Showing 34 results for Management
Fariba Ebrahimi Fini, Farzam Babaei Semiromi, Mohammad Reza Tabesh, Mahdi Jalili Ghazizade, Amir Hushang Heidari,
Volume 15, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The critical step of policymaking and planning for the local governments to select appropriate waste management methods, is comprehensive information on solid waste generation. Waste generation rate and composition may vary from year to year because many factors influence it. This research identified the most important factors influencing the future of household waste generation and composition in Tehran, and how these factors affect each other.
Materials and Methods: This research is based on future studies methods which are carried out using a combination of quantitative and qualitative models. Due to the nature of this research, structural analysis, Micmac software and Delphi survey were used.
Results: In this regard, after holding many meetings with 22 of the experts as the statistical population of the research, 14 effective factors were identified. The influential factors were then analyzed in the framework of the Cross-impact matrix in the Micmac software. The results showed that what can be understood from the state of the dispersion page of the variables indicated the system instability, with most of the variables dispersed around the diagonal axis of the screen.
Conclusion: Finally, considering the high scores received by direct and indirect influences, 10 key factors were identified. “Economic Growth”, “Digital Transformation and Technological Advances”, “Amendment of Existing laws, Enactment and Implementation of New and Specialized Laws”, and “Increased Awareness about waste and Attraction of Citizen Participation through Education and Provision of Information” were identified among these 10 factors as the driving forces influencing generation and composition, of household waste in Tehran in the Next Twenty Years.
Razieh Rahimi, Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh, Mohammad Sharif Sharifzadeh,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: many countries have currently put waste management as a priority on the agenda and are seeking to enhance its effectiveness by encouraging public participation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the willingness of rural residents to participate in waste management processes in Jajarm County, North Khorasan Province.
Materials and Methods: The survey research method was used. The target population consisted of 4031 households from 37 villages in Jajarm County. The dependent variable of willingness to participate in waste management was measured with 5 variables, including willingness to pay for waste disposal, willingness to use special containers, eagerness to separate waste at source, eagerness to deliver separated waste, and tendency to cooperate with rural development. The impact of independent variables on the five dependent variables was evaluated by running five logit functions.
Results: The results of the models showed that age, education, regular waste collection by village councils, cooperation with rural cooperatives and organizations, payment for waste collection, familiarity with waste management methods, health effects of waste, familiarity with the harmful effects of waste, communication with extension agents and rural health liaisons, participation in waste management training classes, and satisfaction with the village council have a positive and significant (p≤0.05) impact on the willingness to participate in waste management.
Conclusion: Providing educational programs and introducing the consequences of non-separation of waste on human health and the environment is effective in attracting the participation of people in waste management plans and should be prioritized in waste management programs.
Seyyed Shahram Naghibzadeh, Mazaher Moeinaddini, Mehdi Zafaranieh,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The economic evaluation is a tool for decision-making based on data that helps to select and prioritize waste management components and their implementation based on economic criteria. The purpose of this study was a comprehensive economic evaluation of the waste management components by life cycle costing assessment (LCC) , Net Present Value index (NPV), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
Materials and Methods: The cost of each waste management component, was calculated by LCC for one tonne of waste in. The efficiency of each waste management component was obtained using the NPV and IRR indicators.
Results: The results showed that recycling with 260%, and then composting with 40%, have the highest economic returns and the ability to return capital. The sensitivity analysis showed the profitability of these two processes despite the changes of ±30% in the influential calculation parameters.
Conclusion: In this study, comprehensive economic evaluation showed that using LCC, NPV, and IRR with their sensitivity analysis, simultaneity can have an important role in waste management decision-making.
Mohammad Fahiminia, Hossein Jafari Mansoorian, Akbar Eskandari, Amirhossein Karimpour Ardestani, Gharib Majidi, Samira Bahrami Valeh,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Waste management as an inevitable byproduct is one of the most critical environmental issues in any society. Its management is essential for preventing environmental pollution. The aim of this research is to examine the management of production waste in the Azadi Sports Complex.
Materials and Methods: This research is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and empirical study that utilizies questionnaires, field visits, weight analysis, sampling, and determination of the physicochemical characteristics of waste. The questionnaire includes questions about the production rate, source reduction, separation, recycling, collection, storage location, transportation outside the complex, and final disposal of waste.
Results: The amount of waste generated from the Azadi Sports Complex was 449.87±4.83kg/day, with the highest waste production observed from the Wrestling Federation (95.37 kg/day) and the lowest from the Kung Fu Federation (12.75 kg/day) and the clinic (12 kg/day). The results of the physicochemical characteristics indicated that the average moisture content was 47%. Combustible materials accounted for 67% with a high calorific value of 12807 kcal/kg, and the ash content was 42%. The dry and wet wastes were collected daily, mixed together, and stored together in an enclosed area.
