterococci bacteria during recreational activities on the beaches of Fereydunkanar.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 66 grab samples collected during the summer were analyzed to investigate microbial contamination in the recreational beach waters of Fereydunkanar.The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to calculate both daily and annual infection risks.
Results: The findings demonstrated that transmission of enterococci was more likely than that of E. coli in the swimming areas of these beaches. The average annual infection risk for E. coli was 0.41 for adults and 0.69 for children . Additionally, the annual risk of enterococci infection was 1 for adults and 0.99 children and, which exceeds the range advised by the WHO and EPA. These findings indicate that children have a higher infection risk compared to adults.
Conclusion: Unrestricted discharge of municipal and industrial wastewater effluents into sea and rivers can contribute to the presence of harmful microbes in beaches. By implementing effective environmental and recreational management strategies, it is possible to minimize the risk of public health hazards at recreational beaches while also preserving the natural beauty of these important public spaces.

Investigating earthworm survival in diesel-contaminated soil remediation reactors

Mahdi Farzadkia

Background and Objective: Earthworms are important in soil formation. They maintain soil structure and fertility and can be used as indicators to evaluate various changes and impacts. Therefore, the present study was developed to investigate the effects of diesel pollutant on the population and survival of the earthworm species E.fetida in the co-vermicomposting process.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted over 90 days to investigate the effects of diesel concentration on the survival of E.fetida in the co-vermicomposting process. One kilogram of soil contaminated with diesel, vermicompost, and raw activated sludge was added to each reactor in a ratio of 0.25:0.35:1. 10. Additionally, 20 adult E. fetida were added to the reactors with diesel concentrations of 10 and 30 g/L after the adaptation process.
Results: The survival of earthworms and the formation of cocoons in reactor number 3 were higher than in other reactors. Additionally, the amount of diesel removal in reactor number 3 (diesel concentration: 10 g/kg dried soil +20 E.fetida) was higher (70.5%) compared to the other reactors.
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that earthworm reproduction is more sensitive than survival or weight change to higher concentrations of diesel-contaminated soil. The presence of petroleum compounds in the soil is harmful for the growth of E.fetida, and its acute effects on the production of earthworm cocoons were observed.

Investigating the types and amounts of pesticides used in agriculture in the East Azerbaijan province

Mohammad Mosaferi

Background and Objective: The use of pesticides poses serious risks to the health of living organisms. Knowing the type and amount of pesticide use can provide a good information base for managing potential risks from pesticide consumption. This study was carried out with the main objective of determining the types and amounts of pesticides used on agricultural land in East Azarbaijan Province in 2021.
Materials and Methods: Information about the pesticides have been gathered and analyzed by referring to the Agricultural Jihad Organization and other relevant authorities. Calculations related to the amount of pesticides used per unit area were made using the total area of agricultural lands in the province.
Results: Considering the frequency, 403 kinds of pesticides are used in the following order: Herbicides > Insecticides > Fungicides > Acaricides > Others > Disinfectants. Consdidering total consumption of 2873730 kg pesticides, the order based on the amount is: Insecticides > Herbicide > Fungicides > Miscellaneous > Acaricides and Disinfectants based on the amount. The total ratio of pesticides used to pesticides distributed through the official (government) channel is 2.51. The minimum, maximum, and mean consumption values in counties are 0.4, 21.4, and 4.21 ± 5.33 kg/ha, respectively, and for province is 2.38 kg/ha. There is a correlation between the amount of pesticide applied and the number of farmers and traders.
Conclusion: The consumption of pesticides in the province is higher than the world average. Appropriate management of pesticides is required from the viewpoints of environment and health protection.

Investigation of heavy metal concentrations in agricultural topsoil of Miandoab landfill area

Mohsen Mohammadi Galangash

Background and Objective: Heavy metals are regarded as serious contaminants due to their toxicity, persistence in natural conditions, and ability to enter and accumulate (bioaccumulation and biomagnification) in food chains. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe and Ni in surface agricultural soils of the Miandoab landfill area.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 57 soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20 cm. After preparing and digesting in the laboratory, the samples were analyzed using a inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-OES). The Ecological Risk Potential Index (EPRI), Earth Accumulation Index (Igeo), Principal Components Test (PCA) Pearson's Correlation, Cluster Analysis, and One-T-test were utilized. Statistical processing was conducted using SPSS software.
Results: According to the results of the single T-test, the average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni did not significantly differ from their background concentration in the soil (p≥0.05). A significant difference was pbserved only for Fe (p<0.05), indicating a geological origin for this element. The EPRI was within the low-risk range, with an average value of 46.95. PCA revealed that the first factor was positively associated with Cr, Pb and Fe; the second factor with Zn and Cu; and the third factor with Cd. Cluster analysis showed that Fe was predominantly influenced by natural resources. According to the land accumulation index, all metals, except Cu, were classified non-polluted or slightly polluted at stations 2 and 4.
Conclusion: The origin of elements is related to both natural and human factors. Specifically, Cr, Pb and Cd are more likely to originate from man-made sources, while Fe primarily comes from natural sources. The decrease in the concentration of metals can be attributed to continuous and annual ploughing, inactivity of the landfill, biological absorption by crops, soil leaching and transporting to lower depths.

