Showing 25 results for Karimi
Mohammadali Ghorbani, Leila Naghipour, Vahid Karimi, Reza Farhoudi,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Weather pollution, caused by Ozone (O3) in metropolitans, is one of the major components of pollutants, which damage the environment and hurt all living organisms. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a model for the estimation of O3 concentration in Tabriz at two pollution monitoring stations: Abresan and Rastekuche.
Materials and Methods: In this research, Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to consider the impact of the meteorological and weather pollution parameters upon O3 concentration, and weight matrix of ANNs with Garson equation were used for sensitivity analysis of the input parameters to ANNs.
Results: The results indicate that the O3 concentration is simultaneously affected by the meteorological and the weather pollution parameters. Among the meteorological parameters used by ANNs, maximum temperature and among the air pollution parameters, carbon monoxide had the maximum effect.
Conclusion: The results are representative of the acceptable performance of ANNs to predict O3 concentration. In addition, the parameters used in the modeling process could assess variations of the ozone concentration at the investigated stations.
Afsaneh Alinezhadian, Ahmad Karimi, Jahangard Mohammadi, Farzaneh Nikookhah, Mathias Niuman. Anderson,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In arid and semi-arid regions, wastewater reuse has become an important element in agriculture. However, irrigation with this resource can be either beneficial or harmful, depending on the wastewater characteristics. The aim of this research was to investigate the soil bacterial and crops quality irrigated with treated wastewater.
Material and Methods: This research was conducted on a maize field near the wastewater treatment plant in Shahr-e-kord in summer,2011. Plots were arranged in a randomized complete block design in 3 replications and 2 treatments, well water (W1) with fertilizer and effluent (W2).
Results: At the end of growth season, soil samples were collected from depth of 0-5 and 5-15 cm and plant samples consisting of old and new leaves and seeds were collected for bacteriological analysis. According to bacteriological analysis, total number of positive lactose bacteria, total and fecal coliforms in depth of 0-5 cm was 42% more than depth of 5-15 cm. In the case of old leaves, total number of coliform and fecal coliform was 88 and 40 MPN/100 mL respectively. Moreover, for new leaves, it was 38 and 2 MPN/100 ml respectively.
Conclusion: According the results, number of indicator bacteria in soil is decreased (about 35%) by passing time.
Behrooz Karimi, Mohamad Sadeg Rajaie, Mohamad Javad Ghanadzadeh, Masome Mashayekhi,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: Nowadays, global concerns about nitrate in groundwater and its adverse impact on health have increased. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of nitrate reduction from aqueous solution through modified Fenton process using Nano scale zero-valent iron. Material and Methods: This research was an experimental study and performed at laboratory scale. Nitrate reduction was conducted by advanced oxidation process of Fe°/FeІІ/FeШ/H2O2 at pH 2-10, contact time 10-90 min, nitrate concentrations of 50-300 mg/L, and the molar ratio of [H2O2]/[Fe] 0.5-5. The effect of adding H2O2, molar ratio of reagents, contact time, and pH on nitrate removal was examined and optimal conditions for each of these parameters were determined. Spectrophotometer Dr/5000 was used to measure nitrate in the effluent. Results: We found that the optimal parameters in our studywere pH 3, the molar ratio [H2O2]/[Fe°] of 0.5, and the contact time 15 min. By applying these conditions, nitrate removal efficiency at the retention time 15 min, initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/L, iron concentration of 10 mg/L, and pH 4 for FeШ، FeІІ، Fe°، FeІІ/Fe°/H2O2 and FeШ/Fe°/H2O2 was 10.5, 27.6, 36.5, 62.3, and 74% respectively. Conclusion: According to the experimental results, it was determined that modified Fenton process using zero iron nano-particles can reduce nitrate under optimal conditions and this method can be used for the removal of similar compounds.
