Showing 57 results for Risk
Arezoo Khalijian, Bahareh Lorestani, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Lima Tayebi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Soils and sediments contamination with trace and toxic elements lead to potential ecological risk and adverse effects on human health and so have been the cause of increasing concern worldwide. Therefore, this study was carried out to potential ecological risk assessment of As, Cd, Ni and V in surface sediments of Khazar Abad, southern parts of Caspian Sea in 2019.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 36 surface sediment samples were collected from 12 sampling sites. After samples preparation, the elemental contents were determined using ICP-OES. Also, potential ecological risk factor (Eir) and cumulative potential ecological risk index (RI) were calculated. All statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software.
Results: Based on the results obtained, the mean contents of As, Cd, Ni and V in analyzed samples were found to be 12.7, 0.191, 35.0, and 31.9 mg/kg, respectively. The computed values of Eir showed that factor values were decreased in the order Cd > As > Ni > V. Additionally, the mean values of RI with 53.7 indicated that all the examined elements have the "low potential ecological risk".
Conclusion: Accordingly, although the examined elements have shown a low potential ecological risk, cadmium with 46.4% and arsenic with 45.4% mean values of RI can cause for concern. Therefore, source identification and management of organic and inorganic pollutants and also periodic monitoring of water and sediments as the sink of environmental pollution are recommended.
Mohamad Mehdi Ghorbaninejad Fard Shirazi, Sakine Shekoohiyan, Gholamreza Moussavi, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Among the emerging contaminants, microplastics threaten public health. This study aimed to determine microplastic and mesoplastics in soil of residential areas adjacent to Tehran Landfill and assess its ecological risk.
Materials and Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 shallow and deep soil samples from residential areas near the Tehran landfill in July 2021. The microplastics were floated in NaCl and ZnCl2 solutions, and the mesoplastics were separated manually. The identification of physical and chemical properties of polymers was performed by stereomicroscope and FTIR analysis, respectively.
Results: The average amount of micro-plastics in shallow and deep soils estimated 76±34.98 and 24.7±19.79 particles/kgsoil, respectively. The average amount of mesoplastics obtained 5.25±2.91 and 3.55±1.09 particles/kgsoil, in shallow and deep soils, respectively. Paired-samples T-test showed significant differences between shallow and deep soil in terms of plastic particles (p<0.001). The most abundant microplastic particles were the fragment-shaped with the particle size of 0.1-0.5 mm and LDPE polymer types with the percentage of 37.75, 44.64, and 46.15, respectively. Mesoplastic particles, the 0.5-1 cm film-shaped particles and LDPE polymer types with the percentage of 62.76, 61.46, and 50.7 were found as the most prevalent. Microplastics and mesoplastics' potential ecological risks value in all sampling points was less than 150, indicating low ecological risk.
Conclusion: Despite the low PERI of microplastics and soil mesoplastics in residential areas, the Eri index for LDPE was high. Thus, Ecological risk is probable if control measures are not taken against plastic pollution.
Gholamali Javedan, Hamid Reza Ghaffari, Zoha Heidarinejad, Nahid Zeraei, Somayeh Hoseinvandtabar, Fateme Pourramezani, Mehrdad Ahmadi,
Volume 15, Issue 1 (4-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of potentially toxic elements (arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury) in black tea imported to southern Iran and to assess the risk of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic exposure to consumers.
Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 94 samples of black tea from 15 brands imported from India in 2021 were selected. Heavy metals concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer (GBC model SAVANTAA). After determining the concentration of heavy metals in black tea samples, health risk assessment was determined using Montocarlo simulation technique.
Results: According to the results, the average concentrations of heavy metals namely arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury were 0.03±0.02, 0.02±0.16, 15.67±7.69, 0.02±0.01 and 0.006±0.005 mg/kg, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) of the heavy metals arsenic, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury were 1.07×10-2, 6.37×10-3, 3.45×10-5, 2.05×10-2 and 7.19×10-4, respectively.
Conclusion: Therefore, according to the findings, it can be concluded that the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (arsenic, lead, copper, mercury and cadmium) in black tea were consistent with the standard level of Iran and World Health Organization. Additionally, the average carcinogenic risk index for arsenic metal was 4.49×10-6, which is much lower than the acceptable level of carcinogenic risk (10-6). Therefore, the concentrations of five potentially toxic elements in the studied black tea did not show any significant risk for consumers.
Hengameh Tarviji, Sakineh Shekoohiyan, Gholamreza Moussavi, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (8-2022)
Abstract
Background and Objective: In some villages of Mazandaran, drinking water may be polluted with various pollutants, especially heavy metals (HMs), due to the shallow depth of drinking water sources and the proximity of these sources to farmlands. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the HM pollution level of drinking water in some villages of Mazandaran province and to assess the attributed health risks.
Materials and Methods: HMs content of drinking water in 30 villages with separate water sources in Mazandaran province was measured. Concerning the HMs concentration and toxicity, and exposure route through water drinking, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks were assessed using a Monte-Carlo simulation-based method.