Evaluation of the structure modification of mineral limestone sorbent on its performance in CO2 capture during the calcium looping process

Maryam Tahmasebpoor

Background and Objective: One of the major challenges in the calcium looping process is the loss of CO₂ capture capacity of calcium-based sorbents during consecutive cycles due to increased sintering mechanism. This article aims to improve the performance of carbonation conversion in different cycles by employing hydration and acidification methods.
Materials and Methods: Following the preparation of both CaO-based and modified sorbents, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses were employed to verify the proper preparation of the sorbents and examine their structures. Subsequently, the adsorption performance of different samples was assessed using a thermogravimetric analyzer device .
Results: The results of the carbonation reaction showed that the effective conversion rates for the raw and modified sorbents, employing acidification and hydration methods, at the end of the first cycle were 75%, 86%, and 73%, respectively. By the twentieth cycle, these rates decreased to 24%, 38%, and 26%, respectively. This decline indicates an improvement in the sorbent's capture capacity, attributed to the formation of calcium acetate, resulting in a more stable and porous structure. The findings from utilizing raw limestone sorbents and their modified versions through acidification and hydration techniques demonstrated a decrease in sorbent capture capacity by 69, 58, and 67% across twenty cycles. This highlights the enhanced sorbent stability achieved with the acidification method.
Conclusion: Based on obtained results, acidification method can be considered as one of the most efficient approaches for improving the performance of calcium oxide sorbents.

Environmental assessment of iron ore extraction stage of Sirjan Goharzamin using the life cycle approach

Sakine Shekoohiyan

Background and Objective: The Goharzamin iron mine in Sirjan has the largest iron ore reserves in the Gol Gohar area. This study aimed to assess the life cycle of iron ore extraction from this mine using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method due to the extensive activities in the area and the lack of comprehensive studies.
Materials and Methods: The LCA evaluated the impacts of iron ore extraction from the Goharzamin mine on human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion. The boundary system included the drilling and blasting processes. Following the cradle-to-gate model and an attributional approach, the production of 1 ton of iron ore was considered a functional unit. Impact and damage assessment were conducted using SimaPro software and the ReCiPE method at mid and end-point levels.
Results: The findings revealed that transportation by trucks with a capacity exceeding 20 tons accounted for the highest environmental burden in all categories (51.1%), particularly in overburden removal. The detrimental impacts of transportation on ionizing radiation (human health), land use, and freshwater eutrophication potentials (ecosystem quality) exceeded 95%. Carbon-14 emissions, agricultural land occupation, and BOD5 and COD releases resulting from iron ore extraction were identified as the key pollutants in these impact categories. The average damage to human health, ecosystem quality, and resource depletion was found to be 89.8%, 5.5%, and 4.6%, respectively.
Conclusion: To mitigate the negative impacts of transportation, it is advisable to enhance environmental sustainability by utilizing trucks that adhere to Euro 5 standards or higher, as well as exploring the use of renewable energies.

The effects of climate change on the health of the older adults: a systematic review

Parisa Mollaei

Background and Objective: Rapid aging and climate change are two major global challenges of the 21st century. This study was conducted to identify the effects of climate change on the health of older adults.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted by comprehensively searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science electronic databases using the keywords elderly, aging, older people, health, and climate change, in English. Articles from 2014 to February 2023 following the PRISMA checklist were examined. Studies were included if they were published in English, had full text available, and focused on a population of people over 60 years old. Simulated studies were excluded.
Results: The quality of these studies was reported to be moderate to good according to the STROBE checklist. The results showed that climate change negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health of the elderly. It causes an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular, kidney, and respiratory diseases, as well as depression. Additionally, it leads to a reduction in daily activities, an increase in hospitalization rates and higher mortality. Among various climate changes, the increase in temperature poses the greatest to the health of older adults.
Conclusion: Climate changes, particularly the rise in temperature, have the most significant negative impact on the physical health of older adults. Therefore, there is a pressing need for increased focus on environmental sustainability, the development of public health intervention policies, and the implementation of adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures for older adults.