Iranian Journal of

Background and Objective: Due to the water shortages and the presence of industrial pollutants in water resources, wastewater treatment, especially colored wastewater, is essential. The aim of this study was to treat wastewater containing Methylene Blue dye using activated carbon nanocomposite/zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO/AC) obtained from canola oil waste by green method.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, the effect of different parameters (pH, Methylene Blue concentration, adsorbent amount, temperature and contact time) on the adsorption of Methylene Blue was investigated. Design of Experiment 7 software (Response Surface Method (RSM)) was used to evaluate the influence of various parameters on Methylene Blue removal.
Results: The results of the predicted experiments showed that the highest adsorption of Methylene Blue is at pH = 10, temperature 70 °C, contact time of 50 min, initial adsorption concentration of 10 mg/ L and adsorbent amount of 0.05 g. Under optimal conditions, ZnO/AC adsorbent was able to remove 98.22% of Methylene Blue from the aqueous medium.
Conclusion: Appropriate to the high potential of ZnO/AC nanocomposite in the removal of Methylene Blue pigment, it can be a good candidate for the removal of dye contaminants and wastewater treatment of textile factories.

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical and microbial quality of bottled water in Iran and to calculate the water quality index (WQI).
Materials and Methods: Different brands of bottled water (4 samples from 71 brands) were randomly collected from the market. Chemical and microbial characteristics of the samples were examined and determined. Finally, the calculations related to the WQI index were performed and the water samples were classified as excellent, good, poor, very poor and unsuitable.
Results: None of the samples exhibited concentration of heavy metals beyond Iranian water standards, and the concentration of sulfate (SO₄), chloride (Cl) and fluoride (F) did not exceed international standards. However, in some samples, nitrite (NO₂) and nitrate (NO₃) concentrations were higher than recommended standards. With Regard to other water quality parameters, 8% to 89% of the samples exhibited concentration higher than the values provided on the water bottle label. 5 species of different bacteria were found in 15 water samples. According to the WQI index, about 63% of the samples were of excellent quality. Also, the water quality of 34% and 3% of the samples fell in good and poor quality categories, respectively. None of the bottled water samples was of very poor quality.
Conclusion: The quality of bottled water investigated in this study was generally suitable, but due to the wide range of bottled water in Iran based on brand and seasons, continuous evaluation of water treatment methods in companies and careful monitoring of chemical and microbial quality of bottled water in all seasons is recommended.

Background and Objective: Indoor air pollution in hospitals could be a serious health threat to the patients, medical staff, and visitors. In previous studies, the importance of paying attention to air quality during the Coronavirus pandemic has been proven. In this study, the effect of visiters' presence under normal conditions and the imposition of hospital restrictions at the time of pandemic on air quality and environmental parameters in a hospital has been evaluated.
Materials and Methods: Air sampling was carried out in Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan in two periods, September 2019 (morning and visiting hours) and during the pandemic in October 2020. All wards inside and the outside of the hospital were examined for air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, CO₂) and environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, and sound levels).
Results: The results of this study showed that except for the sound levels, other pollutants are at an acceptable level. Particulate matter of different sizes in the air of the hospital has a correlation, often with an external source, and has been imported through construction activitie;. However, nitrogen dioxide concentration is dependent on urban traffic. Visiting hours are associated with an increase in the concentration of particulate matter and the sound levels. The pandemic had a positive effect in some wards, on some parameters and often improved the air quality due to the imposing strict health protocols.
Conclusion: This study showed that natural ventilation has a direct effect on the air quality inside of the hospital. It is also suggested that in wards where patients are sensitive or in the need of intensive care, restrictions on commuting and visitation be applied.

