Showing 52 results for Assessment
Alireza Bakhtiyari, Behrouz Akbari-Adergani, Parisa Shavli-Gilani, Liela Karami, Najmeh Yazdanfar, Parisa Sadighara,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the crucial role of milk and its products in human diets, it is imperative to implement effective measures to ensure the safety of milk by minimizing the presence of hazardous pollutants. This study aims to assess the concentration and potential risks associated with lead in raw milk produced in Tehran province.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved the collection of raw milk samples from 24 diverse livestock farms in Tehran province during the winter season of 1401. The samples were analyzed for lead contamination using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical tests were applied to compare the results with international standards, and subsequent risk assessment was conducted based on the average amounts.
Results: The study revealed that none of the samples exceeded the permissible limit for lead. The mean and standard deviation of lead concentration in the samples was 7 ± 5.8 (ppb), well below the international standard. There was no significant variation in lead levels among the tested livestock farms. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for both children and adults were calculated to be less than 1.
Conclusion: The concentration of lead in all samples remained below the permissible limits set by Codex and the Iran Standards Organization, indicating no non-carcinogenic risks associated with milk consumption in terms of lead contamination, as suggested by the calculated HQ values.
Faezeh Sadeghi, Sakine Shekoohiyan, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
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.
Soudabeh Ghodsi, Mina Sheikh, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The adverse health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have received significant attention in recent years. This study aimed to measure the concentration of PAHs associated with fine particles and assess the health risks posed by these compounds.
Materials and Methods: A total of 38 air samples were collected from the central part of Isfahan city using a particle sampler equipped with an inlet to capture particles smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5). The samples were analyzed using GC-MS, and molecular ratios were used to identify potential sources of PAHs. Additionally, a Monte Carlo simulation was employed to perform a probabilistic risk assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of PAHs for two groups: children and adults.
Results: Out of the 16 priority PAH compounds, seven compounds were identified, with average concentrations ranging from 0.003 to 17.8 ng/m3. Molecular ratios indicated that pyrogenic sources were the main contributors to PAHs in the air. The median carcinogenic risk for children and adults was estimated to be 3.1×10-8 and 5.99×10-8, respectively. The median non-carcinogenic risk for PAH compounds was estimated at 3.08×10-1.
Conclusion: The probabilistic risk assessment revealed that the PAHs concentrations associated with fine particles do not pose a significant risk to exposed individuals. However, it is important to note that this study focused solely on the risk assessment of PAHs associated with fine particles. A comprehensive risk assessment of all PAHs present in the atmosphere is, therefore, recommended.
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.
Ehsan Aghayani, Azizallah Dehghan, Navid Alinejad, Malihe Amiri,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Monitoring pesticide concentrations in drinking water resources is crucial for enhancing water quality and public health. Therefore, periodic assessments of pesticide levels in these resources are essential to safeguard consumer health.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the concentrations of six pesticides—malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin—in agricultural water resources as well as in urban and rural water distribution networks in Fasa city in 2023. Pesticide levels were monitored in 25 drinking water samples and 6 agricultural water samples.
Results: The results show that pesticide concentrations are higher in agricultural water compared to drinking water and distribution networks. Specifically, the concentrations of malathion and diazinon in agricultural water resources are significantly higher than in drinking water, with levels potentially up to eight times greater. The total risk index for samples from agricultural water sources ranges from 0.89 to 1.36, indicating a comparable risk to that of drinking water.
Conclusion: The health risk assessment of malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin in drinking water resources suggests no immediate threat to public health. However, due to the elevated pesticide levels in agricultural water resources, ongoing monitoring of water sources near agricultural areas is recommended.