Amir Hossein Javid, Seyed Ahmad Mirbagheri, Arezoo Karimian,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dez dam located on Karun River is one of the largest Iranian dams. In a field study, EC, NO3, NH4, PO4, turbidity, TS, alkalinity, coli, temperature, chlorophyll a, DO, BOD5, and Secchi disk (at depths of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50 m)were measured at five sampling points during 2011-2012 water year. Materials and Methods: Water Quality Index and TSI were calculated for all sampling points and quality zonation was conducted in GIS. Results: It was found that the best water quality index for reservoir water is at second sampling point with amount of 61 situated at the center of reservoir, and the worst index is at entering point to the reservoir with amount of 46 in April. The main reason of changes was turnover of thermal stratification. Conclusion: The laboratory analysis and assessing the quality indices revealed that the Dez reservoir water is suitable for variety of public uses, however, it needs advanced treatment for drinking purpose. Moreover, in the case of continuity of pollutant entrance into the reservoir, the eutrophication risk would threaten the reservoir water quality. Eutrophication occurrence will cause serious limitations in water use applicability, increase turbidity, produce toxic materials, and increase sedimentation regime.
Leila Karimi Takanlu, Mahdi Farzadkia, Amir Hossein Mahvi, Ali Esrafily, Masoumeh Golshan,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cadmium can enter water resources through the industrial wastewater. It could cause intensivly damages to the liver and kidney of humans. Magnetic iron nanoparticles are used to control and eliminate heavy metals from industrial effluents through the mechanisms of adsorption, ion exchange and electrostatic forces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles for adsorption of cadmium. Methods: The magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method through the addition of bivalent and trivalent iron chloride under alkaline conditions. Characteristics of nanoparticles including particles structure, composition and size were determined using analytical devices such as XRD, SEM, and FT-IR. For optimization of adsorption process of cadmium, some parameters such as pH, contact time, initial concentration of cadmium, nanoparticles concentration, and temperature were studied under different conditions. Results: It was found that 95% of cadmium could be removedAt pH &ge 5.6, 10 mg/L initial cadmium concentration, a dose of 1 mg synthesized magnetite nanoparticles, 10 minutes contact time, and 200 rpm mixing rate at 25 °C. The isotherm of adsorption follows the Langmuir model (R2 < 0.995). Maximum capacity of cadmium adsorption was found to be 20.41 mg/g. Conclusion: Magnetite nanoparticles exhibit high capability for removal of cadmium. The nanoparticles synthesized could be used at industrial scale because of having the magnetic property, which make them easily recovered from aqueous solution through applying a magnetic field.
Masoumeh Golshan, Simin Nasseri, Mahdi Farzadkia, Ali Esrafili, Roshanak Rezaei Kalantary, Leila Karimi Takanlu,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The use of surfactants enhance the bioavailability of nonbiodegradable contaminants such as PAHs. Biosurfactants are more environmental friendly. In this study the ability of removing phenenthrene from soil by biosurfactant was assessed and compared with that of chemical surfactant. Materials and Methods: A soil sample free of any organic or microbial contamination was artificially spiked with phenanthrene at two concentrations. Then, mineral salt medium at constant concentration of chemical surfactant TritonX-100 and rhamnolipid MR01biosurfactant was added to it in order to have the proportion of 10% w:v (soil:water). A microbial consortium with a potential of phenanthrene biodegradation was inoculated to the soil slurry in two densities (OD=1 and 2) and then it was aerated on a shaker. After eight weeks, the residual concentration of phenanthrene in the soil was extracted by ultrasonic and was analyzed using HPLC. MPN test was used for measuring microbial population. This study was conducted based on the two level full factorial design of experiment. Results: It was found that chemical surfactant exhibited higher PHE removal efficiency than the biosurfactant. Using 120 mg/L of TritonX-100 and rhamnolipid, the PHE removal for the soil contaminated with 50 mg PHE/kg dry soil was 98.5 and 88.7% respectively, while the removal efficieny was decreased to 87 and 76% respectively for the soil contaminated with 300 mg PHE/kg. In the absence of surfactant, the removal efficiency at concentrations of 50 and 300 mg PHE/kg dry soil was achieved 60.76 and 51% respectively. The phenanthrene removal efficiency in OD=2 was more higher than OD=1. In the presence of rhamnolipid, the maximum microbial populations was observed in the second week, while it decreased in the presence of TritonX-100. Conclusion: Use of biosurfactants can be considered as a suitable option in low level pollutant sites. Chemical surfactants as ex-situ has achieved more satisfactory results in high level contaminant sites.