Background and Objective: The present research has been performed to investigate the opportunities and challenges facing the Iran’s renewable energies development to reduce climate change and improve health and represent managerial solutions in power generation sector by SWOT-AHP analysis models.
Materials and Methods: Using literature reviews and survey, the SWOT was applied to identify internal factors includeding strengths (S), and weaknesses (W), and external factors includeding opportunities (O), and threats (T). The strategies were drived to develop renewable energy in Iran. The proposal strategies were ranked by using the SWOT matrix and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model.
Results: According to the SWOT matrix calculations, total scores of internal and external factors were found as  4.1 and 4.4 of 5, respectively, which show high potentials of internal factors and opportunities. The most importannt factor of strengths (S) was found to be the great potentials of solar energy sources in Iran. The main priority of opportunities (O) is supportive laws to encourage the private sector. The most important weakness (W) was lack of comprehensive knowledge of managers and politicians about the benefits of renewable energy. The main threats (T) were low tendency of private invests, unpredictable inflation in Iran, and low prices for fossil fuels.
Conclusion: The results of this research represent in four categories of SO, ST, WT, WO strategies. The important SO strategy is increasing guaranteed electricity purchase tariffs (GEPTs), and creating the renewable energy market. The most important strategies of ST were establishment of the renewable energy fund and assessment of exporting electricity by the private sector. The most dominant strategy of WT was modifying guaranteed electricity purchase contracts. The strategies of WO were found to be as following; convincing government agencies to provide the necessary infrastructure and support for knowledge-based companies. 
 

Background and Objective: Outsourcing services to the private sector can be a step towards achieving the goals of community health promotion, job creation, better access to health services, and improving the quality of health services. In this regard, health service offices were established in Tehran to improve the health status of food preparation, distribution and sale centers and increase food safety based on government approval. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of health services offices on environmental health indicators. 
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, nine health service offices supervised by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (located in South Tehran Health Center, Eslamshahr city, and Shahr-e Rey) were surveyed. Seven environmental health indicators measured in the years before the establishment of these Health Service Offices (2015-2017) were compared with those obtained after their establishment (2018-2019). The indicators data were analyzed using Excel, SPSS software, and statistical tests.
Results: The result showed no significant difference in public places and centers for food preparation and distribution offenders, public places with health criteria, percentage of employees with a health training certificate, health care, and percentage of inspection coverage before and after establishment of health service offices (p >0.05). However, the relationship between the food preparation indicators and distribution centers with health criteria and public places and closed food preparation and distribution centers were significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: This study is one of the first researches conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of health services offices on health-safety indicators in Iran. Therefore, more comprehensive monitoring and studies should be done to evaluate these offices' performance quality and their related cost-benefit analysis.
 

Background and Objective: barbershops are one of the most important public places for beauty activities, which requires attention to health issues (personal and environmental), and non-compliance with health standards and procedures can be a threat to public health. The level of awareness and performance of employees can affect the management of waste production. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge of personnel about waste production and performance in southern Tehran in 2021.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Tehran with a statistical sample of 330 places. In this study, a questionnaire was used which comprised of three sections; demographic information, the level of awareness and performance of personnel, and the information was completed after interviews with hairdressers. Data were analyzed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient, one-sample t-test, and Mann-Whitney using SPSS software (IBM-v.26).
Results: The average scores of awareness and performance of individuals in waste management were 43.18 and 48.27, respectively, and based on the results of qualitative analysis, the scores of awareness and optimal performance of individuals in waste management were 53.6% and 72%, respectively. Also, 46.6% and 28% of the participants obtained unfavorable scores on knowledge and practice in waste management, respectively. People's knowledge about the management of waste produced in hairdressers had a significant relationship with gender, history of health education, history of health crimes, education and performance of people about the management of waste produced in hairdressers with gender and history of health education. There was no significant relationship between knowledge and practice with other variables.
Conclusion: Barbershop is a place where paying attention to environmental health is effective in promoting community health and disease control. Ignoring this issue can lead to the spread of various diseases. In general, the results of this study showed that the level of awareness is effective in the performance of barbers regarding the management of waste production. Additionally, health education was known effective in the level of awareness and performance of hairdressers in this field, so the improtant roles of these variables should taken into consideration. 
 

