Showing 63 results for Ala
A Shahbazi, M Falakzadeh, F Shahin, S.h Frahzad Boroujeni, E Mehrabi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Events are the second leading cause of disability and one of the problems that can cause physical and psychological disorders, and in more severe cases lead to death. Therefore, at the first, the risks must be identified, so that one can offer how to confront and eliminate risk. Thus, this study aimed to determine the frequency and type of events among nomads. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 534 nomad in Chaharmahal- Bakhtiari Province during first half of 2014. The data collection was through interviews based on a predetermined checklist and finally the data gathered were analyzed using SPSS (Ver.19) software and descriptive statistics. Results: It was found that out of 534 nomads, 144 were female (26.97%) and 390 male (73.03%) and age average of them was 26.32±24.12. These people are often faced with 18 types of events in their location or during their shifting the most frequent one is caused by sinking of thorns and sharp rock aggregates in their organs during labor activities (62.46%) and the least frequent one was hurt caused by lightning (0.19%) and electric shock by electrical tower (0.19%). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between sex, season of the year, the summer location, and accident rate (P ≤0.002) but there was no significant relationship between the nomads and clans of the study and event rate. Conclusion: Like many diseases, events are preventable, and this requires the development of knowledge about the principles of safety during migration and housing. Therefore, it seems that for the preserving nomadic population and reducing lost caused by these events, the national event management centers and emergency medical centers should have better planning in this field.
Mh Dehghani, B Akbarpour, M Salari, A Poursheykhani, H Rasoulzadeh,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Milk is a full meal that can provide an appropriate growing environment for different bacteria. Hence, it can be hazardous to human health in unpasteurized conditions. The present study was conducted in order to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus in raw and pasteurized milks of Sari City in the summer of 2014.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2014 in the city of Sari. Totally, 160 samples- each 200 mL of raw milk were collected from collection and distribution centers (80 samples) of raw milk, and pasteurized milk from food stores (80 samples). Under aseptic conditions, confirmatory tests were carried out in Chapman and Blood agar media. Antibiogram test was performed for positive samples. Results were analyzed using SPSS (Ver. 19) software through the t-test descriptive statistical analysis.
Results: The results showed that 38.75% of 80 samples of raw milk collected were contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus, while no contamination was observed in pasteurized milk samples. The average number of colony formation of raw milk was estimated to be within 3×104 to 7×104 Cfu/mL. Maximum sensitivity was found against vancomycin, gentamicin, and Co-trimoxazole antibiotics and the maximum resistance was observed against ampicillin, methicillin and cephalotin antibiotics with of 87.5, 25, and 12.5%, respectively.
Conclusion: The raw milk showed the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, compliance with and control of sanitation at different steps of preparation, supplying and consumption of milk can prevent the human infection with this type of contamination.
M Nourinejad, N Arsalani, H Namazi,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nicotine as the most toxic alkaloid in tobacco is one of the compounds which causes human death over the past few decades. The purpose of this paper was to remove nicotine environmental pollution from aqueous solutions using halloysite-polythiophene nanocomposite.
Materials and Methods: Halloysite-polythiophene nanocomposite was prepared using a homogeneous solution of HNT and FeCl3 at 0-5°C by the ball milling technique. In this study, parameters such as pH, contact time and initial concentration of nicotine in laboratory scale were studied and the physical properties of the adsorbent were characterized via fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the absorption results were described using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms.
Results: The results showed that the pH, initial concentration of nicotine and contact time had a direct effect on the nicotine adsorption process. The adsorption of nicotine followed Langmuir isotherm (R2 < 0/995). Moreover, the best adsorption result was achieved at pH=7, 50mg adsorbent, contact time of 90 min and 50mg/L of nicotine.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Halloysite modification as a mineral composite with polythiophene and the synthesis of HNT@PTh nanocomposite can be used as an effective adsorbent to adsorb the nicotine.
A Seid-Mohammadi, Ar Rahmani, Gh Asgari, S Bajalan, A Shabanloo,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Main sources of 4-chlorophenol wastewater are petroleum industry, coal, paper and resin production. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of raw and cationic surfactant modified nanoclay in removal of 4-chlorophenol from aqueous solutions.
