Ehsan Manavipour, Akbar Eslami, Abbas Shahsavani, Ahmad Alahabadi, Reza Saeedi, Fatemeh Shokri Dariyan, Mehrnoosh Abtahi,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: In today's society, preparing healthy food has become challenging due to the variety of food production methods. Oil is produced in several ways in our country. In the cold pressing method, there is insufficient monitoring of the manufactured product. The aim of the present study is to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and the levels of heavy metals of industrial oil compared to cold-pressed oil.
Materials and Methods: In this research, 54 samples of sunflower, sesame, and canola oil produced by both cold pressing and industrial refiningmethods were prepared. Their physicochemical characteristics, including refractive index, acid value, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, anisidine value, as well as the concentrations of lead, iron, arsenic and copper were determined. Additionally, the effect of storage time on these characteristics was investigated.
Results: The Iodine number showed the highest deviation from the standard (61%), with an average of 136.70 gI/100g for the cold-pressed oil and 134.48 gI/100g for industrially refined oiland. The average value of the physicochemical characteristics, except for the saponification value, were higher in the cold-pressed oil samples compared to the industrially refined oil samples, but the observed difference was not statistically significant. An investigation into the effect of storage time on physicochemical properties revealed a significant increase in peroxide value (p<0.01) and anisidine (p <0.05) in both oil groups over a two-month period. The average concentration of arsenic, lead, iron and copper in the studied oils was 0.03, 0.78, 0.05 and 0.05 mg/kgoil, respectively. A deviation from the standard was observed only in one sample of cold-pressed sunflower oil, with an arsenic concentration of 0.11 mg/kgoil).
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, the refined industrial oils exhibited more favorable chemical characteristics and stability. It is suggested that cold-pressed oils should be consumed within a short period of time. For frying purposes, refined industrial oils are preferable.
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.
Majid Hashemi, Mohammad Javad Agah, Amir Mahmoud Rastegar,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Paying attention to antibiotic residues in milk is important due to its health effects on the occurrence of microbial resistance in consumers, as well as its harmful effects on the dairy industry. This study was carried out with the aim of determining the amount of oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin, and penicillin G in raw milk samples produced in Fars province, which were detected as contaminated during screening with a rapid kit.
Materials and Methods: The samples were first examined with a rapid commercial kit for the presence of antibiotic residues. Then the amount of oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin and penicillin G antibiotics in the positive samples belonging to the middle month of each season was determined using the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method.
Results: Antibiotic residues were found in 121 (7.7%) samples by the commercial Eclipse kit. Both season (p<0.001) and region (p<0.01) of sampling had a significant effect on antibiotic residues in raw milk. In the chromatographic method, antibiotic residues of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin were detected in 6 (27.3%) samples, none of which exceeded the permissible limit determined by the Iranian Veterinary Organization.
Conclusion: Although the amount of antibiotics detected from raw milk from Fars province was much lower than the permissible limit, it is necessary to implement further executive, educational, and research measures to minimize these residues in raw milk due to the possibility of the presence of other antimicrobial substances.
Mohammad Mosaferi, Jafar Yahyazadeh, Yusef Mohammadian, Farzaneh Moshtaghi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The use of pesticides poses serious risks to the health of living organisms. Knowing the type and amount of pesticide use can provide a good information base for managing potential risks from pesticide consumption. This study was carried out with the main objective of determining the types and amounts of pesticides used on agricultural land in East Azarbaijan Province in 2021.
Materials and Methods: Information about the pesticides have been gathered and analyzed by referring to the Agricultural Jihad Organization and other relevant authorities. Calculations related to the amount of pesticides used per unit area were made using the total area of agricultural lands in the province.
