Showing 165 results for Waste
Samaneh Dehghan, Mohammad Ali Zazouli, Abolfazl Hosseinnataj, Masoome Sheikhi, Ali Koohi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, recycling is one of the ways to save mankind from the mass of waste it produces, and waste separation from the source is the first and most important link in the field of urban waste recycling. Since the necessity and basis of recycling is people's participation in separation plans from the source, the present study was conducted to investigate the awareness, attitude, and performance of the people of Mazandaran province regarding the source separation of household waste in 2021.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study, and the tool used in it was a researcher-made questionnaire including three dimensions of knowledge, attitude, and performance, the link of which was provided online to qualified people. The qualitative content validity of this questionnaire was confirmed by 8 environmental health experts in the field of the research subject. The reliability of the tool was also estimated through the Retest Method. Furthermore, the values of Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the three dimensions of awareness, attitude, and performance were calculated. In the following, the samples were selected in virtual groups based on the available sampling method and through the distribution of the questionnaire link online. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean scores in the levels of variables, Pearson's correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the scores of awareness, attitude, and performance dimensions, and linear regression was used to examine the effect of independent variables. Finally, the data was analyzed in SPSS software (version 22).
Results: For the entire study population (305 people), the range and mean score of awareness were 0-6, and 5.03±1.18 respectively, the range and mean score of attitude were 17-85 and 61.01± 9.45, and the range and mean score of performance were 6-30 and 11.43±5.19, respectively. Also, there was a significant correlation between the mean scores of the dimensions of awareness and attitude (correlation coefficient=0.70), awareness and performance (correlation coefficient=0.68), and attitude and performance (correlation coefficient=0.63).
Conclusion: The results of this study, which was conducted to measure the knowledge, attitude, and performance of the people of Mazandaran province regarding the separation of household waste from the source and waste recycling, and with a survey of 305 households in this province, showed that although the most of people have a piece of proper knowledge and attitude related to the importance of separation and recycling of solid waste, they have not participated much in the plans of waste separation from the source. Therefore, in order to increase the level of people's performance, it is recommended to develop incentive programs in the field of source separation, including awarding prizes or applying discounts on waste charges, as well as providing suitable containers for waste separation to households for free by the municipality to encourage waste separation.
Fatemeh Momeniha, Mohammad Kouhkan, Hoda Safamanesh, Parviz Yarahmadzahi, Mohammad Osman Khodayari, Ali Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Mahvi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to the importance of managing medical sharps waste and the potential harm caused by these types of waste, the use of safe technologies that simultaneously encapsulate and reduce their volume is considered one of the essential needs for managing medical waste in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of disinfecting and encapsulating device for medical sharps waste.
Materials and Methods: This device provides the process of containment and encapsulation of medical sharps waste by creating a stable protective foam without oxidation through inductive heat in a closed environment, preventing the dispersion and release of these wastes. Gas samples from the device's output were collected using the NIOSH 1501 method and analyzed using GC-MS. The performance efficiency of the device was evaluated based on the biological monitoring of the indicator bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus.
Results: The results showed that the average concentration of BTEX gases (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and other volatile organic compounds in the device's output was within the permissible limit. The concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene gases were 0.04, 0.033, 0.029, and 0.029 ppm, respectively. The results of biological monitoring showed that the reduction of the microbial load was 9999.99 (Log 6) and the decontamination process was acceptable.
Additionally, this device has the advantage of reducing the volume of sharp and plastic objects during the encapsulation process, which can be further used in plastic pyrolysis/recycling industries.
Conclusion: It is hoped that by using this innovative and domestic device in the decontamination units of hospitals across the country, we can take an effective step towards improving medical waste management, reducing waste production, reducing hospital costs, and preserving and enhancing the country's health.
Sepideh Sadeghi, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in compost of solid waste can threat public health. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the safety of produced composts before its land application as a soil conditioner. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and health risks associated with accidental ingestion of compost by children.
Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was done from compost piles at different public parks of Isfahan city during the period of compost spreading. Presence and concentration of pathogenic microorganisms including salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium and adenovirus were investigated by culture or real-time PCR methods.
Results: All pathogenic microorganisms were detected in MSW compost in a frequency from 11%-62% with the highest frequency for detection of adenovirus. The health risk assessment showed that the highest risk of daily infection was for Cryptosporidium (7.67 × 10-4 pppy) and the lowest risk was related to adenovirus (8.27 × 10-10 pppy). The annual infection risk from gastrointestinal disease was calculated above guideline infection risk (10-3 pppy).
Conclusion: The results showed contamination of produced compost to pathogenic microorganisms and potential health risks from applying MSW compost in urban green spaces. Therefore, the relevant organizations should pay more attention to the composting process and its microbial quality and application in public access areas.
Sanaz Ghaffari, Alireza Riyahi Bakhtiari, Seyed Mahmoud Ghasempouri, Ali Nasrolahi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Today, cigarette butts have become one of the most significant forms of waste. This study aims to assess the level of cigarette butts pollution along the Guilan coasts and explore the factors influencing their distribution. Additionally, this study discusses experiences and management options related to this issue.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we implemented a standard sampling method adapted from the "NOAA Marine Debris Program" to collect samples from eight beaches. Each station yielded 18 square quadrant measuring 1 × 1 m2. We estimated the severity of cigarette butt pollution along the Iranian coastline and conducted a review of published articles on the harmful effects of cigarette butts.
Results: The density of cigarette butts ranged from 0.22 to 2.11 items/m2. Bojagh National Park showed the lowest contamination of cigarette butts, while Bandar Anzali exhibited the highest. The results indicate an increase in cigarette butt pollution on beaches in densely populated cities compared to less developed coastal areas. Moreover, stations corresponding to tourist beaches and coasts with gentle slopes have a higher potential for cigarette butt accumulation. The level of cigarette butts pollution along the coasts of Bandar Anzali may be attributed to the extensive tourism activities on these beaches.
Conclusion: Given the high level of cigarette butt pollution on crowded coasts, it is imperative to identify beaches with a higher potential for waste accumulation and implement plans for coastal waste cleanup. Furthermore, effective management programs should be developed to promote cultural awareness and reduce cigarette butt contamination.
Razieh Rahimi, Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh, Mohammad Sharif Sharifzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: many countries have currently put waste management as a priority on the agenda and are seeking to enhance its effectiveness by encouraging public participation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the willingness of rural residents to participate in waste management processes in Jajarm County, North Khorasan Province.
Materials and Methods: The survey research method was used. The target population consisted of 4031 households from 37 villages in Jajarm County. The dependent variable of willingness to participate in waste management was measured with 5 variables, including willingness to pay for waste disposal, willingness to use special containers, eagerness to separate waste at source, eagerness to deliver separated waste, and tendency to cooperate with rural development. The impact of independent variables on the five dependent variables was evaluated by running five logit functions.
Results: The results of the models showed that age, education, regular waste collection by village councils, cooperation with rural cooperatives and organizations, payment for waste collection, familiarity with waste management methods, health effects of waste, familiarity with the harmful effects of waste, communication with extension agents and rural health liaisons, participation in waste management training classes, and satisfaction with the village council have a positive and significant (p≤0.05) impact on the willingness to participate in waste management.
Conclusion: Providing educational programs and introducing the consequences of non-separation of waste on human health and the environment is effective in attracting the participation of people in waste management plans and should be prioritized in waste management programs.
Seyyed Shahram Naghibzadeh, Mazaher Moeinaddini, Mehdi Zafaranieh,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The economic evaluation is a tool for decision-making based on data that helps to select and prioritize waste management components and their implementation based on economic criteria. The purpose of this study was a comprehensive economic evaluation of the waste management components by life cycle costing assessment (LCC) , Net Present Value index (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
Materials and Methods: The cost of each waste management component, was calculated by LCC for one tonne of waste in. The efficiency of each waste management component was obtained using the NPV and IRR indicators.