Materials and Methods: The influence of contact time, initial pH of solution, adsorbent dosage and 4-chlorophenol concentration as effective parameters in adsorption process and the influence of modification solution pH and surfactant loading rates were investigated. The modified nanoclay was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. Finally, the isotherm and adsorption kinetics were investigated.
Results: The removal efficiency of 4-chlorophenol was increased by increasing the initial pH from 3 to 11, so that after of 120 min, the absorption efficiency at an initial 4-chlorophenol concentration of 100 mg/L and 0.25 g adsorbate was 26 and 95.5 % at pH 3 and 11, respectively. Under the same conditions the removal efficiency for the raw nanoclay was 2 and 9% at pH 3 and 11, respectively. The FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that the nanoclay structural changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and the interlayer spacing was increased. The adsorption of 4-chlorophenol on raw and modified nanoclay was consistent with Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The maximum absorption capacity of raw and modified nanoclay was 0.5 and 25.77 mg/g, respectively
Conclusion: The modification of nanoclay with cationic surfactant increased the adsorption efficiency of 4-chlorophenol.
P Baratpour, G Moussavi, A Alahabadi, E Fathi, S Shekoohiyan,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: With industrial development and population growth, the emerging contaminants enter into the natural water resources. Therefore, adsorption potential of Ammonium Chloride-induced activated carbon (NAC) to remove metolachlor pesticide from contaminated water was investigated in this study.
Materials and Methods: The effects of operational conditions including solution pH, NAC concentration, metolachlor initial concentration and contact time on the removal of metolachlor by Ammonium Chloride-induced activated carbon (NAC) and standard activated carbon (SAC) were studied.
Results: Over 92.4% of 50 mg/L metolachlor was adsorbed using 0.3 g NAC/L within 5 min, and by increasing the reaction time to 60 min the removal efficiency reached to 100%. Under similar experimental conditions, standard activated carbon (SAC) could only adsorb 20% of metolachlor within 5 min and increase of contact time to 40 min caused the improvement of metolachlor adsorption onto SAC to 48%. The adsorption onto SAC was not influenced by the contact time over 40 min. Kinetic analysis showed that experimental adsorption data for both NAC and SAC were best fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of metolachlor onto NAC and SAC calculated by the Langmuir model were 344.8 and 238.1 mg/g, respectively.
Conclusion: Generally, these results showed that developed NAC was an efficient adsorbent with high removal efficiency for eliminating the halogenated pesticides from the contaminated water streams.
H Nik Nejad, H Pasalari, M Yegane Badi, J Abolghasemi, R Ghasem Nejad, M Farzadkia,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Clinics, laboratories and health care centers are considered as one of the main waste generating sources in solid waste management. The problems associated with the generated health-care waste in clinics, laboratories and health care centers have been rarely investigated in Iran. Therefore, the present study was developed to investigate the status of health care waste in clinics, laboratories and health care centers of Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran in 2017.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the status of solid waste management in 117 medical centers in Mahmoudabad, Mazandaran, 2017. The solid waste data in terms of waste generation rate, storage, collection, and disposal were surveyed through interview and questionnaire that were validated by Iran’s ministry of health.
Results: The average health-care waste generation in medical centers in Mahmoudabad was found to be 248 g/day. The mean and standard deviation for environmental health criteria in all medical centers were 248.3 and 41.1, respectively. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the amount of waste generation in private and governmental medical centers (p=0.111).
Conclusion: The results obtained from the present research indicated that the medical waste management in Mahmoudabad, particularly in private centers, face serious problems. Improper waste collection technology, mixing municipal and medical waste, requirement for training the personnel in medical waste management and surveillance can be considered as important concerns in health-care waste management in Mahmoudabad.
M Hadi, Z Aboosaedi, H Pasalari,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Scaling and corrosion both are destructive to materials (usually metals) in water supply systems. A dataset (from 2002 to 2013) of groundwater resources (including springs, qanats, deep wells and semi-deep wells) were examined for water tendency to corrosion or scaling in rural regions of Kashan, a city in Isfahan, central Iran.
