Iranian Journal of Health and Environment

Study of mycotoxins in wheat flour manufactured in Ardabil factories

Mahdi Davari

Background and Objective: Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that contaminate food products such as wheat and pose significant health risks when consumed by humans.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to analyze eight mycotoxins—deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A (OTA), total aflatoxins, and the individual aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2—in flour samples collected from factories in Ardabil city. To this end, eight samples were analyzed, including six lavash bread flour samples and two barbari bread flour samples. Solid-phase extraction using immunoaffinity columns, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with spectrofluorimetric detection, was employed to measure the concentrations of the targeted mycotoxins.
Results: The results showed that deoxynivalenol was detected in three lavash flour samples at concentrations of 178.7, 136.4, and 188 ng/g. In contrast, the remaining lavash samples and all barbari flour samples had deoxynivalenol levels below the instrument’s detection limit of 100 ng/g. Additionally, all other analyzed mycotoxins were below the detection limits in all flour samples.
Conclusion: This study found that the levels of all eight fungal mycotoxins in wheat flour were below the permissible limits defined by Standard No. 5925 of the National Standards Organization of Iran, indicating no significant threat to human health. Despite these reassuring results, it is recommended to regularly monitor various types of flour and other wheat-based products across different seasons, due to potential variations in wheat supply from different regions of the country or from international sources.

Assesing the impact of environmental management and integrated methods on controlling Aedes aegypti mosquito abundance in Chabahar, Iran: a field study

Fatemeh Momeniha

Background and Objective: Aedes aegypti is a significant vector for the transmission of several dangerous arboviral diseases, including dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental management and integrated methods on the control and reduction of Aedes aegypti mosquito abundance in Chabahar City in 2024.
Materials and Methods: To conduct this field study, a comprehensive environmental improvement program—based on Ministry of Health guidelines—was developed for Chabahar City to enhance integrated management measures for combating Aedes aegypti. This was accomplished by having environmental health, community health, and entomology experts complete relevant checklists during urban block surveys.To conduct this field study, a comprehensive environmental improvement program-based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Health- was developed for Chabahar City to enhance integrated environmental management measures for combating Aedes aegypti. This was accomplished by having environmental health, community health, and entomology experts complete relevant checklists during urban block surveys.
Results: The results of this study demonstrated that, following environmental improvement operations and chemical control measures in Chabahar City—and coinciding with the beginning of the cold season at the end of 1403 (2024)—the number of probable dengue fever cases declined sharply. Cases fell from a peak of 389 in November 2024 to only 8 by March 2025. This decline indicates the effectiveness of the implemented Aedes aegypti control strategies, potentially in conjunction with seasonal temperature changes.
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of certain arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti in neighboring countries and the continuous movement of residents in these regions, it is critical to plan and implement an immediate vector surveillance and control program to prevent the permanent establishment of this invasive mosquito species.

Environmental and health risks assessment of potentially toxic elements in topsoils of city of Hamedan

Soheil Sobhanardakani

Background and Objective: Evaluating environmental and health risks from urban soils contaminated with toxic elements is crucial for maintaining urban ecosystem quality and public health. Therefore, this study assessed the environmental and health risks of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb in surface soils of city of Hamedan in 2022.
Materials and Methods: A total of 135 topsoil (0-20 cm) samples were collected from residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the study region, and their concentrations were determined using ICP-OES. The pollution index (PI) and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) were calculated to assess contamination levels. Additionally, a health risk assessment model was applied to evaluate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks.
Results: The highest mean concentrations of As (6.91 mg/kg), Cd (0.306 mg/kg), and Ni (23.9 mg/kg) were found in industrial areas, while Pb (31.2 mg/kg) was highest in commercial areas. According to the PI values, pollution levels of the analyzed elements ranged from "low" to "high." The mean NIPI value was 2.62, indicating "moderate" contamination in the study area. The average hazard index (HI) and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values for both children and adults suggested no significant health risks.
Conclusion: The results indicate that industrial activities and traffic play a significant role in soil pollution in Hamedan. Therefore, periodic soil monitoring, reducing pollutant emissions from industrial sources, and improving transportation management policies are recommended to safeguard human and environmental health.