Results: The results showed that recycling with 260%, and then composting with 40%, have the highest economic returns and the ability to return capital. The sensitivity analysis showed the profitability of these two processes despite the changes of ±30% in the influential calculation parameters.
Conclusion: In this study, comprehensive economic evaluation showed that using LCC, NPV, and IRR with their sensitivity analysis, simultaneity can have an important role in waste management decision-making.
Sakine Shekoohiyan, Mojtaba Pourakbar, Asghar Zohdi Shiran, Farshid Ghanbari, Mostafa Mahdavianpour, Ehsan Aghayani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
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.
Sadegh Hosseinniaee, Mohammad Jafary, Ali Tavili, Salman Zare,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
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.
Safieh Hassanzad, Hossein Pirkharrati, Masoumeh Ahangari, Farrokh Asadzadeh,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the significant challenges in mining areas is the pollution of the environment by heavy metals. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the pollution risk associated with mining wastes and take action to mitigate their environmental impact. The current study assessed the risk potential of recently deposited tailings in the Songun copper mining area.
Materials and Methods: Based on the conditions of tailings, 26 samples were randomly selected from the recently deposited mine wastes. Twenty-two thin and thin polished sections were prepared for lithology and mineralogy studies. Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to analyze all 26 samples, while X-ray diffraction method (XRD) was used to analyze a subset of 10 samples.
Results: Sulfide minerals, as the main source of environmental pollution, remain intact and unaffected in the tailings. However, the majority of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exhibit higher concentrations in the waste composition than the standard levels, resulting in a total ecological risk index of 49.93. Geochemical indicators highlight significant pollution levels for elements such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu). The values of the non-carcinogenic risk index for children (except As and Fe) and adults are lower than 1, indicating a non-significant non-carcinogenic health risk. However, the carcinogenicity index also indicates a significant carcinogenic risk in the case of long exposure to wastes, particularly for children.
Conclusion: Therefore, wastes pose a significant environmental risk potential, and due to this risk, proper management of their storage is necessary to prevent the release of PTEs into the environment.
Abbas Khazaee, Mehrnoosh Abtahi, Mahsa Jahangiri-Rad, Fatemeh Shokri-Daryan, Mohammad Rafiee,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Identifying the quality of non-conventional waters and exploring their optimal utilization are fundamental measures for maintaining public health. This study aims to investigate the effluent quality of the irrigation canals in Pakdasht farms.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 120 samples were collected from 6 irrigation canals in Pakdasht fields over a period of 5 months. The physicochemical and microbial characteristics of the canal effluents were determined based on the standard methods of water and wastewater tests. The concentration of heavy metals was measured using an ICP device. To determine the possibility of using the effluent of Pakdasht canals for agricultural purposes, the Environmental Protection Organization of Iran and FAO standards were used.
Results: The average concentrations of COD, BOD5, TSS, TDS, NO3-, SO4-2, PO4-3 parameters were 259, 125, 105, 697, 4.5, 94.4, 13.5 mg/L. Additionally, the average number of total and fecal coliforms in the effluent of the canals exceeded the standard values set by IRNDOE and FAO. The mean pH was 6.97, the electrical conductivity (EC) was 1014 μm/cm, and the turbidity was 76.2 NTU. The detected concentrations of heavy metals were awithin the following ranges: Cr (0.025-0.045 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.001 mg/L), Pb (0.0006-0.001 mg/L), Co (0.038-0.059 mg/L), and Ni (0.05-0.06 mg/L), which were roughly lower than the suggested standards. However, both HEI and WWQI indices confirmed that the water was unsuitable for agricultural irrigation.
Conclusion: Based on the comparison of the results of the parameters measured in this study with the environmental and FAO standards, the effluent from the irrigation canals of Pakdasht city is deemed unsuitable for the irrigation of warm-season crops but suitable for fodder and industrial crops.