Materials and Methods: Water quality parameters including pH, temperature, Ca (mg/L), CO32- (mg/L), HCO3-(mg/L) and TDS (mg/L) were used to estimate water stability indices. Value of qualitative indices including Langelier (LSI), Ryznar (RSI), Puckorius (PSI) and trend of Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Potential (CCPP) as a quantitative index were calculated and analyzed for all water resources.
Results: Mean of LSI, RSI and PSI for all water resources were estimated to be 0.41±0.02, 6.39 ± 0.03, and 7.40±0.02, respectively. The CCPP value found to be 17.23±3.16, 15.66±1.38, 41.23±11.22, and 23.15±4.46 mg/L for springs, qanats, deep wells and semi-deep wells, respectively. The CCPP index was significantly increased from 2002 to 2013, with an average of 1.6 units per year.
Conclusion: A significant scaling tendency was observed. This tendency in decreasing order was observed in deep wells, semi-deep wells, springs and qanats. The estimated CaCO3 scale weight per cubic meter of water was 21 g on average, which may be problematic for water distribution systems. Water withdrawal management and reduction in TDS of water resources, perhaps through decrease in agricultural drainage, can be effective to reduce the scaling tendency.
M Khalaji, Sa Hiseini, R Ghorbani, N Agh, H Rezayi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nutrient-rich effluents (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus) may lead to algae blooms and many harmful effects in aquatic environments. Micro-algae have been more effective among the various methods used for the removing of nutrients from wastewater. Microalgae Chlorella vulgaris has specific characteristics such as rapid growth, resistant to systems manipulation, simple and inexpensive production technology, as well as the rapid uptake of nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, two concentrations of chlorella vulgaris microalgae (13 and 26 million cells/mL) were injected into dairy effluent, diluted using distilled water by 25, 50 and 75%, and the amount of nutrient removal and microalgae growth were examined during the growth period.
Results: Results indicated that different concentrations of algae at various percentages of dilution (25, 50, 75%) had a significant effect on the removal of nutrients and algal growth (p<0.05). The absorption of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate and ammonia) were 57.01, 51.84 and 43.15 percent respectively that containing lower density of initial algae compared to the treatments of 2nd group (29.15, 51.84 and 43.15 percent) with higher algae concentration. In both algal concentrations, the highest percentage of phosphate and ammonia adsorption were in dilution of 25% effluent and the highest percentage of nitrate adsorption were in the first group with 50% dilution and in the second group with 75% dilution.
Conclusion: The more percentage of nutrients (nitrate, phosphate, ammonia) was eliminated compared to the second group (26 million cells / mL) when the microalgae concentration (group I) was 13 million cells / mL. Absorption of nutrients was decreased by increasing the concentration of microalgae. Regarding to the percentage of nitrate adsorption, the higher absorbance in the dilution was occurred at the highest concentration of algae.
J Gorgani, R Nabizadeh, M Gholami, H Pasalari, M Yegane Badi, M Farzadkia, Ha Asgharnia, Ma Zazouli,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Hospital wastes with the content of infectious, pathologic, sharp, pharmaceupitical and genotoxic materials are classified as hazardous wastes. Of which, genotoxic residues wirh mutagenic and teratogenic effects are of most great concern on human health. Genetic wastes are referred to as cytotoxic, chemical, and radioactive drugs used to treat cancer or treat transplantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of hospital wastes in Mazandaran province with emphasis on genotoxic waste.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 35 governmental and social hospitals in Mazandaran province to determine the satus of hospital waste with focus on geotoxic waste. The quanity, quality and management approaches of hospital and genotoxic wastes in the studied hospitals were surveyed with a validated questionnaire. Results obtained from the present study were analyzed with Excel software.