Evaluation of hydrochar quality and high heating value derived from spent coffee grounds

Sakine Shekoohiyan

Background and Objective: The increasing accumulation of spent coffee grounds (SCG) has raised serious environmental concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the hydrothermal carbonization process in converting SCG into a valuable solid fuel..
Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted using the design of experiments (DOE) approach and response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of key independent variables—including temperature (180–290 °C), reaction time (30–90 min), and liquid-to-solid ratio (L:S, 1:1–15:1)—on the properties of the produced hydrochar were investigated. A total of 20 experiments were carried out, and physicochemical analyses were performed on both the hydrochar and the process water.
Results: The results indicated that the quadratic model demonstrated strong predictive capability for hydrochar yield (HY) and higher heating value (HHV) (R² > 0.98). Analysis of variance showed that all three independent variables had significant effects on HY and HHV. The produced hydrochar showed HHV of 17.9–28.5 MJ/kg and HY of 17.5–77.2%. Response surface methodology identified 235 °C, 180 min, and L:S 4:1 as optimal for desirable HY and HHV. Optimization indicated 229 °C, 160 min, and L:S 4:1 yielded hydrochar with 27.8 MJ/kg HHV, 67.9% HY, with 0.891 desirability. CHNSO analysis showed a decrease in H/C and O/C ratios and an increase in surface area from 2.4 to 12.6 m²/g.
Conclusion: Given the favorable HHV of the produced hydrochar, it can be concluded that the proposed process is an effective method for converting biomass into solid fuel.

Investigating the accumulation of heavy metals in the bartail flathead fish (Platycephalus indicus) of Makkoran coasts

Seraj Bita

Background and Objective: Heavy metals have become a major environmental and public health concern due to their entry into marine ecosystems and accumulation in aquatic organisms. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the accumulation of cadmium, lead, chromium, zinc, copper, and nickel in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues of Platycephalus indicus.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-six fish were collected from the fish landing site on the Makoran coast and transported to the laboratory in ice-filled containers. After drying and digesting the samples with nitric acid, the concentrations of heavy metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test in SPSS software were used to compare the concentrations of the analyzed heavy metals.
Results: The results showed that, except for lead, the highest concentrations of the studied metals were recorded in the liver tissue. A significant difference in zinc concentration was observed between the Chabahar, Gowatr, and Konarak regions and the other sampling sites (p < 0.05). Among the analyzed metals, zinc had the highest concentration, with an average of 27.66 mg/kg, while cadmium had the lowest, with an average of 0.029 mg/kg. Health risk analysis indicated that, except for lead and nickel in fish caught from Chabahar, the concentrations of the other metals in Platycephalus indicus were below the permissible limits recommended by international standards, including WHO, FDA, UKMAFF, NHMRC, and FAO.
Conclusion: According to the results, the liver serves as the primary site of heavy metal accumulation in Platycephalus indicus. The findings also indicate that lead and nickel concentrations in certain areas exceed permissible limits, potentially posing a risk to consumer health. These results underscore the need for enhanced monitoring of marine pollutants along the Makoran coastline.

Benzene removal from air using Bi2O3–TiO2 photocatalyst coated on glass foam under ultraviolet light irradiation

Ramazanali Dianati Tilaki

Background and Objective: Benzene is a carcinogenic volatile organic compound commonly found in polluted air. This study aimed to remove benzene from air using a TiO₂–Bi₂O₃ composite photocatalyst immobilized on glass foam under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation.
Materials and Methods: Glass foam coated with the TiO₂– Bi₂O₃composite was placed in a quartz reactor, which was connected to an air pump inside a sealed glass chamber. A UV lamp (254 nm) was installed next to the reactor. Known volumes (µL) of benzene were injected into the chamber through a septum. When the pump was activated, benzene-contaminated air passed through the photoreactor. Benzene concentration was measured by collecting air samples from the chamber and analyzing them using a GC-FID device.
Results: XRD spectra and SEM images confirmed the presence of TiO₂ and Bi₂O₃, while BET analysis verified the mesoporous structure of the composite photocatalyst. The surface adsorption of benzene by the composite was 15% and followed the Langmuir model. The process kinetics were first-order, and the removal efficiency decreased with increasing benzene concentration. At a benzene concentration of 39 ppm, the removal efficiency after 75 minutes of TiO₂ and UV irradiation was 75%, whereas for TiO₂– Bi₂O₃ under similar conditions, the efficiency increased to approximately 90%.
Conclusion: Using a TiO₂– Bi₂O₃ composite photocatalyst under UV-A irradiation improved benzene removal efficiency by about 15% compared with TiO₂alone.