E. Karimi Pasandideh, R. Rezaei Kalantary, S. Nasseri, A. H. Mahvi, R. Nabizadeh, A. Esrafili,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of natural organic materials (NOM) in water resources affects its quality (i.e. color, odor, and taste). In addition, it leads to the fouling of filters and membranes and reduces water treatment efficiency during flocculation/ coagulation. Moreover, NOM reacts with disinfectants and produces byproducts (DBPs), which are harmful to human health. Magnetic nanoparticles have been reported as effective adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from the aqueous media. In this study, we applied SiO2coating on these nanoparticles in order to enhance their stability and dispersion in aqueous media and investigated their capability in NOM adsorption from water. Materials and Methods: Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation. Then, we added Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to the solution in order to coat it with SiO2 . The adsorbent characteristics were determined by SEM and XRD. Then, we carried out the adsorption experiments under different pH(3-12) and contact time (5-240 min)performance conditions. The adsorption kinetic was determined with respect to different Humic acid adsorption times. Later, we determined the effect of different concentrations of adsorbent on different concentrations of Humic acid, and Langmuir and Freundlich coefficients based on the optimum conditions. Results: The morphology investigation of adsorbent showed the average size of Fe3O4/SiO2nanoparticles was 30-130 nm. The pH value of 10.5 and the contact time of 90 min at room temperature were determined as optimum conditions for removal of humic acid using Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles. The maximum adsorption capacity of Fe3O4/SiO2 was192.30. The adsorption isotherm was fitted well by Langmuir model (R2>0.90) and the pseudo-second order model (R2>0.98) could better explain humic acid adsorption. Conclusion: Having high number of active surface sites, magnetic properties, easily separation using magnetic field, and its cost-effectiveness, the Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles could be used as an efficient adsorbent in removal of humic acid from water.
H Khorsandi, A Mohammadi, F Kariminejad, M Haghighi, R Alizadeh,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Entering LAS through the wastewater plant’s effluent to water resources causes taste and odor changes, aquatics death, oxygen transfer limitation, and disorders in water treatment processes. Therefore, the study objective was to determine optimum conditions for fenton oxidation process to remove linear alkyl benzene sulfonate from aqueous environments using taguchi method and its requirement evaluation for additional treatment of Biolac effluent. Materials &Methods: LAS removal using Fenton oxidation was evaluated in a 500 mL laboratory-scale batch reactor. In order to save the costs, to determine the optimum conditions of the Fenton oxidation, 25 runs were computed using Taghuchi method by Minitab 16 software. Sampling and required tests were performed based on standard methods examination for water and wastewater. For evaluation of Biolac process sufficiency in LAS removal, biolac efficiency in Urmia Wastewater Treatment Plant was studied in 2012. Results: Based on the LAS removal and chemicals required, Minitab software (Ver. 16) recommended the optimum conditions of Fenton oxidation at 900 mg/L H2O2, 170 mg/L Ferrous ion, pH of 4, and reaction time of 20 minutes. It was found that the Fenton oxidation for LAS removal had 86.5% efficiency under optimum condithions and it was second order reaction with the rate coefficient of 0.0152 L/mg.min. Biolac process does not need any additional treatment due to meeting LAS standard in municipal wastewater treatment. Thus, this process decreased annually mean LAS from 5.28 mg/L to 0.734 mg/L in municipal wastewater. Conclusion: Although the Fenton oxidation appears as a chemical process with high efficiency in the removal of LAS, the low efficiency of COD corresponding to the LAS indicated partial decomposition of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate by Fenton oxidation.