Results: The average waste per each hospital bed was estimated to be 3.51 kilograms. Of which, 2.2, 1.24, 1.9 kg were categorized as municipal, chemical, and genotoxic wastes, respectively. The average of the hospital waste management index in Mazandaran province was found to be about 84 out of 100, indicating good management of these wastes. The management of genotoxic waste in 7 specialized chemotherapy hospitals was estimated to be 64 out of 100, indicating the average state of genotoxic waste management for these hospitals. In 28 non-chemotherapy hospitals, the genotoxic waste management index was approximated 42 out of 100, indicating poor management of these wastes.
Conclusion: The main weaknesses in hospital waste management are associated with the management of chemical-pharmaceutical and genotoxic wastes. Accordingly, improvement the quality of genotoxic and chemical-pharmaceutical wastes should be concerned in the future planning.
Zohreh Doroudi, Mohammad Reza Jalali Sarvestani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Silver is a toxic heavy metal that is used in various industries and has adverse effects on both human health and the environment. In this respect its determination with sensitive and economic analytical methods is of great importance.
Materials and Methods: In this research, a novel ion selective electrode based on perphenazine as an ionophore was developed for determination of Ag+. The optimum composition that showed the highest sensitivity was constructed by mixing 9% ionophore, 2% NaTPB as ionic additive, 59% DOP as the plasticizer and 30% PVC.
Results: The designed sensor showed a linear response over the concentration range of 1×10-6-1×10-2 M with the slope of 60.3 mV/Decade. The detection limit of the electrode was obtained 9×10-7 M. The response time and lifetime of the proposed sensor were 5 seconds and 10 weeks, respectively. The selectivity of electrode was evaluated by matched potential method and no serious interference was observed.
Conclusion: In the end, the sensor applicability in determination of Ag+ in three waste water specimens as real samples was evaluated and the good agreement between the results of sensor and the results of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy showed the designed electrode has enough accuracy and it can be used for determination of Ag (I) in the aqueous environmental samples. In conclusion, finally the performance of the prepared sensor in determining the amount of silver ions in three effluent samples was evaluated as the real samples. The results were in good agreement with those obtained by flame atomic absorption method which indicates that the designed sensor can be successfully employed in the accurate determination of silver (I) in environmental aqueous samples.
Behnam Nazari Alamdarloo, Asghar Mosleh Arany, Saeed Shojaee Barjoee, Hamidreza Azimzadeh, Bahman Kiani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Urban traffic, while affecting human health, causes physiological and biochemical changes in plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccumulation potential of Pb and Cd and assess air pollution tolerance index for a number of plants grown high traffic areas of Yazd.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was performed in both control and high traffic areas of Yazd city by random sampling of trees, shrub and herb species. After transferring the samples to laboratory, relative water content, pH of leaf extract, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (the factors for calculating APTI) in plants were measured using standard methods. Furtheremore, Pb and Cd concentrations were measured to find their relation with APTI index in plants. All statistical analysis, including Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA, Duncan test and Pearson correlation coefficient between the studied parameters, were performed in SPSS software version 22.
Results: The highest relative water content (84.73%) and ascorbic acid (5.98 mg/g) were measured in contaminated area for Canna indica and Rosa damascena, respectively. Also, the highest acidity (7.01) and total chlorophyll (1.48 mg/g) in the control area were measured for Verbena hybrida and Ligustrum vulgar, respectively. The highest air pollution tolerance values were recorded in Rosa damascena and Ligustrum vulgar. Moreover, the results obtained showed that APTI index was positively and significantly correlated to Pb, ascorbic acid and relative water content.
Conclusion: According to the classification of air pollution tolerance index, two species of Rosa damascena and Ligustrum vulgar exhibited moderately tolerant to traffic pollutant. Therefore, based on ecological requirements of these two species, they can be used to develop green spaces in high-traffic areas of Yazd. This study showed that Pb increased physiological response of the studied plants, while the plants did not exhibit a significant physiological response to the Cd element. The results also showed that the relative water content and ascorbic acid were more important in the air pollution tolerance index than other factors.