Results: Considering the frequency, 403 kinds of pesticides are used in the following order: Herbicides > Insecticides > Fungicides > Acaricides > Others > Disinfectants. Consdidering total consumption of 2873730 kg pesticides, the order based on the amount is: Insecticides > Herbicide > Fungicides > Miscellaneous > Acaricides and Disinfectants based on the amount. The total ratio of pesticides used to pesticides distributed through the official (government) channel is 2.51. The minimum, maximum, and mean consumption values in counties are 0.4, 21.4, and 4.21 ± 5.33 kg/ha, respectively, and for province is 2.38 kg/ha. There is a correlation between the amount of pesticide applied and the number of farmers and traders.
Conclusion: The consumption of pesticides in the province is higher than the world average. Appropriate management of pesticides is required from the viewpoints of environment and health protection.
Hadi Niknejad, Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni, Khadijeh Sajjadpour, Samira Mojerlou, Reza Ghasemnejad, Mohammad Rafiee,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Personal hygiene and adherence with health protocols in food preparation and distribution centers by operators are essential for controlling the transmission of infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the microbial contamination and compliance with health protocols among bakery workers in Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran, in 2020.
Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 149 samples were collected from the hands of workers in bakeries in Mahmoudabad. The microbial load was determined using the System Sure Plus device. Additionally, standard checklists, which included questions related to compliance with health protocols in the workplace, were used. The collected data was then analyzed using SPSS 26 software.
Results: Among the studied samples, 51.1%had a microbial load higher than 30 RLU (Relative Light Units), 28.86% had a microbial load of 10-30 RLU and 20.13% had a microbial load less than 10 RLU. Based on the results of the checklists, the rates of adherence to hand disinfection protocol, observance of social distancing, use of liquid soap, and use of a mask were 43.6%, 61.7%, 59.7%, and 53.7%, respectively. Additionally, data analysis revealed a significant relationship between business gown usage and microbial contamination on personnel's hands (p = 0.031).
Conclusion: Based on the results, it was evident that the workers' hand hygienewas in a concerning condition, posing a potential threat to their overall well-being. Therefore, individual health education and food safety practices should be improved, and inspections by environmental health monitors should be considered to ensure stricter public health standards.
Nasibeh Zanjari, Parisa Mollaei,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Rapid aging and climate change are two major global challenges of the 21st century. This study was conducted to identify the effects of climate change on the health of older adults.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted by comprehensively searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science electronic databases using the keywords elderly, aging, older people, health, and climate change, in English. Articles from 2014 to February 2023 following the PRISMA checklist were examined. Studies were included if they were published in English, had full text available, and focused on a population of people over 60 years old. Simulated studies were excluded.
Results: The quality of these studies was reported to be moderate to good according to the STROBE checklist. The results showed that climate change negatively impacts the physical, mental and social health of the elderly. It causes an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular, kidney, and respiratory diseases, as well as depression. Additionally, it leads to a reduction in daily activities, an increase in hospitalization rates and higher mortality. Among various climate changes, the increase in temperature poses the greatest to the health of older adults.
Conclusion: Climate changes, particularly the rise in temperature, have the most significant negative impact on the physical health of older adults. Therefore, there is a pressing need for increased focus on environmental sustainability, the development of public health intervention policies, and the implementation of adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures for older adults.
Behnaz Abdollahinejad, Mahdi Farzadkia,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Earthworms are important in soil formation. They maintain soil structure and fertility and can be used as indicators to evaluate various changes and impacts. Therefore, the present study was developed to investigate the effects of diesel pollutant on the population and survival of the earthworm species E.fetida in the co-vermicomposting process.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted over 90 days to investigate the effects of diesel concentration on the survival of E.fetida in the co-vermicomposting process. One kilogram of soil contaminated with diesel, vermicompost, and raw activated sludge was added to each reactor in a ratio of 0.25:0.35:1. 10. Additionally, 20 adult E. fetida were added to the reactors with diesel concentrations of 10 and 30 g/L after the adaptation process.