Mohamad Parsi Mehr, Eisa Solgi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The Qazvin Plain, one of the key agricultural regions in Iran, faces significant challenges affecting the quality of its water resources. These challenges include changes in land use (LU) and the expansion of activities such as agriculture and industry. Assessing, modeling, and predicting total dissolved solids (TDS) and the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) in groundwater—two critical parameters influencing water resource usability—can play a pivotal role in managing water quality in the region.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to investigate and model the relationship between LU and water quality parameters. TDS and SAR values were first mapped using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation method. Land use in the Qazvin Plain was then classified using Landsat 8 satellite imagery and the supervised maximum likelihood classification method. Finally, geographic weighted regression (GWR) was employed to model and examine the spatial relationship between the LU distribution patterns in the Qazvin Plain and the groundwater quality parameters.
Results: The coefficient of determination (R²) for the relationship between SAR and LU was 0.74, while for TDS and LU, it was 0.81. These findings highlight a significant influence of LU changes on groundwater quality parameters in the study area.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate a strong correlation between LU and groundwater quality parameters. Moreover, the application of GWR proved effective in capturing spatial variations and providing accurate tools for analyzing these relationships. This approach can be instrumental in the sustainable management of water resources in the Qazvin Plain.
Mojtaba Moazzen, Amir Mohammad Mortazavian, Nabi Shariatifar, Sara Sohrabvandi, Elham Khanniri, Seyedeh Mahsa Khodaei,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Obejective: Many elements can naturally or artificially enter human food and pose risks to human health. Some of these elements are toxic, while others are essential for humans. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concentrations of toxic elements (aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)) and essential elements (cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)) in yogurt and kashk samples.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the concentration of 10 elements was measured using an ICP-OES device in 48 samples (with two repetitions each) of yogurt and kashk collected from Tehran. The risk associated with human exposure to these metals was then calculated using the Latin Hypercube method.
Results: The results showed that in all samples, the highest and lowest average concentrations of essential elements (in µg/kg) were attributed to iron (567.53) and cobalt (10.58), respectively. Similarly, the highest and lowest average concentrations of toxic elements were attributed to arsenic (28.60) and cadmium (1.08), respectively.
Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that the average concentration of all elements—except for Pb, Co, and Cd—was higher in kashk than in yogurt. Additionally, the average concentration of all elements was below the established standards. However, the risk analysis results indicated that children are more exposed to non-carcinogenic risks from yogurt and carcinogenic risks from the consumption of both yogurt and kashk compared to adults.
Somayeh Alizadeh Attar, Alireza Pardakhti, Khosrow Ashrafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Black carbon is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fossil and biomass fuels. Long-term exposure to black carbon has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure in the ambient air of Tehran.
Materials and Methods: Hourly black carbon concentrations were collected from the air quality monitoring stations operated by Tehran's Air Quality Control Company and averaged to calculate annual means for 2021, 2022, and 2023. The risk assessment for black carbon exposure in Tehran was conducted using the US EPA model.
Results: The findings reveal that in Tehran, the carcinogenic risk index (CR) due to black carbon exposure in ambient air is higher for adults than for children. The non-carcinogenic risk quotient (HQ) for both age groups remains below the threshold value of one, indicating a low and negligible non-carcinogenic risk. However, children demonstrate a higher HQ compared to adults. The lifetime cancer risk associated with black carbon exposure is calculated to be 1.4 × 10-3, while the annual cancer risk is estimated at 0.02 × 10-3.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure exceed acceptable levels for both adults and children. Adults face a cancer risk six times greater than children, though the non-carcinogenic risk is assessed as low. Reducing black carbon emissions is critical for improving public health in traffic-congested cities, and further research on this topic is strongly recommended.
Mohadeseh Narouei, Narjes Okati, Fatemeh Einollahi Peer ,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Assessing the life cycle and evaluating the carbon footprint in thermal power plants is crucial due to their reliance on fossil fuels. This study was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts and carbon footprint of the Iranshahr steam power plant.
Materials and Methods: Primary data were collected and analyzed using SimaPro software and the ReCiPe 2016 method (Hierarchist perspective). The carbon footprint was assessed through data modeling based on the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) method. The functional unit was defined as one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated, and the system boundary was set as gate-to-gate.