Mohsen Mohammadi Galangash, Rezvan Ghasemi Zolpirani, Mohammad Naimi Joubani,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Contamination of roadside soils with heavy metals is a serious threat to soil ecosystems and organisms and human health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the roadside soils of the Rasht-Qazvin old road.
Materials and Methods: 10 out-of-town sampling sites were selected via the field observation of the entire area. surface soil sampling with three replicates was performed around the Rasht-Qazvin old road. Heavy metals concentrations were measured using ICP-OES following samples preparation and acid digestion. The pollution level of heavy metals was assessed using geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI).
Results: The results showed that the average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb in the roadside soils were 58.07, 19.96, 20.26 and 23.21 mg/kg, respectively. The findings showed that concentration of Zn and Ni were higher than background values and the amount of Zn exceeded WHO standard limit. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) with an average value of 86.24, indicated low level of pollution for all of the studied metals. The results of geoaccumulation index (Igeo) revealed moderately contamination level of Ni.
Conclusion: Old roads are generally known as one of the sources of pollution for the surrounding lands. Although the concentration of pollutants around the road is expected to be very high, we did not detect elevated levels of heavy metals. This fact can be explained by the current road repairs and widening, agricultural activities on marginal lands and wind blows in mountainous regions which leads to the dispersion of the soil pollutants.
Sahar Rostami, Farhad Darvishi Se Talani,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, the development of green entrepreneurship plays an important role in sustainable employment, reducing environmental issues, economic development, and moving towards sustainable development. Thus, the present study has been carried out aiming to identify and analyze the factors facilitating the green entrepreneurship process in the field of urban waste using a mixed (quantitative-qualitative) method.
Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out with a mixed approach (exploration projects). For this purpose, using theoretical sampling logic, 14 experts were selected by snowball technique and the required data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews to achieve theoretical saturation. In the quantitative section, data were collected through interaction questionnaires handed out to 26 experts who were selected through purposive sampling, and the integrated DEMATEL-ISM technique was employed to build a regular hierarchical structure.
Results: Layer-by-layer model was displayed in 4 levels using DEMATEL-ISM technique. The first layer consists of improving laws and regulations and designing a suitable landscape as the most infrastructural, the second layer includes improving infrastructure issues, expanding supportive issues, culturalization and increasing public awareness, the third layer includes exploiting the potentials of the region and attracting private sector participation, and the fourth layer comprises of entrepreneurial management.
Conclusion: The results show that the first step in creating a facilitator environment for green entrepreneurship process in the field of urban waste is to improve the macro structures that should be facilitated mainly by the central government, the second step is related to the proper infrastructure and preparation of public space governing the society. In the third step, it was found that the development and utilization of the region’s potential increases its operational effectiveness. Finally, with entrepreneurial management, all activities that occurred at previous levels can be used effectively.
Mohammad Reza Jalali Sarvestani, Zohreh Doroudi ,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Cadmium is a potential environmental contaminant that causes adverse effects on the environment and the health of living organisms. Therefore, designing a simple and economic technique for its determination is very important. In this respect, a potentiometric sensor based on nefazodone as the ionophore and [BMIM]PF6 as the ionic additive were developed for the determination of ultra-trace amounts of cadmium (II),.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a new membrane ion selective electrode was constructed with a composition entailed of 10% nefazodone, 2% [BMIM]PF6, 30% PVC and 58% dioctyl phthalate (DOP).The created potential discrepancy between the membrane and reference electrodes was used as a signal which demonstrates a direct relationship with the logarithmic concentration of cadmium (II) for its determination.
Results: The constructed sensor showed an appropriate Nernstian slope (30.5 mV. Decade-1) in a wide concentration range (1×10-9 - 8×10-2 M) with the detection limit of 6×10-9 M. The electrode potential was pH-independent in the range of 3.5-8.0. The response time and lifetime of the electrode obtained 5 s and 15 weeks, respectively.
Conclusion: The constructed sensor independent of sample preparation was employed successively for the measurement of low concentrations of cadmium (II) in the environmental samples .Moreover, the obtained findings were in a good agreement with the results of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therefore, the designed electrode established pinpoint accuracy and it can be used for the determination of cadmium (II) in aqueous samples.