Technical, environmental and economic assessment of composting technology in municipal solid waste management: a case study of Tehran, 2023

Sara Ghobadi

Background and Objective: Managing municipal solid waste in megacities like Tehran, which generates approximately 8,500 tons of waste daily, presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Notably, biodegradable organic materials constitute an estimated 60–70% of this waste, necessitating effective management strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic viability of implementing rapid composting technology as an innovative approach to managing Tehran's organic waste.
Materials and Methods: A composting system with a daily processing capacity of 1,000 kilograms of organic waste was analyzed. Economic evaluation employed cost-benefit analysis, calculating financial indicators such as Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Payback Period, and Profitability Index.
Results: The rapid composting technology demonstrated an NPV of 56.6 billion Iranian Rials, an IRR of 20.48%, and a PBP of 3 years and 5 months. The PI was calculated at 3.52, indicating strong economic attractiveness. Environmentally, this technology contributes to reducing landfill volume, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, producing high-quality compost, and decreasing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Conclusion: Implementing rapid composting technology for processing 1,000 kilograms of organic waste daily in a residential complex of 2,000 inhabitants in Tehran is both economically and environmentally justifiable. This approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for urban organic waste management.

Investigation of the chemical and microbial parameters of sludge produced at the Khoy city municipal wastewater treatment plant and assessment of its agricultural application

Esrafil Asgari

Background and Objective: This study aimed to assess the chemical and microbial quality of sludge generated at the Khoy wastewater treatment plant using an SBR process, and to compare the results with established agricultural standards.
Materials and Methods: In this study, monthly sludge samples were collected and analyzed using standard EPA methods, including the 15-tube technique for coliforms, flotation for Ascaris eggs, and acid digestion for heavy metals. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.25 and statistical analyses included Pearson correlation tests.
Results: The analyzed sludge exhibited an acceptable pH (7.14) and a high organic carbon content (27.32%). However, its elevated salinity (9891 µS/m) and low C/N ratio (6.38) indicated biological instability and limitations for direct agricultural application. The concentrations of heavy metals—including arsenic (10.27 mg/kg), copper (134.86 mg/kg), and zinc (530.93 mg/kg)— exceeded Iran’s national standards. Heat-map analysis confirmed a significant correlation between salinity, and the levels of chloride (Cl^-), and sulfate (SO₄^2-). Despite its nutritional value, the sludge is not recommended for direct agricultural use without prior treatments such as stabilization, salinity reduction, and pathogen removal.
Conclusion: Despite the substantial nutrient content of the sludge, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic carbon, its direct application in agriculture faces serious limitations due to high salinity, an imbalanced C/N ratio, severe microbial contamination (e.g., nematode eggs), and the exceedance of permissible levels for several heavy metals. Safe utilization of this sludge requires corrective treatments such as stabilization, disinfection, desalination, and regular monitoring of heavy metal concentrations.

Number deposition rate of dust particles in residential buildings in Tehran

Mohsen Heidari

Background and Objective: To date, the number of dust particles that may be deposited daily in residential buildings has not yet been considered, while this type of pollution may have adverse effects on human health and can also be used to describe indoor air quality. The aims of this study were to evaluate the number deposition rate of dust particles in residential buildings in Tehran and to analyze its variability under various conditions.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 42 fallout samples were collected from residential buildings in Tehran during two periods in the spring (warm) and autumn (cold) seasons. For sampling, Petri dishes were placed inside residential buildings (living room, bedroom, or kitchen) for 45 days. The particles deposited on the surfaces of Petri dishes were counted directly and without any interference using a stereomicroscope. The obtained data were analyzed using Excel, Origin, and SPSS software.
Results: Average deposition rate over total sampling period was 9.23×10⁶ PN/m²/day. The average deposition rate in the warm season (1.10×10⁷ PN/m²/day) was significantly higher than the cold season (7.46×10⁶ PN/m²/day) (p <0.001).
Conclusion: This study showed that a substantial number of dust particles are deposited daily in residential buildings. The high number deposition rate, along with its variability under various conditions, indicates the necessity for increased attention to this metric of dust pollution in indoor environments.