Mohammad Fahiminia, Hossein Jafari Mansoorian, Akbar Eskandari, Amirhossein Karimpour Ardestani, Gharib Majidi, Samira Bahrami Valeh,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Waste management as an inevitable byproduct is one of the most critical environmental issues in any society. Its management is essential for preventing environmental pollution. The aim of this research is to examine the management of production waste in the Azadi Sports Complex.
Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and empirical study that utilizies questionnaires, field visits, weight analysis, sampling, and determination of the physicochemical characteristics of waste. The questionnaire includes questions about the production rate, source reduction, separation, recycling, collection, storage location, transportation outside the complex, and final disposal of waste.
Results: The amount of waste generated from the Azadi Sports Complex was 449.87±4.83kg/day, with the highest waste production observed from the Wrestling Federation (95.37 kg/day) and the lowest from the Kung Fu Federation (12.75 kg/day) and the clinic (12 kg/day). The results of the physicochemical characteristics indicated that the average moisture content was 47%. Combustible materials accounted for 67% with a high calorific value of 12807 kcal/kg, and the ash content was 42%. The dry and wet wastes were collected daily, mixed together, and stored together in an enclosed area.
Conclusion: The results showed that the waste separation, recycling, and storage practices in the Azadi Sports Complex are unsatisfactory. Additionally, there is no existing program for waste reduction at the source or recycling. Therefore, the establishment of a proper waste management system to mitigate the waste volumes in this complex is necessary.
Mohammad Haji Ketabi, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Neda Asari,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
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.
Sadaf Moeini, Seyed Masoud Monavari, Fariba Zamani Hargolani,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
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.
Seyyed Shahram Naghibzadeh, Mazaher Moeinaddini, Mehdi Zafaranieh,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Identiying the most optimal solution has long been an significant challenge for waste management decision-makers. This study aims to develop a decision support system to identify optimal environmental and economic scenarios for waste management.
Materials and Methods: This study presents the development and application of a decision support system that estimates the environmental burden and cost of waste using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) tools. The system then identifies optimal environmental and economic scenarios for waste management through a linear programming model. Data from the Karaj waste management system were utilized to apply and validate the decision support system.
Results: The outputs of the linear programming model in this system included one scenario based on minimizing environmental impacts and two scenarios based on minimizing costs imposed on the Karaj waste management system (MSWS). In both the environmental and second economic scenarios, incineration contributed the most to waste management, whereas composting was the dominant method in the first economic scenario. Additionally, recycling the maximum possible amount of recyclable materials was a common feature in all three scenarios, due to its environmental and economic benefits.
Conclusion: The result of this study demonstrate that the current Decision Support System can provide optimal environmental and economic scenarios for waste management to the decision-makers in the field. This is achieved by considering the inherent differences in the types of waste produced, the technologies employed, and the processing costs associated with each waste management system.
Seyed Khabat Naynava, Bahareh Lorestani, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Behzad Shahmoradi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Fenitrothion is a phosphorus-based pesticide that enters water resources through various sources,including industrial wastewater and agricultural effluent. its non-biodegradability, which results from the formation of strong chemical complexes, advanced oxidation methods are required to remove it from environmental matrices. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite functionalized with cerium dioxide in the removal fenitrothion from aqueous solution.
Materials and Methods: In this applied research, GO@Fe3O4@CeO2 was synthesized and subsequently used as a photocatalyst for the removal of Fenitrothion from aqueous solutions. Characterization of GO@Fe3O4@CeO2 was conducted using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), SEM-EDX elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) methods. The effects of various parameters, including pH (2-9), photocatalyst dosage (10-40 mg), and contact time (0-90 min), were assessed to determine their influence on fenitrothion removal efficiency.
Results: The results demonstrated that the removal efficiency increased up to 60 min contact time, 20 mg of photocatalyst. The optimal pH for fenitrothion removal was found to be 4. Additionally, kinetic analysis of the photocatalytic removal process indicated that it followed a pseudo first-order (PFO) model.