Houshang Ghamarnia, Meisam Palash, Zoleikha Palash,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Increasing the productivity of surface water, the unsustainable development of agriculture in the boundaries of rivers, and human sewage have reduced the quality of these water resources. Therefore, investigating the amount of pollution and its sources is very necessary for regional planning. This study aimed to evaluate the water quality of the Golin River using WQI and Liou indexes.
Materials and Methods: Sampling of Golin river water was performed to check water quality based on (WQI) and (Liou) indices in Najjar village station for one year from April 2019 to March 2020.
Results: Water quality, according to the Liou index, during the research period in the sampling station in September and March, was in a good category and other months were slightly polluted. According to the results of the WQI index, water quality in September and March were in the excellent descriptive category, with values of 47.82 and 49.74, respectively, but in other months it was in a good category. In September and March, water quality improved compared to other months because of lower BOD5 due to reduced agricultural activities, and both indicators showed these quality changes well.
Conclusion: Due to the lack of stable conditions in water quality affected by seasonal changes and its departure from the category of high-quality water according to the results of the WQI index and also a little water pollution according to the Liou index, the direct use of Golin River water for drinking purposes is recommended and for this purpose, regular purification should be done and accurate and continuous evaluations of water quality in Golin River are necessary.
Behnaz Abdollahinejad, Hasan Pasalari, Mahdi Farzadkia,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify and comprehensively evaluate international studies related to bioaugmentation and biostimulation methods for the remediation of soils contaminated with petroleum compounds.
Materials and Methods: This systematic review study was conducted in April 2022. The present systematic review study was conducted to address two main questions: 1) Is biostimulation an effective process in the bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons; and 2) Is bioaugmentation an effective process for bioremediation of soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons? Global electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were used to identify relevant studies. After a comprehensive review of studies, 123 studies consistent with the purpose were selected.
Results: The results showed that biostimulation methods can have profound changes in bacterial, Archaebacteria, and soil fungal communities in terms of activity, frequency, and composition. In general, the nutrients and electron receptors added in the biostimulation process improve soil microbial activity, increasing the overall abundance of bacteria, and fungi and promoting selective replication of bacterial, archival, and fungal polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PHC) destroyers. The use of bioaugmentation technology in an environment contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons has a positive effect on the refining process. However, it is necessary to precisely select the appropriate microbial strains. The most important factor in the removal of hydrocarbons in the soil is the selection of oil-decomposing microorganisms that can survive in high concentrations of pollutants.
Conclusion: Therefore, the result indicated that biostimulation and bioaugmentation can efficiently improve the THP removal efficiency in contaminated soil by considering the environmental conditions.
Qasim Jalal Smian, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Atefeh Chamani,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, individuals spend a lot of time indoors; thus they are exposed to hazardous compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with teratogen, mutagen, and carcinogen potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to detect, and determine the content and source apportionment of PAHs in office building dust samples of Isfahan metropolis in 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 84 indoor dust samples were collected from 28 sampling sites. After extraction of analytes, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was used to determine PAHs content in the samples. Molecular diagnostic ratios (MDRs) were used to determine the origin of PAH compounds. Furthermore, all statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that 16 priority PAHs were detected in the office building dust samples with the minimum, maximum, and mean values (µg/kg) of 4575, 16589, and 9838. Moreover, based on the results obtained, the mean contents of NAPH, FLU, PHE, FULA, PYR, BaA, CHR, BbF, BkF, BaP, DahA, BghiP, and IcdP species were higher than the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) established by Iran DOE. The results of the MDRs method indicated that although PAHs originated from both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources, the pyrogenic sources had the main role in the pollution of office building dusts with PAHs.
Conclusion: Due to risks arising from exposure to PAHs, detection, determination of contents, source identification, and especially health risk assessment of PAHs in indoor dust of other closed places such as commercial, educational, and recreational buildings as well as households is recommended.