A scientometric analysis of publications on air pollution and respiratory diseases in Middle Eastern countries from 2003 to 2024

Afshin Hamdipour

Background and Objective: Air pollution significantly exacerbates the burden of respiratory disease, particularly in the Middle East. This study aimed to conduct a scientometric analysis of publications on air pollution and respiratory diseases in Middle Eastern countries.
Materials and Methods: In this scientometric study, we analyzed 19811 documents on air pollution and respiratory diseases in Middle Eastern countries, published between (2003-2024) and retrieved from the WoS. Data visualization and analyses were conducted using VOSviewer and HistCite.
Results: The publication output showed a consistent upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 11%. Environmental Science and Pollution Research was the leading journal (467 documents; 2.3%). Iran (28.3%), Turkey (27.1%), and Saudi Arabia (14.2%) collectively contributed more than 69% of the region’s scholarly output. Iran was identified as the most influential country in this field, with 111,930 global citations. Researchers from the Middle East collaborated with scholars from 166 countries, with the United States being the most frequent partner, accounting for 2,948 joint publications (14.9%). The study identified 60,814 contributing authors, forming twelve major collaboration networks, which facilitated the recognition of key research clusters and influential contributors. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified seven dominant thematic clusters.
Conclusion: This study clarifies both qualitative and quantitative trends in Middle Eastern research on air pollution and respiratory diseases. To translate the region’s growing research capacity into lasting public health and policy impact, stakeholders should prioritize improving study quality, strengthening regional scientific collaboration, and establishing practical mechanisms to ensure that research findings are effectively incorporated into policy and practice.

Assessment of exposure of pregnant mothers in Arak city to heavy metals lead, cadmium, and mercury and its effect on birth weight and infant growth relative to gestational age

Behrooz Karimi

Background and Objective: Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, due to their bio-accumulative properties, pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health. This study investigated the association between exposure to these metals among pregnant women in Arak and adverse birth outcomes, including infant birth weight and growth status.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 pregnant women residing in Arak in 2024. Inclusion criteria were residence in Arak, age under 18 years, and absence of psychological or cognitive disorders; exclusion criteria included migration or leaving the city during the study period. Participants were evaluated at two intervals: the first and second halves of pregnancy. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and urinary concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured. The effects of metal exposure on birth weight and growth status, including small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA), were assessed using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, education, and body mass index.
Results: The mean birth weight was 3,232.5 g; 10.64%of infants were classified as SGA, and 3.40%as LGA. The mean urinary concentrations of lead, mercury, and cadmium were 0.48±0.84 μg/L, 2.64 ±1.40 μg/L, and 0.36±0.80 μg/L, respectively. Cadmium exposure during both phases of pregnancy was associated with reduced birth weight, while lead showed negative effects during late pregnancy. In early pregnancy, lead (OR =1.026) and cadmium (OR = 1.044) were associated with an increased risk of SGA, whereas mercury (OR = 1.042) was associated with LGA.
Conclusion: Cadmium and lead exposure reduce birth weight and increase risks of SGA and LGA, highlighting the need to minimize maternal exposure to heavy metals.

Design and application of structured fluorometric sensor for melamine detection in milk powder

Gholamreza Jahed-Khaniki

Background and Objective: Melamine is a chemical compound commonly used as an adulterant in food products. In this study, a fluorescence-based sensor utilizing an aluminum metal-organic framework (Al−MOF) was developed for the detection of melamine in milk powder.
Materials and Methods: In this study, Al-MOF was employed as a sensing material due to its high fluorescence properties and strong ability to adsorb melamine. Using fluorescence techniques, the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor towards melamine were evaluated over a concentration range of 0 to 400 nanomolar (nM).
Results: The melamine concentration was determined based on the reduction in the fluorescence intensity of the Al-MOF. The effects of different parameters such as pH, reaction time, and concentration, on the performance of the designed sensor were evaluated. Under optimized conditions (pH = 9, reaction time < 1 min, and Al–MOF concentration of 30 mg/L), a good linear relationship (R² = 0.99) was observed between fluorescence intensity and melamine concentration in the range of 0–400 nM, with a detection limit of 38.5 ppb. However, the limit of detection (LOD) for HPLC method was approximately 90 ppb, indicating that the designed sensor has higher sensitivity (about 2.3 times). The sensor also exhibited good selectivity for melamine. The recovery percentage and relative standard deviation (RSD) were found to be 97-103% and 1.2-2.8%, respectively.
Conclusion: This sensor can serve as an effective tool for quality control in dairy products due to its simplicity and rapid detection capabilities.