J Karimi, M Sadeghi, E Fadaie, M.h Mehdinejad,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Collection and disposal of waste has an important role in public health. Isolation and separation procedures at the origin is considered as one of the most important and least costly methods of isolation and separation of waste. This study was aimed to culture and educate those involved in recycling and waste reduction in the Kalaeh City using two educational methods. .
Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted in Kalaleh City. In the social and cultural context, Kalaleh was divided into six regions. Using cluster sampling, regions were selected randomly. In each area, 120 samples were used. The first group was face-to-face trained and the second group received training through the training package. Waste collection period was 60 days. After this time, the questionnaires were again filled up and the impact of teaching methods were investigated.
Results: Face-to-face training resulted in increasing waste separation from 70.8 (before training) to 95%. Whereas, this figure in the group receiving training package increased from 57.5 (before training) to 86.7%. Waste recycling rate was between 0.6 to 1 Kg per person per week. These wastes included paper, glass, plastic, and metal containers. On average, the waste recycled in face-to-face training group and training package group was 91 and 83 Kg per week.
Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and cooperation in waste separation increased after training in both groups. However, in the face-to-face training group, the knowledge and participation in waste separation was more compared with training package group. Continuous training and organizing waste separators could be helpful to re-use waste. It causes less pollution of the environment, reduce the transmission of diseases associated with non-systematic disposal of solid waste, reduce costs and increase awareness about the problems and issues of solid waste, and reduce the solid waste volume.
S Sadeghi Bajgiran, A.r Pourkhabbaz, M Hasanpour, M.h Sinka Karimi,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In recent years, anthropogenic and natural activities have caused high levels of metal contamination into the aquatic ecosystem. These pollutants can accumulate in the food chain. The present study examined the amount of metals such as nickel, zinc, and vanadium in the muscle tissue of Sander and Alosa because of their importance in the southeast of the Caspian Sea.
Method and materials: After bioassay, the samples of Sander and Alosa were prepared through acid digestion method and the amount of metals was measured using atomic absorption device (Scientific Equipment GBS).
Results: Statistical tests showed that there was no significant difference between the amount of zinc in two species of the Sander and Alosa (p>0.05) while the amount of nickel and vanadium in Alosa was significantly higher than Sander (P> 0.05). Statistical analysis of differences in the accumulation of metals in Sander was: Zn>Ni ~ V and of Alosa was Zn>Ni ~ V. There was a correlation between nickel and vanadium of Sander and between zinc and vanadium of Alosa (p>0.05). The amount of nickel metal in both species and vanadium in Alosa were higher than the WHO guideline. The maximum and minimum THQ for Alosa were vanadium (0.059) and zinc (0.017) respectively. Whereas, for Sander, these values were zinc (0.016) and vanadium (0.004) respectively. In general, the TQM measured in this study was <1, indicating no food risk in present consumption rate (21 g/day) of these fish.
Conclusion: Food risk assessment of case study species indicates that the consumption of Sander and Alosa with the current consumption rate causes no danger to consumers from the viewpoint of zinc, nickle, and vanadium.
H Tahsini, M Ahmadpour, Mh Sinkakarimi,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals as a main group of aquatic pollutants cause poisoning and concern in fish consumption. The aim of the present study was to assess cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentration in liver and muscle of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Additionally, the relationship between the heavy metals concentration with weight and length and the consumption risk of the species were assessed.
Materials and Methods: Thirty specimens of rainbow trout were obtained from a fish farming ponds that is located in Sanandaj City. After acidic digestion of the specimens, concentration of Cd and Pb were determined by using atomic adsorption spectrophotometer.
Results: The average concentration of Cd and Pb were 0.62 and 26.31 μg/g wet weight (ww) in liver and 0.16 and 23.65 μg/g ww in muscle, respectively. The amount of Pb was higher than the maximum acceptable level that is permitted by most international organizations. There was a significant correlation between Cd and Pb with length and total weight of liver. Also, a significant relationship was found between Cd and length and total weight of muscle (p < 0.01). The amount of THQ, Daily and weekly intake of Cd and Pb were lower than the allowable proposed dose. The maximum allowable consumption rate of Cd and Pb were 0.16 and 0.09 kg/day for adults and 0.01 and 0.002 kg/day for children, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the amount of Cd and Pb in the rainbow trout is safe to consume and does not threaten the health of consumer with current consumption rate.