Conclusion: The results showed that the waste separation, recycling, and storage practices in the Azadi Sports Complex are unsatisfactory. Additionally, there is no existing program for waste reduction at the source or recycling. Therefore, the establishment of a proper waste management system to mitigate the waste volumes in this complex is necessary.
Sadaf Moeini, Seyed Masoud Monavari, Fariba Zamani Hargolani,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (9-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The increase in waste at integrated urban waste centers, along with the problems and adverse environmental consequences due to their inappropriate establishment have become more apparent. This research was conducted with the aim of determining and investigating environmental pollution in urban waste integration management centers.
Materials and Methods: This research investigated the environmental pollutants in the integrated waste center in Koohak at various distances ranging from 0 to 900 meters. Four main criteria—waste, water pollution, air pollution and sound pollution—were determined, each with 16 sub-criteria. The map of each criterion and sub-criteria were multiplied by the coefficients they received from the weights obtained using the Analytical Network Process (ANP) method. By combining the criteria using the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method and superimposing them, finally, the studied area was ultimately classified into three classes: inappropriate, medium, and suitable.
Results: Air pollution, with a weight of 0.26, had the highest rating compared to the other three criteria. Noise pollution (0.25), water pollution (0.24) and waste-related criteria (0.23) were ranked next. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference in pollutant concentrations between different stations (p<0.05). Additionally, the results show that the average concentration of pollutants at distances of 0-300 meters differed significantly from those at all other distances (p<0.05). After determining the suitable zones using the WLC method, the results showed that 62.5 percent of the criteria were approved by the environmental organization.
Conclusion: By examining the results of the methods used in this research, it can be concluded that the combination of ANP and WLC methods provide effectivee results. However, uncertainty in subjective decisions and time constraints in decision-making have posed challenges in assessing waste collection in integrated urban waste centers.
Seyyed Shahram Naghibzadeh, Mazaher Moeinaddini, Mehdi Zafaranieh,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Identiying the most optimal solution has long been an significant challenge for waste management decision-makers. This study aims to develop a decision support system to identify optimal environmental and economic scenarios for waste management.
Materials and Methods: This study presents the development and application of a decision support system that estimates the environmental burden and cost of waste using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) tools. The system then identifies optimal environmental and economic scenarios for waste management through a linear programming model. Data from the Karaj waste management system were utilized to apply and validate the decision support system.
Results: The outputs of the linear programming model in this system included one scenario based on minimizing environmental impacts and two scenarios based on minimizing costs imposed on the Karaj waste management system (MSWS). In both the environmental and second economic scenarios, incineration contributed the most to waste management, whereas composting was the dominant method in the first economic scenario. Additionally, recycling the maximum possible amount of recyclable materials was a common feature in all three scenarios, due to its environmental and economic benefits.
Conclusion: The result of this study demonstrate that the current Decision Support System can provide optimal environmental and economic scenarios for waste management to the decision-makers in the field. This is achieved by considering the inherent differences in the types of waste produced, the technologies employed, and the processing costs associated with each waste management system.
Alireza Mesdaghinia, Kamran Bagheri Lankarani, Kazem Naddafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Mohammad Paeezi, Reza Saeedi,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The use of chemical pesticides is essential for integrated pest management; however, their improper application can lead to significant health and environmental consequences. This study aimed to develop an advocacy document for managing pesticide residues in agricultural products in the country, supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Materials and Methods: The study comprised the following steps: (1) formation of a committee to develop the advocacy document, (2) assessment of pesticide residue levels in agricultural products, (3) evaluation of the management of pesticide residues in the country, (4) drafting the advocacy document, and (5) proposing executive recommendations to improve the current situation.
Results: The systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that approximately 19% of agricultural products in the country exceeded the maximum residue level (MRL) set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a relatively high rate compared to other countries. While existing laws and regulations provided a clear framework for pesticide residue management and outlined stakeholder responsibilities, there was insufficient allocation of resources and support for policymakers, executives, beneficiaries, and the general public. The advocacy document identified stakeholder roles and defined five goals to enhance stakeholder engagement and foster intersectoral collaboration. The five key recommendations to improve the current situation were: (1) clarifying the current status of pesticide residue management, (2) setting quantitative goals for programs, (3) ensuring adequate budget and resource allocation, (4) leveraging expert opinions effectively, and (5) improving the performance of beneficiaries.
Conclusion: To ensure the implementation of these recommendations and achieve the goals outlined in this document, it is recommended to establish an advocacy committee on pesticide residue management in agricultural products. This committee should include representatives from all responsible organizations within the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education.