Results: The study revealed that the most significant environmental impacts of the power plant were related to human carcinogenic toxicity, accounting for 42% at the midpoint level, and damage to human health, contributing 86% at the endpoint level. Sensitivity analysis identified natural gas as the most influential factor affecting the results. According to the IPCC method, fossil fuel consumption contributed 94% to the global warming potential. The highest amount of CO2 emitted was 0.946 kg per kWh of electricity produced.
Conclusion: The CO2 emissions per kWh of electricity produced (0.946 kg/kWh) exceeded the average CO2 emission factor for fossil fuel power plants in Iran (0.64 kg/kWh). Based on these findings, it is recommended to prioritize the use of renewable and clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, as alternatives for electricity generation in the region.
Soheil Sobhanardakani, Nayereh Sadat Hosseini,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
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.
Negin Alaei Borujeni, Reza Gholamnia, Amin Bagheri, Amir Kavousi, Reza Saeedi,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Performance assessment of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management is the process of applying and estimating components and indicators through which the extent of achieving organizational objectives, as well as progress and continuous improvement in the HSE domain, can be determined. In this study, a performance assessment index for urban HSE management using a process–outcome approach was developed and applied in Isfahan.
Materials and Methods: The index design process included the following steps: (1) extracting preliminary list of principles and indicators, (2) determining the principles and indicators through expert panel consultation, (3) assigning weights to the components of the index, (4) defining integration functions, and (5) classifying the index score. The required data for evaluating HSE management in Isfahan were collected through visits to relevant organizations, existing reports and studies, and public surveys.
Results: The performance assessment index of urban HSE management, including 16 principles and 61 indicators, was validated based on expert panel opinions, and the total weights of process-oriented and outcome-based indicators were 0.16 and 0.84, respectively. The HSE performance score for Isfahan was 66.4, indicating a medium level. The most important domains identified for improvement of HSE management in Isfahan (based on high weight and low performance score) were ambient air quality, access to health-care services, solid waste management, prevention of resource degradation and loss, public education, and top management commitment.
Conclusion: The developed index demonstrated satisfactory effectiveness in assessing the performance of urban HSE management and due to comprehensiveness and flexibility can be applied to other cities.
Nabi Shariatifar, Majid Arabameri, Hanie Asghari, Hossen Bahramzad, Mojtaba Moazzen, Mohammad Rouzbahani, Gholamali Sharifiarab,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Bread is one of the most important foods in the world that may contain harmful compounds such as acrylamide (AA). The aim of the present study was to measure the levels of AA in three types of widely consumed Iranian bread (Sangak, Lavas, and Taftoon).
Materials and Methods: A total of 36 bread samples were randomly collected from 4 districts of Tehran. A derivatization method was used to prepare the samples, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to measure the amount of (AA). Carcinogenic risk assessment for the different types of flatbreads was performed using Monte Carlo simulation technique.
Results: The average (µg/kg) AA (maximum-minimum) in all bread samples was 170.4±80.8 (62.4-301.4). Also, the average AA in Lavash, Taftoon and Sangak bread samples was 98.6±24.5, 142.6±52.1 and 270.0±21.14 µg/kg, respectively. The chronic daily intake (CDI) of AA (50th) from flatbread was at 4.78×10-4mg/kg/day for adults and 1.02×10-3 mg/kg/day for children. On the other hand, the non-cancer hazard index (THQ) (50th) values were 2.36×10-1 and 5.13×10-1, respectively. While the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) (50th) were 2.31×10-4 for adults and 5.10×10-4 for children.
Conclusion: The average AA in the samples was higher than the EU standard (50-80 µg/kg) level. Considering the average AA concentration values in bread types and the estimated ILCR values, there is a possibility of carcinogenic risk and further monitoring is needed at all stages of bread production.