Ma Zazouli, Z Karimi, R Rafiee,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: one of the major challenges in urban management in human societies is related to the collection, recycling and disposal of solid waste and sewage. Poor waste management causes pollution of water, soil and air. It will have a major impact on public health. The aim of present study was to investigate the current status and select the best options of management of municipal solid waste in Noor city (Mazandaran, Iran) using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.
Materials and Methods: This research considered with five scenarios: 1) Recycling, composting and unsanitary landfilling; 2) Recycling, composting and sanitary landfilling; 3) Recycling, incineration and sanitary landfilling; 4) Recycling, composting and anaerobic digestion, incineration, sanitary landfilling; 5) Recycling and unsanitary landfilling. The required data for life cycle assessment inventory were collected through reviewing resources, preparing of questionnaires, completing the questionnaire by staff, and field inspections.The life cycle inventory was approved by the IWM model.
Results: The scenario 5, which is the current situation in the region, had the highest environmental impact in terms of toxic emissions and ecological indicators among all the scenarios. Energy consumption in the scenarios 1 and 5 was higher than the unsanitary landfilling in comparison to the other scenarios. Accordingly, the scenarios 5 and 4 had the most and the least impact on methane gas production.
Conclusion: According to the ecological index, the fourth scenario including recycling, composting and anaerobic digestion, and sanitary landfilling was the best scenario. Fifth scenario with the highest pollution load was the worst scenario evaluated.
Iman Omidi, Hamed Forootan, Majid Mazhar, Hossein Mohammad Karimi Yazdi, Mohammad Mehdi Barjesteh,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: SO2 pollution has become a serious concern. The aim of this study is SO2 removal from JP-4 fuel combustion.
Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed by thermogravimetric analysis at different temperatures and various SO2 concentration. Kinetic study of non-catalytic gas-solid reaction was performed using mathematical modeling based on random pore model.
Results: The pore size distribution curve was obtained. The structural parameters of the random pore model were measured as r=1.92×10-5, ε0=0.64, S0=1.27×106 and ψ=3.81. Thermogravimetry diagram and conversion-time curves were extracted. Fractional reaction modeling is obtained based on gas reactant.
Conclusion: The obtained kinetic parameters can be used to design flue gas desulfurization systems at low temperatures.
Shahla Karimian, Sakine Shekoohiyan, Gholamreza Moussavi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Landfills as municipal solid waste are considered as the source of pollution. The present study aimed to assess the ecological risk of heavy metals in Tehran landfill soil and the adjacent residential area.
Materials and Methods: Having consulted with the specialists and considered the waste processing facilities, 12 sampling points were selected and sampled in four seasons. Soil samples were digested using HNO3: HClO4: HCl: HF. The levels of metals were measured using ICP-OES which further applied for the calculation of ecological risk. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson correlation coefficient analyses were run to determine the significant differences between metals concentrations in various seasons and sampling points.
Results: Metal concentration showed to follow theorder: Al > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu >Ni > Co > As > Cd. Kruskal-Wallis results and pairwise comparison showed a statistically significant difference between metal concentrations across sampling points and seasons, especially in rainy seasons. Pearson correlation coefficient displayed a strong relationship between the mean concentrations of Cu - Pb, Cu - Zn, and Pb - Zn with obtained values of 0.932, 0.874, and 0.883, respectively. Cu exhibited the highest contamination factor at the compost and fermentation sites (13.2 and 9.89, respectively). The geo-accumulation index proved the anthropogenic sources of pollution. The potential ecological risk index (ERI) for the sampling sites ranged from 67.3 to 154, with the order of Cd > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cr > Zn > Co > Mn.
Conclusion: Due to the obtained moderate to severe ecological risk and exceeded background concentrations of heavy metals, it can be concluded that metal changes and soil pollution are both affected by landfill activities.