Results: The survival of earthworms and the formation of cocoons in reactor number 3 were higher than in other reactors. Additionally, the amount of diesel removal in reactor number 3 (diesel concentration: 10 g/kg dried soil +20 E.fetida) was higher (70.5%) compared to the other reactors.
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that earthworm reproduction is more sensitive than survival or weight change to higher concentrations of diesel-contaminated soil. The presence of petroleum compounds in the soil is harmful for the growth of E.fetida, and its acute effects on the production of earthworm cocoons were observed.
Ali Hamidi, Maryam Ravanipour, Masoumeh Ravanipour,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Scientometrics is used to identify existing study gaps, discover the future research directions, investigate fundamental trends and implement the necessary policies in a specific field of knowledge. Considering the key role of environmental factors in the health trends and the varyingburden of diseases in the country, this study was conducted with the aim of performing scientometric analysis of the role of environmental health in the prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Bibliographic information related to scientific documents indexed in the Web of Science database until September 12, 2022, was analyzed and visualized using Citespace and Biblioshiny software.
Results: A total of 1,212 documents were retrieved. These documents were published in 629 sources with the participation of 8,461 authors. The average publication year of the documents was 2010. The top three ranks of organizational affiliations were as follows: Tehran University of Medical Sciences (747 documents), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (436 documents), and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (393 documents). Iran's cooperation network with other countries indicates substantial joint researchbetween Iran and the main countries in this network. Over time, the co-occurrence network of keywords has evolved from outcomes (such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, etc.) to environmental exposure factors, especially air pollutants, heavy metals, and food-borne pathogens factors. Risk assessment has also been a category of interest in recent years.
Conclusion: Scientometric analysis showed that environmental health studies in prevention and control of diseases related to environmental factors in Iran are young and still progressing. In the early years, studies were mainly focused on diseases as an outcome, while in recent years, they have focused more on exposure factors or environmental pathogens. It is suggested that the future studies based on the retrieved keywords should be more mission-oriented and the priority of solving the problems of environmental pollutants affecting people's health in the country based on the extent and scope of the problems of each province should be considered by policy makers and researchers.
Nader Abbasi, Mohsen Mohammadi Galangash,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals are regarded as serious contaminants due to their toxicity, persistence in natural conditions, and ability to enter and accumulate (bioaccumulation and biomagnification) in food chains. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe and Ni in surface agricultural soils of the Miandoab landfill area.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 57 soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-20 cm. After preparing and digesting in the laboratory, the samples were analyzed using a inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP-OES). The Ecological Risk Potential Index (EPRI), Earth Accumulation Index (Igeo), Principal Components Test (PCA) Pearson's Correlation, Cluster Analysis, and One-T-test were utilized. Statistical processing was conducted using SPSS software.
Results: According to the results of the single T-test, the average concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni did not significantly differ from their background concentration in the soil (p≥0.05). A significant difference was pbserved only for Fe (p<0.05), indicating a geological origin for this element. The EPRI was within the low-risk range, with an average value of 46.95. PCA revealed that the first factor was positively associated with Cr, Pb and Fe; the second factor with Zn and Cu; and the third factor with Cd. Cluster analysis showed that Fe was predominantly influenced by natural resources. According to the land accumulation index, all metals, except Cu, were classified non-polluted or slightly polluted at stations 2 and 4.
Conclusion: The origin of elements is related to both natural and human factors. Specifically, Cr, Pb and Cd are more likely to originate from man-made sources, while Fe primarily comes from natural sources. The decrease in the concentration of metals can be attributed to continuous and annual ploughing, inactivity of the landfill, biological absorption by crops, soil leaching and transporting to lower depths.
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.
Hassan Malvandi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of toxic mercury in fish has caused global concern, as one of the main ways of humans are exposed to it is through fish consumption. Therefore, the main goal on this research was to determine the concentration of mercury in fish and evaluate the health risk to consumers.
Materials and Methods: Samples of pike, common perch, European perch, common carp and goldfish were collected from Anzali wetland. Mercury concentration was measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Differences in mercury concentration among the species and the comparison of mercury concentration with the standards were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and one sample t-test, respectively.