Conclusion: The GO@Fe3O4@CeO2 nanocomposite proved to be an effective and accessible photocatalyst for the removal of fenitrothion from industrial wastewater under UV light.
Mohammad Hssanabadi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Mohammad Khanizadeh, Sasan Faridi, Adel Mokammel, Bita Malekian Esfahani, Ali Ahmadi Orkomi, Fatemeh Momeniha,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The initial step in managing methane emissions is quantification. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the methods for estimating and measuring methane gas emissions in municipal solid waste landfills.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review includes studies published in English and Farsi between January 2005 and May 2023. English-language articles were included from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, while Persian-language articles were included from SID, Majiran and Google Scholar.
Results: After evaluating the studies, 90 studies providing information on methods for measuring and estimating methane gas emissions in urban landfills were selected. The results showed that emission estimates based on widely used models like LandGEM and IPCC, despite being lower in cost and providing faster results, are often associated with relatively high uncertainty. Therefore, quantitative and qualitative methods of direct measurement are preferred for accurately determining methane emissions from landfills. The most commonly used methods for measuring greenhouse gases, especially methane from landfills, include direct reading equipment and closed flux determination chambers.
Conclusion: Estimating greenhouse gas emissions from primary sources allows responsible authorities to understand the current status of methane emissions and to formulate reduction strategies. The findings of estimated methane emissions from landfills can differ significantly from the actual measurements in some situations. Therefore, while these estimation methods are useful, fast and cost-effective tools, their inherent uncertainties should be considered when using them.
Narges Arab Ameri, Hatam Godini, Mansur Zarrabi, Mohammad Darvishmotevalli,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Wastewater produced in industrial estates is crucial to address due to the wide range of pollutants it contains. The objective of the present study was to investigate the performance of the Chamshahr Industrial Estate Wastewater Treatment Plant for effluent and sludge reuse.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and comparative study, the quality of raw industrial wastewater, effluent, and sludge from the wastewater treatment plant of the Chamshahr Industrial Estate was investigated over three periods at monthly intervals. Additionally, archival quality data for wastewater, effluent, and sludge from 1402 to 1403 were analyzed. The results were compared with the standards and guidelines of Iran, WHO, FAO, USEPA, and others. The wastewater treatment method employed a combination of chemical sedimentation and aerated lagoons with return sludge.
Results: The volume of wastewater produced in this industrial estate was 15,000 m³/day, primarily originating from leather and tanning industries (6,100 m³/day), which exhibit high pollution intensity. The treatment plant's efficiency in removing BOD, COD, and TSS was 62±24%, 72±19%, and 84±13%, respectively. However, due to the concentration of heavy metals, such as chromium in the wastewater (0.28 mg/L) and sludge (353.5 mg/L), the treatment method was unable to meet existing standards and guidelines. Furthermore, the salt content in the effluent (43,300 mg/L) and sludge (202,000 mg/L) was excessively high, rendering it unsuitable for disposal or reuse without further treatment.
Conclusion: The performance of the wastewater treatment plant fails to meet the standards and guidelines for environmental discharge and the reuse of effluent and sludge. Therefore, the final effluent and sludge require additional treatment to enable reuse and prevent environmental pollution.
Fatemeh Zoormand, Ghasem Hassani, Narges Roustaei, Soheila Rezaei,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The rapid development of technology in recent decades has led to a significant increase in the consumption of electronic products, with global e-waste generation reaching approximately 2.5 million tons per year. However, there is limited local data on the amount of e-waste produced. This study aims to estimate the quantity and composition of valuable and hazardous components in e-waste generated by households and government offices in Abadeh Tashk.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to determine the number of 27 types of electrical and electronic equipment present in 200 households and 40 government offices in Abadeh Tashk city in 2022. The production of e-waste was then estimated using the consumption-and-use method, based on the average weight and lifespan of the equipment. Valuable components such as iron, copper, aluminum, plastic, silver, gold, tin, and zinc, along with hazardous components including cobalt, barium, arsenic, antimony, chromium, nickel, lead, and mercury, were identified and quantified.