Fariba Abbasi, Mohammad Reza Samaei, Mahrokh Jalili, Hosein Khodadadi, Ali Karimi,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal variation on the diversity of fungal airborne species in the composting process.
Materials and Methods: Samples were taken based on the 0800 NIOSH method at a height of 1.5 m above the ground during the waste separation, turning of windrow and stabilization of compost. Air samples were collected in two various seasons; summer (108 samples) and winter (108 samples) at the composting plant in Shiraz. The culture media consisted of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar with chloramphenicol for the selective isolation of fungi, which was further incubated at 37 and 45°C. The results were analyzed by a t-test method using MATLAB 2018.
Results: The highest mesophilic fungi density was related to the segregation process of composting. The variation of fungi observed was higher during summer throughout separation and stabilization process (p < 0.05). The predominant species were found to be Aspergillus flavus (4449.8 CFU/m3) (p < 0.05) and Paecilomyces (1850.9 CFU/m3) (p < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, the highest varieties of fungal species in the turning of windrow mass were observed during winter (p < 0.05) and the predominant species was yeast (420.6 CFU/m3). At all stages of composting, the varieties of thermophilic fungal species were higher during summer with the large number of Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucoral, and Paecilomyces.
Conclusion: The density and diversity of mesophilic fungi during summer was higher than winter. The concentration of Aspergillus, was beyond the guidelines set by the EPA, ACGIH, NIOSH and EU. Thus, the use of self-protection is essential.
Seyyed Reza Karimi, Nabiollah Mansouri, Lobat Taghavi, Mazaher Moeinaddini,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The city of Tehran is always exposed to adverse consequences due to the establishment of various sources of heavy metals. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the types of heavy metals in airborne particles and the origin of heavy metals in the 21st district of Tehran.
Materials and Methods: According to the EPA standard, 5 stations from District 21 of Tehran were selected for sampling. Using the ASTM D4096 method and using a high volume sampling pump, 50 samples of total airborne particles were collected. The samples were transferred to the laboratory and the concentration of heavy metals was measured by ICP-OES. The UNMIX source model was used to identify heavy metal sources.
Results: The average concentration of heavy metals in 1400 is a decreasing trend including Li according to the concentration of heavy metals in the air in the SPECIATE database, the role of light vehicle sources was 47 percent 34 percent on the street and 18 percent at the airport.
Conclusion: The source of light vehicles exhibited the highest share of emissions and the element aluminum showed the highest concentration among heavy metals in Region 21. Therefore, the UNMIX source model can correctly identify index elements and priority sources for contaminant control.
Saeed Karimi, Bahareh Rahimipour,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Waste management is a crucial aspect of sustainable city development due to the increasing population, urbanization expansion, and changes in consumption patterns. The purpose of this study is to identify the waste landfill in Bushehr city by considering the relationships between various criteria using the DANP (DEMATEL-ANP) method.
Materials and Methods: 17 criteria were identified to identify the suitable landfill. The weighting of these criteria was done by DANP integrated multi-criteria decision-making technique. The internal relationships of the criteria and the causal relationships between the criteria were also determined. Then, these weights were multiplied in the spatial layer of each of the criteria in the environment of geographic information systems.
Results: The most crucial criterion for selecting a suitable location for urban landfill is land use, followed by the criteria of distance from residential areas, tourist places, and the road. The study identified and evaluated five locations in Bushehr city as potential landfills based on these criteria. The eastern and southeastern parts of Bushehr city emerged as the most suitable locations for landfill among the evaluated sites.
Conclusion: The DANP model proves highly effective in identifying landfills and offers a framework for addressing issues related to waste landfill selection. This research can serve as a valuable guide for planning and locating waste landfills, providing a basis for addressing both theoretical and practical challenges associated with landfill management.
Kiandokht Ghanati, Amirali Aghamohammadi, Nader Akbari, Gazal Mirzaei, Mahsa Karimi-Sarzameleh, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Parisa Sadighara,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: A large amount of waste is generated from shrimp farming, primarily consisting of shrimp heads and shells. These wastes are often discharged into aquatic environments, where they act as pollutants and threaten the survival of other aquatic organisms. Therefore, reusing shrimp waste can help reduce water pollution and mitigate its environmental impact.
