Iranian Journal of

---

Background and Objectives: Microbial quality, particularly parasitic characteristics in terms of effluent reuse in agriculture is one of the most important indices. The aim of this study is determination of removal efficiency of Kermanshah wastewater treatment(conventional activated sludge) and Gilangharb wastewater treatment plants (stabilization ponds) for cyst and parasitic eggs.
Material and Methods: In this study research samples were taken once in five days from both inlet and outlet of wastewater Plants within a period of five months. The identification and counting of cyst and parasitic eggs were carried out by Mac master slide according to Bailenger method.
Results: The findings shows that mean of parasitic eggs and protozoan cysts in effluent of Kermanshah wastewater treatment plant were 0.99±0.42 and 0.90±0.25 per liter respectively, indeed removal efficiency for parasitic eggs and cysts are %98.42±3 and %97.5±4.5 respectively, but, any parasitic eggs and protozoan cysts in Gilangharb wastewater treatment plant was not observed and removal efficiency of these tow parameters was %100. Ascaris lumbricoides eggs had most number in influent and effluent of both plants.
Conclusion: As results show, removal efficiency for cysts and parasitic eggs in both above mentioned are desirable, and the quality of effluent treatment plant of both the rate of nematode eggs Anglbrg index (number of nematode eggs: 1 " number per liter) is consistent.

---

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background and Objectives: 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid is a well-known herbicide which can be dangerous for  both human and animal health in different ways such as its presence in drinking water. This study aimed at Performance of granular activated carbon to 2-4-D removal from aqueous solution and assessing the relationship between COD and 2-4-D concentration
Materials and Methods: This study is a lab-scale study. Firstly, different 2-4-D concentrations were prepared from Stock solution (1000 mg/L), and then their CODs were measured. Optimum pH for 2-4-D removal was determined and its absorption rate at different concentrations was measured.
Results: Results showed a clear relationship between COD and 2-4-D concentration. On the other hand, COD removal increased as time elapsed, so that maximum removal 90% and 84% at initial 2-4-D concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L were observed at contact time of 50 min respectively. Optimum pH for all concentrations was determined as 6.
Conclusion: According to present study it can be concluded that activated carbon have be up to 90% of 2-4-D removal from water environment. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between COD and 2-4-D concentration, so that direct measurement of COD can be used instead of 2-4-D measurement.

---

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. .

---