Results: It was estimated that households generated 25 kg/year of e-waste per household, equivalent to 7.9 kg/year per capita. Government offices produced a total of 3.53 tons/year of e-waste. The total weight of valuable components was 574.85 kg for households and 24.41 kg for government offices, while the total weight of hazardous components was estimated at 25.99 kg and 1.07 kg, respectively. Iron and plastic accounted for more than 70% of the valuable components, while arsenic and lead constituted over 60% of the hazardous components in these wastes.
Conclusion: Considering the significant presence of valuable components in the e-waste of Abadeh Tashk city and the potential for their recycling, as well as the environmental and health risks posed by hazardous components, effective planning for e-waste management is essential. Such efforts could mitigate adverse effects on human health and the environment while promoting resource recovery.
Khadijeh Darabi, Navid Alinejad, Ghasem Hassani, Ahmad Badeenezhad,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Littered waste is one of the most common forms of pollution in urban environments, primarily caused by citizens’ behavior in waste disposal. This study aimed to investigate the density and composition of littered waste in Behbahan, Iran, in 2023 and assess the pollution status using a specific environmental index.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the density and composition of littered waste in Behbahan's urban environment using visual surveys. The findings on the density and composition of abandoned waste were interpreted using the Clean Environment Index, an environmental ranking method that assesses the severity of litter pollution.
Results: The study revealed that the density of littered waste in the surveyed areas ranged from 0.011/m² to 0.954/m². The average density of littered waste in commercial, residential, and recreational land uses was 0.809/m², 0.196/m², and 0.011/m², respectively. Cigarette butts were the most common type of litter, constituting 61% of the total waste on average. The Clean Environment Index values for the surveyed locations ranged from 0.39 to 32.56, indicating that 63.6% of the sites were categorized as clean or moderately polluted, while 36.3% were classified as extremely polluted.
Conclusion: Given the significant proportion of cigarette butts in the composition of littered waste in Behbahan and their impact on the pollution index, efficient management strategies for this type of waste are crucial. The finding that over one-third of the surveyed locations fell into the "extremely dirty" category highlights the need to enhance the efficiency of the urban cleaning system.
Garshasb Biranvand, Marzie Razavi, Manizheh Goudarzi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The significant growth in global vehicle usage has introduced various environmental challenges, particularly the management of waste tires. Due to their long decomposition time and the environmental hazards associated with their accumulation, waste tires pose a severe threat to ecosystems. A sustainable approach to mitigating these adverse effects involves the partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregates in concrete with waste tires. However, existing research on the impact of waste tire utilization on the mechanical properties of concrete remains limited, and global trends in this field have not been sufficiently analyzed. This study aims to evaluate the potential of waste tires for improving the mechanical properties of concrete and to analyze global trends in this innovative approach.
Materials and Methods: To assess the effects of crumb and powdered tires on the compressive strength and workability of concrete, the Taguchi experimental design method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed. Additionally, data from the Scopus database were analyzed using VOSviewer software to evaluate research trends and scientific collaborations related to waste tire utilization in concrete.
Results: Using optimal ratios of crumb and powdered tires enables the production of concrete with suitable compressive strength. The coefficients of determination (R²) for the 7-day compressive strength, 28-day compressive strength, and workability were 92.41%, 97.82%, and 80.07%, respectively. Bibliometric analysis revealed that China and India are leading countries in publishing scientific articles in this field, reflecting a strong research focus on the use of waste tires in concrete.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that incorporating waste tires into concrete can be an effective approach to enhancing its mechanical properties. However, developing innovative technologies to optimize mixtures and improve the long-term durability of concrete remains crucial. Moreover, the bibliometric results highlight the importance of fostering greater international and multidisciplinary research in this area. Such efforts can contribute to advancing sustainable technologies in the construction industry.