Arezoo Yari, Ali Ardalan, Abbas Ostadtaghizadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Demographic characteristics are among the factors that can contribute to flood-related deaths. Investigating the relationship between these factors and flood-related deaths, as well as measuring their impact on the prevention, reduction, and elimination of such deaths, is essential.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a case-control study in all flood-affected areas of Iran that experienced flood-related deaths from 2002-2018. The sample size of the study was 369 (123 cases and 246 controls) from 12 provinces and 30 counties. The study measured the impact of demographic characteristics on flood-related deaths using a valid and reliable tool.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that individuals under the age of 15 face a 31.974 times higher risk of flood-related death compared to individuals over 65. The young population, specifically those aged 15 to 29 in Iran, have a 1.475 times higher risk. Drivers face a 13.874 times higher risk, while individuals involved in agriculture, shepherding, and livestock farming have a 0.947 times higher risk compared to homeowners.
Conclusion: Among the demographic characteristics, children, young adults, and engaging in certain high-risk occupations such as driving or agriculture increase the risk of flood-related deaths. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize protection, education, and vulnerability reduction measures for these individuals, especially in flood-prone areas.
Mohammadali Zazouli, Samaneh Dehghan, Mahdieh Mohammadi Alashti, Afsaneh Fendereski, Reza Dehbandi,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the main limitations of using compost is the possibility of heavy metals with high concentrations. Unlike organic contaminants, these elements resist decomposition by microorganisms and, when present at elevated levels, pose a toxicity risk to soil, plants, aquatic ecosystems, and human health.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in 2021-2022w. Samples were collected from three compost factories in Mazandaran (Babol, Behshahr, and Tonekabon) using random sampling methods and prepared according to the acid digestion method (National Standard Institute 5615). The concentration of heavy metals in the samples was measured using an ICP-OES.
Results: The average concentration of arsenic, zinc, lead, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, and nickel in the analyzed samples were 1.38±3.47, 490±151.5, 74±12, 2.56±0.65, 4.5±1.46, 31.72±16.47, 186.11±49.9, 22.72±4.2 mg/kg dry weight of compost, respectively. The average concentration of heavy metals in different cities was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, based on which the concentration of heavy metals in none of the cities was significantly different from each other (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The concentration of heavy metals in the investigated compost samples was lower than the limits specified in both domestic and international standards. Therefore, the final product of the examined compost factories meets the health standards for heavy metals and is safe for use in environmental applications.
Yadollah Yousefzadeh, Vida Izadkhah, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Bahareh Lorestani, Sedigheh Alavinia,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Antibiotics as emerging pollutants are harmful to environmental health. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of Uio-66-NH2@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid for the removal of amoxicillin (AMX) from aqueous solutions.
Materials and Methods: In this study, for the first time, guanidine and isocyanate monomers are cross-linked with chitosan. The combination of this polymer with organometallic compounds contributes to its chemical/thermal stability and reusability. Uio-66-NH2@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and BET methods. Also, the effects of pH, initial concentration of AMX, contact time, and temperature were evaluated. Moreover, isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamics studies were performed.
Results: The results of TGA analysis showed that Uio-66-NH2@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid was resistant to temperatures up to 400 °C. Also, optimal adsorption of AMX occurred in the first 25 min. The synthesized nanohybrid has a surface area of 101.2 m2/g and a type IV isotherm. Acidic groups were present on the synthesized nanohybrid surface based on the pHpzc = 4.7. Langmuir (for 25 °C and 45 °C) and Freundlich (for 65 °C) isotherm models and pseudo-second-order kinetic models are more appropriate to fit the adsorption data with the experimental data. The maximum adsorption capacity of the synthesized nanohybrid was equal to 56.49, 40.65, and 0.382 mg/g at temperatures of 25°C, 45°C, and 65°C, respectively. Based on the findings, Uio-66-NH2@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid could be used for up to five cycles without significantly reducing their performance.
Conclusion: The results showed that Uio-66-NH2@CS-Iso-Gu nanohybrid has a significant efficiency for removing AMX and could be used as an effective adsorbent for the treatment of wastewater containing pharmaceutical residues.
