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Showing 165 results for Waste
Investigating the operation and maintenance status of medical waste decontamination devices in Golestan province
Abdolrahman Gharanjic, Ramazan Ali Dianati Tilaki, Samaneh Dehghan, Abutaleb Bay, Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Proper operation and maintenance of hospital waste sterilization devices are crucial for preventing the spread of infections and hazardous diseases, as well as for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aims to assess the operational and maintenance status of medical waste sterilization devices in public and private hospitals in Golestan Province.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 17 public and 6 private hospitals in Golestan Province, all of which were equipped with vacuum steam autoclaves (without shredders) for medical waste sterilization. Monthly microbiological sampling was performed by an accredited environmental laboratory. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and personal interviews, with results analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and central tendency measures.
Results: The overall microbial sterilization performance of the devices was 97.07%, indicating high efficacy in waste treatment. When comparing hospital types, public hospitals demonstrated a 96.93% satisfactory sterilization rate, while private hospitals performed slightly better at 97.22%. Regarding preventive maintenance, compliance was suboptimal, with public hospitals adhering to maintenance protocols 68.62% of the time, compared to 77.77% in private hospitals. Additionally, the sanitary conditions of sterilization device locations met required standards in 94.11% of public hospitals but only 69.05% of private hospitals, suggesting variability in facility upkeep.
Conclusion: To ensure device effectiveness and minimize risks in hospital waste management, implementing preventive maintenance programs and providing continuous staff training on proper device use are essential.
 

The evaluation of the ability of carotenoids extracted from shrimp waste to prevent lipid oxidation in crude oils
Kiandokht Ghanati, Amirali Aghamohammadi, Nader Akbari, Gazal Mirzaei, Mahsa Karimi-Sarzameleh, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Parisa Sadighara,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: A large amount of waste is generated from shrimp farming, primarily consisting of shrimp heads and shells. These wastes are often discharged into aquatic environments, where they act as pollutants and threaten the survival of other aquatic organisms. Therefore, reusing shrimp waste can help reduce water pollution and mitigate its environmental impact.
Material and Methods: In this study, carotenoids from shrimp waste were extracted using three methods: acidic, enzymatic, and alkaline. The amount of carotenoids was quantified for each extraction method. Their antioxidant effects on crude sunflower oil, in the presence of copper sulfate, were then evaluated using the TBARS assay. In this method, malondialdehyde levels are measured as an indicator of lipid oxidation. For this purpose, equal amounts of the extracted carotenoids were added to crude sunflower oil along with copper sulfate and placed on a shaker for 24 hours. Subsequently, the malondialdehyde content was measured.
Results: The highest carotenoid yield was obtained using the alkaline extraction method. In the TBARS assay, the alkaline method also demonstrated the greatest inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the presence of copper sulfate.
Conclusion:  It can be concluded that the alkaline method is a simple and cost-effective approach for extracting carotenoids from shrimp waste. These carotenoids are bioactive and valuable compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
 

A Study on the behavioral pattern of sustainable municipal food waste management in Tehran
Farhad Khosravani, Enayat Abbasi, Shahla Choobchian,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although cultural and educational challenges contribute to the rising levels of food waste, public participation plays a crucial role in its fundamental management. This study aims to investigate the significance of citizen engagement and to develop a behavioral model for sustainable household food waste management in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This study adopts a quantitative research paradigm and was conducted using a survey method. The statistical population comprised 2,239,907 households in Tehran, from which a sample of 384 households was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, using a stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, the content and face validity of which were confirmed by a panel of professors in agricultural extension and education, as well as experts in waste management. The reliability of the questionnaire was supported by Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.78 to 0.92. Path analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software was employed to evaluate the predictive power of the independent variables on the dependent variable.
Results: According to the results of the path analysis and the R² statistic, the variables of citizens' intention toward sustainable food waste management, environmental attitude, environmental awareness and knowledge, place attachment, satisfaction, and social trust collectively explained 67% of the variance in citizens' participatory behavior related to sustainable food waste management.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that citizens' environmental awareness and attitudes play a significant role in their participation in sustainable food waste management. In other words, individuals with greater knowledge of the environmental consequences of food waste are more likely to adopt effective waste management practices. Therefore, the development and implementation of targeted educational programs aimed at enhancing public awareness and fostering positive environmental attitudes are essential. Such initiatives can significantly contribute to encouraging participatory behaviors in sustainable food waste management.
 

Comprehensive analysis of waste from Iran's sugar beet industry: quantitative assessment, estimation of production coefficients, and evaluation of waste production correlation with raw material consumption (2002–2022)
Ali Salimifard, Kamyar Yaghmaeian, Mina Aghaei, Nazanin Dastjerdi, Fazlollah Changani Khorasgani,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This descriptive-analytical study examined 21 years of data from Iran’s sugar industry. Waste production data were extracted from the Iranian Sugar Factories Association, and statistical analyses, including normality tests and Spearman correlation, were conducted using R software. Additionally, ArcGIS software was used to create a distribution map of active sugar beet industries in the country.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study analyzed 21 years of data from Iran’s sugar industry. Waste production data were obtained from the Iranian Sugar Factories Association. Statistical analyses, including normality testing and Spearman correlation, were performed using R software. In addition, ArcGIS software was used to generate a distribution map of active sugar beet industries across the country.
Results: The results indicated a positive correlation between sugar beet consumption and the production of sugar beet pulp and filter mud. The estimated production coefficients were 0.29 and 0.08 tons per ton of raw material, respectively.
Conclusion: Efficient management of these wastes allows for their beneficial use in animal feed, biogas production, and soil amendment. Developing comprehensive waste management strategies is essential to minimize environmental impacts and improve the overall efficiency of the sugar industry.
 

Technical, environmental and economic assessment of composting technology in municipal solid waste management: a case study of Tehran, 2023
Sara Ghobadi, Farhad Khosravani, Zohreh Bahmani,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
 

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