Fatemeh Zoormand, Ghasem Hassani, Narges Roustaei, Soheila Rezaei,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The rapid development of technology in recent decades has led to a significant increase in the consumption of electronic products, with global e-waste generation reaching approximately 2.5 million tons per year. However, there is limited local data on the amount of e-waste produced. This study aims to estimate the quantity and composition of valuable and hazardous components in e-waste generated by households and government offices in Abadeh Tashk.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to determine the number of 27 types of electrical and electronic equipment present in 200 households and 40 government offices in Abadeh Tashk city in 2022. The production of e-waste was then estimated using the consumption-and-use method, based on the average weight and lifespan of the equipment. Valuable components such as iron, copper, aluminum, plastic, silver, gold, tin, and zinc, along with hazardous components including cobalt, barium, arsenic, antimony, chromium, nickel, lead, and mercury, were identified and quantified.
Results: It was estimated that households generated 25 kg/year of e-waste per household, equivalent to 7.9 kg/year per capita. Government offices produced a total of 3.53 tons/year of e-waste. The total weight of valuable components was 574.85 kg for households and 24.41 kg for government offices, while the total weight of hazardous components was estimated at 25.99 kg and 1.07 kg, respectively. Iron and plastic accounted for more than 70% of the valuable components, while arsenic and lead constituted over 60% of the hazardous components in these wastes.
Conclusion: Considering the significant presence of valuable components in the e-waste of Abadeh Tashk city and the potential for their recycling, as well as the environmental and health risks posed by hazardous components, effective planning for e-waste management is essential. Such efforts could mitigate adverse effects on human health and the environment while promoting resource recovery.
Khadijeh Darabi, Navid Alinejad, Ghasem Hassani, Ahmad Badeenezhad,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Littered waste is one of the most common forms of pollution in urban environments, primarily caused by citizens’ behavior in waste disposal. This study aimed to investigate the density and composition of littered waste in Behbahan, Iran, in 2023 and assess the pollution status using a specific environmental index.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the density and composition of littered waste in Behbahan's urban environment using visual surveys. The findings on the density and composition of abandoned waste were interpreted using the Clean Environment Index, an environmental ranking method that assesses the severity of litter pollution.
Results: The study revealed that the density of littered waste in the surveyed areas ranged from 0.011/m² to 0.954/m². The average density of littered waste in commercial, residential, and recreational land uses was 0.809/m², 0.196/m², and 0.011/m², respectively. Cigarette butts were the most common type of litter, constituting 61% of the total waste on average. The Clean Environment Index values for the surveyed locations ranged from 0.39 to 32.56, indicating that 63.6% of the sites were categorized as clean or moderately polluted, while 36.3% were classified as extremely polluted.
Conclusion: Given the significant proportion of cigarette butts in the composition of littered waste in Behbahan and their impact on the pollution index, efficient management strategies for this type of waste are crucial. The finding that over one-third of the surveyed locations fell into the "extremely dirty" category highlights the need to enhance the efficiency of the urban cleaning system.
Abdolrahman Gharanjic, Ramazan Ali Dianati Tilaki, Samaneh Dehghan, Abutaleb Bay, Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Proper operation and maintenance of hospital waste sterilization devices are crucial for preventing the spread of infections and hazardous diseases, as well as for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aims to assess the operational and maintenance status of medical waste sterilization devices in public and private hospitals in Golestan Province.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 17 public and 6 private hospitals in Golestan Province, all of which were equipped with vacuum steam autoclaves (without shredders) for medical waste sterilization. Monthly microbiological sampling was performed by an accredited environmental laboratory. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and personal interviews, with results analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and central tendency measures.
Results: The overall microbial sterilization performance of the devices was 97.07%, indicating high efficacy in waste treatment. When comparing hospital types, public hospitals demonstrated a 96.93% satisfactory sterilization rate, while private hospitals performed slightly better at 97.22%. Regarding preventive maintenance, compliance was suboptimal, with public hospitals adhering to maintenance protocols 68.62% of the time, compared to 77.77% in private hospitals. Additionally, the sanitary conditions of sterilization device locations met required standards in 94.11% of public hospitals but only 69.05% of private hospitals, suggesting variability in facility upkeep.
Conclusion: To ensure device effectiveness and minimize risks in hospital waste management, implementing preventive maintenance programs and providing continuous staff training on proper device use are essential.
Farhad Khosravani, Enayat Abbasi, Shahla Choobchian,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although cultural and educational challenges contribute to the rising levels of food waste, public participation plays a crucial role in its fundamental management. This study aims to investigate the significance of citizen engagement and to develop a behavioral model for sustainable household food waste management in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This study adopts a quantitative research paradigm and was conducted using a survey method. The statistical population comprised 2,239,907 households in Tehran, from which a sample of 384 households was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, using a stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, the content and face validity of which were confirmed by a panel of professors in agricultural extension and education, as well as experts in waste management. The reliability of the questionnaire was supported by Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.78 to 0.92. Path analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software was employed to evaluate the predictive power of the independent variables on the dependent variable.