Background and Objective: With the expansion of urbanization and the development of industry, environmental pollution, including sources of drinking water to heavy metals, has become a global problem. Therefore, the present study was conducted to measure the concentration of lead and cadmium in the water of Gorgan distribution network.
Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study in which the concentrations of heavy metals lead and cadmium were measured in 25 different stations of the Gorgan drinking water distribution network from April to September 2018 by atomic absorption device. Statistical analysis was used from SPSS ver 22 software. Also, zoning maps based on the concentration of these two metals were prepared by Geographic Information System (GIS) software.
Results: The results of measuring the lead and cadmium concentration showed that all measured values are less than national and international standards. In general, the average concentrations of lead and cadmium were 4.38 and 0.1 μg/L, respectively. The results of Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there was a significant difference (p <0.01) between the concentrations obtained from lead metal in different months. Additionally, the distribution map of this lead and cadmium exhibited that in the central areas and some border areas, the concentration of these two metals is higher.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results, it can be seen that the concentration of heavy metals lead and cadmium in the water of Gorgan distribution network is within the permitted standards.
 

Background and Objective: Today, oil and gas industries are important resources for obtaining energy and income. During the production of oil and gas, very complex compounds that include organic and inorganic substances, petroleum hydrocarbons and aromatic and aliphatic compounds are transferred to the environment. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes, which are called BTEX for short, are very important monoaromatic pollutants. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of exposure to BTEX on some clinical factors of the exposed people in the oil warehouse and office workers in Kermanshah National Oil Products Distribution Company.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. The samples of this study include the personnel working in the oil warehouse and the office staff of the National Oil Products Distribution Company in Kermanshah. After completing the demographic information of the participants in terms of the inclusion criteria and after collecting the results of the physiological tests of the employees, SPSS19 software was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The results of the present study showed that the spirometric indices decreased in the workers exposed to BTEX compounds, but it was not statistically significant. Also, the number of red blood cells (6.73%) was significantly lower in non-administrative employees, as well as red white blood cells (6.61%), SGOT (10.14%) and SGPT (5.09%) in non-administrative employees. It has been more.
Conclusion: The number of platelets was higher in office workers. Considering the dangers of BTEX pollution for human health, it is recommended to use preventive measures such as using a special mask and a shift work system.
 

Background and Objective: Heavy metals in water can pose risks to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and measure metals to ensure the health of consumers.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to measure heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc, and mercury in water resources and urban water distribution networks in spring and summer of 2021 in Maragheh city. Accordingly, 25 samples were taken to investigate the presence of heavy metals. The presence of these metals in water sources was investigated using qualitative maps and finally, by evaluating the health risk caused by the presence of these metals, their effect on the health of consumers has been studied.
Results: Examining the concentration of metals in water resources upstream of the dam shows a relatively high concentration of metals, especially arsenic (13.2 µg/L). Despite this, the amount of arsenic after the water treatment plant and in the distribution network is reduced to an insignificant level. On the other hand, the results show that the amount of zinc metal in the network is higher than in the reservoir of the dam, and its concentration in the dam is equal to zero and in the network, it reaches the highest value of 578 µg/L. Finally, the health risk assessment shows that the calculated THI values for all samples vary between 0.01 and 0.99.
Conclusion: Based on the calculated health risk, there is no threat to the health of consumers regarding heavy metals in Maragheh drinking water. Also, these results double the necessity of additional studies regarding the leakage of zinc metal from the pipes and accessories of the city's drinking water distribution network in the future.
 

Background and Objective: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide. Cadmium is one of the most persistent and toxic heavy metals, exposure to which may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. This study aims to quantitatively summarize the available evidence for the relationship between cadmium exposure and the risk of breast cancer using a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Materials and Methods: In this research, observational studies that investigated the relationship between cadmium and breast cancer until May 2022 and were published in international databases were searched and retrieved. To determine the heterogeneity, the statistical tests Chi² and I² were used, to determine the presence of publication bias Egger's and Begg's tests were used, and to detect the root of the heterogeneity, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were used.
Results: In this study, it was observed that compared to the base group, the relative risk of breast cancer in people exposed/exposed to a dose higher than the base level of cadmium is equal to 1.10 (95% CI: 1.06-1.14; p ≤ 0.001), therefore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between exposure to cadmium or exposure to levels exceeding the baseline and developing breast cancer. In investigating the possibility of publication bias, the result of Egger's test was equal to (p ≥ 0.001), and the result of Bagg's test was equal to (p = 0.099).
Conclusion: According to the available evidence, exposure to cadmium leads to an increase in the risk of breast cancer, and this increase in risk is statistically significant.
 