Results: The average concentrations of mercury for pike, common perch, European perch, common carp and goldfish were 59.59, 67.55, 30.45, 9.84, and 10.44 µg/kg ww, respectively. The results showed significant differences in mercury concentrations among different species. The concentrations of mercury in all samples were below the permissible limits of international standards (300 and 500 µg/kg dw), and the HQ index values were less than 1. Therefore, the results indicated no potential risk to consumer health. Additionally, the consumption of European perch, common carp and goldfish is considered safe for sensitive people (children and pregnant women).
Conclusion: In general, there was no potential concern regarding mercury exposure from consuming the studied fish species.
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.
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.
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.
Hassan Malvandi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Dust particles in urban environments are often contaminated with heavy metals, posing significant health risks, particularly to children. Schools are one of the environments where children are exposed to dust particles. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the dust collected from Mashhad schools and to assess the associated health risks.
Materials and Methods: Dust samples were collected from 27 schools in the fall of 2022 using a brush. The values of various indices were estimated, including the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), enrichment index (EF), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and health risk indices such as hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI).
Results: The average concentrations of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), lead (Pb), and barium (Ba) were 9.63, 18538.58, 84017.79, 11270.42, 32.07 and 111.56 µg/g, respectively. The Igeo values ranged from -3.69 to 1.51, while the CF values ranged from 0.16 to 4.26. The results of the pollution indices indicated that most of the studied elements were at the first level of pollution, suggesting that the degree of pollution was negligible or low. Additionally, the HQ and HI values were both less than 1.
Conclusion: Overall, the concentrations of the studied elements were not a concern, remaining at uncontaminated levels, and there was no potential health risk associated with exposure to these elements.
Farzad Kalteh, Mohammad Hosein Movassagh,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of pesticides in milk and dairy products poses a potential risk to consumers. The current study aimed to determine the concentrations of diazinon and cypermethrin in milk, cheese, and butter distributed in Gonbad-Kavus City.
Materials and Methods: A total of 50 samples including raw milk, pasteurized milk, ultra-high-temperature milk, traditional cheese, and traditional butter, were randomly collected from supply centers in Gonbad-Kavus from between 2021 and March 2022. The concentrations of diazinon and cypermethrin in the samples were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: The mean diazinon levels in raw milk, pasteurized milk, and ultra-high-temperature milk samples were 41.91 ± 9.68, 28.07 ± 5.86, and 40.21 ± 9.52 µg/kg, respectively. The mean cypermethrin levels in raw milk, pasteurized milk, and UHT milk samples were 34.06 ± 8.20, 22.63 ± 5.88, and 29.82 ± 8.09 µg/kg, respectively. Significant differences were observed among the sample types for both diazinon and cypermethrin levels. In cheese samples, the mean diazinon and cypermethrin levels were 57.23 ± 10.59 and 38.12 ± 8.69 µg/kg, respectively. In butter samples, the mean diazinon and cypermethrin levels were 16.77 ± 4.15 and 17.50 ± 6.47 µg/kg, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the various types of milk distributed across Gonbad-Kavus contain excessive diazinon residues, while the residual cypermethrin levels were below the allowable limit. Therefore, a codified program to reduce diazinon the residuals in milk, cheese, and butter distributed in Gonbad-Kavus should be implemented.
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.
Saeed Hoseini Majd, Seyed-Ahmad Shahidi, Nabi Shariatifar, Mohammad Ahmadi, Mahdi Sharifi Soltani,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Healthy food consists of beneficial components for health consumer and is free of harmful substances. Acrylamide (2-propenamide), a known carcinogen, is one such harmful substance. Foods like wafers and crackers can become contaminated with acrylamide during the cooking process. The aim of the present study was to measure acrylamide formation in crackers and wafers.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 64 wafer and cracker samples were prepared (in duplicate), and evaluated for acrylamide content using a GC-MS device.