Results: According to the results of the path analysis and the R² statistic, the variables of citizens' intention toward sustainable food waste management, environmental attitude, environmental awareness and knowledge, place attachment, satisfaction, and social trust collectively explained 67% of the variance in citizens' participatory behavior related to sustainable food waste management.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that citizens' environmental awareness and attitudes play a significant role in their participation in sustainable food waste management. In other words, individuals with greater knowledge of the environmental consequences of food waste are more likely to adopt effective waste management practices. Therefore, the development and implementation of targeted educational programs aimed at enhancing public awareness and fostering positive environmental attitudes are essential. Such initiatives can significantly contribute to encouraging participatory behaviors in sustainable food waste management.
Ali Salimifard, Kamyar Yaghmaeian, Mina Aghaei, Nazanin Dastjerdi, Fazlollah Changani Khorasgani,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This descriptive-analytical study examined 21 years of data from Iran’s sugar industry. Waste production data were extracted from the Iranian Sugar Factories Association, and statistical analyses, including normality tests and Spearman correlation, were conducted using R software. Additionally, ArcGIS software was used to create a distribution map of active sugar beet industries in the country.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study analyzed 21 years of data from Iran’s sugar industry. Waste production data were obtained from the Iranian Sugar Factories Association. Statistical analyses, including normality testing and Spearman correlation, were performed using R software. In addition, ArcGIS software was used to generate a distribution map of active sugar beet industries across the country.
Results: The results indicated a positive correlation between sugar beet consumption and the production of sugar beet pulp and filter mud. The estimated production coefficients were 0.29 and 0.08 tons per ton of raw material, respectively.
Conclusion: Efficient management of these wastes allows for their beneficial use in animal feed, biogas production, and soil amendment. Developing comprehensive waste management strategies is essential to minimize environmental impacts and improve the overall efficiency of the sugar industry.
Sara Ghobadi, Farhad Khosravani, Zohreh Bahmani,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Managing municipal solid waste in megacities like Tehran, which generates approximately 8,500 tons of waste daily, presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Notably, biodegradable organic materials constitute an estimated 60–70% of this waste, necessitating effective management strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic viability of implementing rapid composting technology as an innovative approach to managing Tehran's organic waste.
Materials and Methods: A composting system with a daily processing capacity of 1,000 kilograms of organic waste was analyzed. Economic evaluation employed cost-benefit analysis, calculating financial indicators such as Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Payback Period, and Profitability Index.
Results: The rapid composting technology demonstrated an NPV of 56.6 billion Iranian Rials, an IRR of 20.48%, and a PBP of 3 years and 5 months. The PI was calculated at 3.52, indicating strong economic attractiveness. Environmentally, this technology contributes to reducing landfill volume, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, producing high-quality compost, and decreasing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Conclusion: Implementing rapid composting technology for processing 1,000 kilograms of organic waste daily in a residential complex of 2,000 inhabitants in Tehran is both economically and environmentally justifiable. This approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for urban organic waste management.
Parviz Yarahmadzahi, Fatemeh Momeniha, Abdolreza Mirolyaei, Abbas Balouchi, Mehrdad Zarabi, Danial Raisi, Abdolrasoul Khedmati, Faramarz Mobaraki,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Aedes aegypti is a significant vector for the transmission of several dangerous arboviral diseases, including dengue fever, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of environmental management and integrated methods on the control and reduction of Aedes aegypti mosquito abundance in Chabahar City in 2024.
Materials and Methods: To conduct this field study, a comprehensive environmental improvement program—based on Ministry of Health guidelines—was developed for Chabahar City to enhance integrated management measures for combating Aedes aegypti. This was accomplished by having environmental health, community health, and entomology experts complete relevant checklists during urban block surveys.To conduct this field study, a comprehensive environmental improvement program-based on the guidelines of the Ministry of Health- was developed for Chabahar City to enhance integrated environmental management measures for combating Aedes aegypti. This was accomplished by having environmental health, community health, and entomology experts complete relevant checklists during urban block surveys.
Results: The results of this study demonstrated that, following environmental improvement operations and chemical control measures in Chabahar City—and coinciding with the beginning of the cold season at the end of 1403 (2024)—the number of probable dengue fever cases declined sharply. Cases fell from a peak of 389 in November 2024 to only 8 by March 2025. This decline indicates the effectiveness of the implemented Aedes aegypti control strategies, potentially in conjunction with seasonal temperature changes.
Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of certain arboviral diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti in neighboring countries and the continuous movement of residents in these regions, it is critical to plan and implement an immediate vector surveillance and control program to prevent the permanent establishment of this invasive mosquito species.