Background and Objective: Due to the importance of managing medical sharps waste and the potential harm caused by these types of waste, the use of safe technologies that simultaneously encapsulate and reduce their volume is considered one of the essential needs for managing medical waste in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The main objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of disinfecting and encapsulating device for medical sharps waste.
Materials and Methods: This device provides the process of containment and encapsulation of medical sharps waste by creating a stable protective foam without oxidation through inductive heat in a closed environment, preventing the dispersion and release of these wastes. Gas samples from the device's output were collected using the NIOSH 1501 method and analyzed using GC-MS. The performance efficiency of the device was evaluated based on the biological monitoring of the indicator bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus.
Results: The results showed that the average concentration of BTEX gases (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and other volatile organic compounds in the device's output was within the permissible limit. The concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene gases were 0.04, 0.033, 0.029, and 0.029 ppm, respectively. The results of biological monitoring showed that the reduction of the microbial load was 9999.99 (Log 6) and the decontamination process was acceptable.
Additionally, this device has the advantage of reducing the volume of sharp and plastic objects during the encapsulation process, which can be further used in plastic pyrolysis/recycling industries.
Conclusion: It is hoped that by using this innovative and domestic device in the decontamination units of hospitals across the country, we can take an effective step towards improving medical waste management, reducing waste production, reducing hospital costs, and preserving and enhancing the country's health.
 

Background and Objective: Smoking is one of the biggest public health problems in the world, which can increase the overall burden of disease in the world. Since understanding the factors related to smoking among medical students is considered an important and necessary factor for formulating and explaining educational intervention programs, therefore, this study was conducted determine the prevalence of smoking among students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences and the factors related to it.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 681 students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences in the first semester of 2018 by simple random sampling. Smoking in individuals, family, close friends, and other demographic characteristics was measured using a questionnaire with good reliability and multiple logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The average age of the participants in this study (313 male and 368 female students) was 25 ±4.2 years old. The prevalence of smoking among students was 9.4% (16.7% in boys and 3.35% in girls). Also, smoking had a significant relationship with the desire to smoke, living in a dormitory, having close friends who smoke, and family members with a history of smoking (p<0.05).
Conclusion: The academic drop of students who smoke is significantly higher than other students. Since this study has shown the factors related to smoking in students, the use of these findings can be a basis for the prevention of smoking and the development of preventive interventions.
 

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.
 

Background and Objective: The challenge of fostering healthier societies begins with considering the environment and promoting collective acceptance of environmentally friendly behaviors. Consumer choices regarding the environment impact the health and quality of life for current and future generations. Therefore, it is essential for academics and marketers to understand the concept and characteristics of green consumers. Consequently, the aim of the current research is to identify factors influencing consumers' attitudes toward environmentally friendly products, while also considering the moderating role of green innovation.
Materials and Methods: This study is applied in terms of purpose, descriptive and survey method. The statistical population comprises all consumers of green products in Shahin Dezh city. A sample size of 208 individuals was determined using Cochran's formula selected through simple random sampling. A standard questionnaire was used to collect information. To analyze the research data, structural equation modeling software Lisrel and Smart-Pls3 were used.
Results: The research findings indicated that environmental attitude (significance coefficient of 5.20), health consciousness (significance coefficient of 4.07), and environmental knowledge (significance coefficient of 3.30) positively influence consumers' attitude toward green products. Additionally, the study recognized and confirmed the significance of the green innovation variable as an important moderating factor in this relationship.
These relationships are statistically significant. Additionally, the study recognizes and confirms the green innovation variable as an important moderating variable in this relationship.
Conclusion: Our findings offer valuable insights for tailoring educational strategies targeted at diverse consumer groups to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly products. By fostering such consumer behavior, we aim to contribute to the creation of a healthier environment for both present and future generations.

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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 (PM_2.5). 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.