Results: The concentration values of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead in water were <1/0-4.26, < 0.05, <0.15-3.74, <0.3-10.89, and <0.8-4.68 µg/L, respectively. The hazard index (HI) values for non-carcinogenic risk due to the exposure to HMs through drinking of water in various age groups ranged from 3.04E-04 to 9.94E-04. Values of cumulative excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCRT) for As and Cr were 9.72E-08 and 6.13E-08, respectively.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that, fortunately, the concentration of metals in drinking water in the studied area was much lower than the national standards and the attributed health risk. Therefore, the drinking water sources in the studied villages had acceptable quality. However, due to the existence of rice paddies in some villages of Mazandaran province, continuous monitoring of pollution levels in the drinking water sources of these areas is essential.
Hamid Kariab, Mohammad Mehdi Emamjomeh, Sheida Zakariaie,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to the presence of heavy metals (HMs), sludge produced in industrial wastewater treatment plants (WWPT) is classified as special waste and can cause adverse health effects. The present study aimed to identify special wastes and assess the risk associated with the presence of HMs in the sludge of WWTP from an Industrial City.
Materials and Methods: Identifying the special wastes was conducted using a checklist, and classification was performed in accordance with the Basel Convention. Ecological risk assessment was done by determining the geo-accumulation and ecological indexes. The estimation of health risk was done by determining HQ and ELCR indexes.
Results: The highest amount of special waste was allocated to sludge with a value of 3900.0 kg/month. Chromium was detected in the highest concentration (95.89 ± 52.15 mg/kg). The level of chromium and nickel pollution was evaluated in the low range, and cadmium was very severe. The ecological risk of lead was estimated in a significant range and was very high for cadmium. The HQ was less than 1, and the ELCR for inhalation and dermal exposure was estimated to be lower than the acceptable risk level of WHO.
Conclusion: The present study showed that the largest amount of special waste is dedicated to sludge. Although the concentration of HMs was lower than the acceptable limits, the sludge had a high ecological risk level. Therefore, the accumulation and transfer of sludge must be carried out under the provisions of the Basel Convention and environmental considerations.
Taha Mohammadhoseini, Hossein Saadati, Gebraeil Nasl Saraji ,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Considering the significant number of injured people in spas, the main goal of this research is to provide a model for measuring and managing risk in spas.
Materials and Methods: To prepare the conceptual model of risk, four steps were taken, which include determining the general outline of the model, identifying the parameters, evaluating and scoring the parameters based on the questionnaire, using the hierarchical analysis method, and evaluating and determining the final risk of the pools. According to the allowed standard range of each parameter, five ranges for each parameter were obtained based on the obtained weights, health, safety and environmental risk classes. Finally, by summing up these parameters, the final score of the risk of using each pool is obtained. In order to evaluate the presented model, the risk value of hot mineral water pools in Ardabil province was obtained with the innovative method of this research.
Results: According to the results, according to the risk score, Gutursoi and Gamish-Goli spas have an unacceptable risk level, while Qainarjeh, Shabil, Barjelo and Sablan spas are at a high-risk level.
Conclusion: The presented model was validated with the evidence of forensic events. According to the results of the conceptual model of risk and the score obtained for each component and sub-components, appropriate solutions were presented, including the need to modify the current standards in each spa.
Samira Sheikhi, Aran Moshiri, Hassan Aslani, Shamseddin Alizadeh,
Volume 15, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the main ways of transmitting diseases is drinking water, so the safety of drinking water is an important issue for consumers, water suppliers, operators, and health officials. This study was conducted to identify and semi-quantitative evaluation and prioritization of risks in the drinking water supply system of Bostan Abad city.
Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate and document the key elements of WSP and identify the steps that need improvement, the quality assurance tool of the water safety plan (WSP-QA TOOL software) was used, and then based on the guide of the water safety plan from the WHO and the International Association Water safety, WSP team formed. Then the water supply system of Bostan Abad city from the farthest point of the basin to the last consumption point was inspected and described.
Results: The results showed that the highest number of risks are in the water supply sources, distribution network, and point of consumption, respectively. Also, the most vulnerable part of the system was identified as the disinfection unit and storage tanks due to biological and chemical contamination caused by equipment failure and improper preparation of chlorine solution.
Conclusion: In summary, it can be said that carrying out the necessary reforms can play an effective role in reducing the risk potential in times of crisis, which should be given serious attention by water industry officials.
Ehsan Aghayani, Sakine Shekoohiyan, Ali Behnami, Ali Abdolahnejad, Mojtaba Pourakbar, Hamed Haghnazar, Vahideh Mahdavi, Amir Mohammadi,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
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.
Sara Ghayour, Abbas Rezaee, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 16, Issue 1 (6-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Agricultural lands around Tehran may become contaminated due to their proximity to pollution sources and such pollution should be investigated. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to determine the pollution levels of some trace elements in the agricultural soils around Tehran and to assess the attributed health risks.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 43 soil samples were collected from agricultural lands around Tehran. The soil samples were prepared and acid-digested and the concentrations of Vanadium (V), Lithium (Li), Lanthanum (La), Molybdenum (Mo), and Antimony (Sb) were measured by ICP-OES. Based on the concentrations of the elements in soil, the pollution indices and non-carcinogenic risk (based on Monte Carlo simulation) were assessed.