Results: According to the results, the mean ± SD (minimum-maximum) acrylamide concentration in the samples was 2.648 ± 1.814 (0.132-4.505) mg/kg. The mean ± SD (minimum-maximum) concentration of acrylamide in wafer samples was 3.369 ± 1.735 (0.320-4.505) mg/kg, while in cracker samples, it was 1.446 ± 1.161 (0.132-2.955) mg/kg (p =0.001). Cocoa wafer with cocoa cream had the highest level of contamination among wafers (4.505 ± 0.73 mg/kg), and crispy salty cracker had the highest level of contamination among cracker samples (2.955 ± 0.63 mg/kg).
Conclusion: Since the average concentration of acrylamide exceeded European Union standards, further studies are warranted. Additionally, regulatory standards should be established in Iran to ensure factories adhere to stricter guidelines in this area.
Sadegh Hosseinniaee, Mohammad Jafary, Ali Tavili, Salman Zare,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is known as a synthetic chelating agent used for the remediation of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements. Marrubium cuneatum is a medicinal plant with phytoremediation capabilities. This study investigated the effect of EDTA on the morph-physiological characteristics of this species and its rhizosphere soil.
Materials and Methods: Under greenhouse conditions, M. cuneatum was grown for six months in mine-contaminated soil with different levels of EDTA (0, 1, 3, 5 mmol/kg). Subsequently, its biomass, concentration of macro- and micronutrients, and soil biochemical properties—such as organic matter content, soil enzyme activity, and microbial biomass—were measured. Additionally, a regression model was established between EDTA concentration and shoot weight to predict the plant's growth response.
Results: A concentration of 5 mmol/kg EDTA decreased the dry weight of shoots and roots by 11% and 21.9%, respectively, compared to the control. The reduction in root macronutrient content was less pronounced with EDTA application compared to that of the shoots, with the greatest decrease observed for shoot potassium (40.70% compared to the control). The potassium-to-sodium ratio also decreased significantly. Despite improvements in some soil biochemical parameters at low EDTA levels, the 5 mmol/kg dose resulted in a 30% and 10% inhibition of urease and dehydrogenase activity, respectively. The regression relationship between EDTA concentration and shoot weight indicated that the maximum dry weight was obtained at a concentration of 2.4 mmol/kg.
Conclusion: Considering the adverse effects of EDTA at concentrations of 3 mmol/kg on soil and plants, as well as the predictive model of the growth response of M. cuneatum, it is suggested to investigate EDTA levels above 2.4 mmol/kg to determine the precise dose that initiates negative effects in soil and plants.
Jawad Kadhim Noor, Atefeh Chamani, Ahmed Najm Abdallh Al-Mosawy, Narges Kargari,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The pollution of trace elements in urban soil has attracted wide attention due to its detrimental environmental and health effects. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate of the content, pollution levels, and health risks associated with trace elements (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Mo) in the surface soil of Al-Qasim City in Babylon Governate in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved, a total of 50 surface soil samples from a depth of 0-20 cm. The elemental content of the samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Additionally,, the enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated. Statistical data analyses were done using SPSS software.
Results: The average concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Mo in the soil were 27240, 62.7, 0.302, 33.8, 570 and 0.999 mg/kg, respectively. The highest average concentrations of Fe (30,331 mg/kg), Cu (37.3 mg/kg), Mn (639 mg/kg), and Mo (1.08 mg/kg) were found in downtown areasm whilefor the highest concentrations of Zn (65.3 mg/kg) and Cd (0.332 mg/kg) were observed in rural and midtown areas.
Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrate the impact of urban activities—such astraffic, industry, and agriculture—on the trace element pollution in the soil of Al-Qasim City. Therefore, regular monitoring of trace element concentrations and identification of their pollution sources are recommended to reduce and manage associated environmental and health risks.