Material and Methods: In this study, carotenoids from shrimp waste were extracted using three methods: acidic, enzymatic, and alkaline. The amount of carotenoids was quantified for each extraction method. Their antioxidant effects on crude sunflower oil, in the presence of copper sulfate, were then evaluated using the TBARS assay. In this method, malondialdehyde levels are measured as an indicator of lipid oxidation. For this purpose, equal amounts of the extracted carotenoids were added to crude sunflower oil along with copper sulfate and placed on a shaker for 24 hours. Subsequently, the malondialdehyde content was measured.
Results: The highest carotenoid yield was obtained using the alkaline extraction method. In the TBARS assay, the alkaline method also demonstrated the greatest inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the presence of copper sulfate.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the alkaline method is a simple and cost-effective approach for extracting carotenoids from shrimp waste. These carotenoids are bioactive and valuable compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Behrooz Karimi, Maryam Shokarpour, Nazila Najdi, Katayoun Vakilian, Mohammad Javad Ghanadzadeh, Marjan Mahlouji,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, due to their bio-accumulative properties, pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health. This study investigated the association between exposure to these metals among pregnant women in Arak and adverse birth outcomes, including infant birth weight and growth status.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 235 pregnant women residing in Arak in 2024. Inclusion criteria were residence in Arak, age under 18 years, and absence of psychological or cognitive disorders; exclusion criteria included migration or leaving the city during the study period. Participants were evaluated at two intervals: the first and second halves of pregnancy. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and urinary concentrations of lead, cadmium, and mercury were measured. The effects of metal exposure on birth weight and growth status, including small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA), were assessed using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, education, and body mass index.
Results: The mean birth weight was 3,232.5 g; 10.64%of infants were classified as SGA, and 3.40%as LGA. The mean urinary concentrations of lead, mercury, and cadmium were 0.48±0.84 μg/L, 2.64 ±1.40 μg/L, and 0.36±0.80 μg/L, respectively. Cadmium exposure during both phases of pregnancy was associated with reduced birth weight, while lead showed negative effects during late pregnancy. In early pregnancy, lead (OR =1.026) and cadmium (OR = 1.044) were associated with an increased risk of SGA, whereas mercury (OR = 1.042) was associated with LGA.
Conclusion: Cadmium and lead exposure reduce birth weight and increase risks of SGA and LGA, highlighting the need to minimize maternal exposure to heavy metals.
Hiwa Karimi Darreh Abi, Sogand Jafari,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the main causes of cheese contamination with S.aureus is the use of unpasteurized milk. Improper cheese processing methods can also lead to contamination with this bacterium. Considering the significant role of S.aureus in foodborne intoxications and the World Health Organization’s recommendation for continuous surveillance of this bacterium, this cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of S.aureus in traditional sheep cheese from Chalous (Mazandaran Province, Iran).
Materials and Methods: A total of 45 samples of traditional sheep cheese were randomly collected from local dairy shops in Chalous. Initially, the samples were examined for contamination with S.aureus using culture-based methods. Finally, the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolates against nine different antibiotics were determined using the disk diffusion method.
Results: Among 45 collected samples of traditional sheep cheese, 17 samples (37.8%) were contaminated with S. aureus. Of the 18 isolates obtained from traditional Chalus cheese samples, the highest resistance was observed against penicillin (64.7%) and tetracycline (58.8%), whereas the lowest resistance was detected against gentamicin and erythromycin (23.5%). Moreover, the 17 isolates obtained from traditional sheep cheese samples exhibited simultaneous resistance to 2 to 8 antibiotics.
Conclusion: A high level of contamination with S.aureus in traditional sheep cheeses produced in Chalous (Mazandaran, Iran), was observed. Adherence to hygienic practices in dairy farms and the implementation of public health education can help prevent secondary contamination during cheese processing and reduce the widespread dissemination of this bacterium in traditional dairy products.