Results: Among the studied elements, V had the highest concentration (131 mg/kg) followed by La > Li > Sb > Mo. The values of the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) were in the ranges of -1.9 to 0.8 and 0.5 to 3.1, respectively. The Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) values were in the range of 1.3 to 2.0. The values of non-carcinogenic risk for Li, Mo, Sb, and V were negligible, but it exceeded the threshold limit for La.
Conclusion: This study showed that the agricultural lands around Tehran are contaminated with studied trace elements to a low to moderate extent. However, an unacceptable non-carcinogenic risk attributed to La was estimated. Therefore, it is essential to pay special attention to the La pollution of agricultural soils around Tehran.
Parisa Farahmandian, Abdollah Mohammadian-Hafshejani, Abdolmajid Fadaei, Ramezan Sadeghi,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
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.
Sepideh Sadeghi, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Amir Hossein Nafez, Sahar Gholipour, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in compost of solid waste can threat public health. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the safety of produced composts before its land application as a soil conditioner. This study was conducted to investigate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and health risks associated with accidental ingestion of compost by children.
Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was done from compost piles at different public parks of Isfahan city during the period of compost spreading. Presence and concentration of pathogenic microorganisms including salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidium and adenovirus were investigated by culture or real-time PCR methods.
Results: All pathogenic microorganisms were detected in MSW compost in a frequency from 11%-62% with the highest frequency for detection of adenovirus. The health risk assessment showed that the highest risk of daily infection was for Cryptosporidium (7.67 × 10-4 pppy) and the lowest risk was related to adenovirus (8.27 × 10-10 pppy). The annual infection risk from gastrointestinal disease was calculated above guideline infection risk (10-3 pppy).
Conclusion: The results showed contamination of produced compost to pathogenic microorganisms and potential health risks from applying MSW compost in urban green spaces. Therefore, the relevant organizations should pay more attention to the composting process and its microbial quality and application in public access areas.
Alireza Zarasvandi, Maryam Delphi, Nadia Azizi, Fatima Rastmanesh, Gazelle Zarasvandi,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: During the last few decades, heavy metal pollution in indoor dust has been widely studied; While, the quality of the environment inside the cars has not been considered enough. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study generally include investigating the levels of selected heavy metals in the dust of private cars collected from Ahvaz city, as well as evaluating the health risk of carcinogenesis and exposure to the dust inside these cars through ingestion, inhalation, and skin absorption.
Materials and Methods: 10 cars were selected for this study. The condition of choosing the cars was not to wash the car for a week. Then, samples were collected and coded from the dust of the air conditioner filter and the cabin of each car. To determine the composition of heavy metals, spectroscopic analysis (ICP) was performed on the samples.
Results: The study of non-carcinogenic risk index (HI) in the present study indicates that the values of more than 1 and the health risk is high. The sequence of HI index values for heavy metals was obtained as Pb>Cu>Cr> Fe> Zn> Cd> Ni. Evaluated risks from different pathways in children was HQing < HQinhder while in adults follows HQingder< HQinh process. Additionally, the values of enrichment factor of the studied samples showed the maximum and minimum values for Cu (4.3) and Ni (8.3), the maximum and minimum geoaccumulation index for Fe (12.75) and Ni (1.9) and the amount of integrated pollution and pollution index were estimated to be 1.34+E27 and 2.07+E9, respectively, indicating the average range for the studied heavy metals.
Conclusion: According to this study, the risk of non-carcinogenic risk of heavy metals (except Fe and Cu) for children is estimated to be higher than that of adults. Furthermore, the investigation of the CR index for the three carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, and arsenic) has exceeded the safe level, which indicates ingestion and inhale as the target pathways for the worst adverse effects of heavy metals in children andadults, respectively. In the present study, the amount of heavy metals studied is more than the set standards. The results of the current study showedthe more enrichment of heavy metals in the car filter as compared with the cabin.
Fateme Rezaee, Meisam Rastegari Mehr, Ata Shakeri,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Water resources deficiency has caused the use of effluents to be considered as a source for re-use in the form of haloculture projects. An attempt has been made to investigate the possibility of using effluent produced by sugarcane production companies in the implementation of haloculture projects, from the viewpoint of the most used pesticides.
Materials and Methods: Ten water, four sediment, two plant, and two fish samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the concentration of pesticides. In order to assess the ecological risk, toxic unit (TU) and risk quotient (RQ) were calculated.
Results: Glyphosate and Ametryn in all liquid, solid, and biological samples had concentrations below the detection limit. 2.4.D, Metribuzin, and Atrazine had detectable concentrations in the samples. However, their concentrations are lower than the standard values. Metribuzin and Atrazine had high concentrations in the stems and leaves of reeds in the region, which may indicate the role of these plants in the remediation of water and sediment from these compounds.
Conclusion: Using effluent from Amirkabir and Mirzakouchak Khan agro-industrial complexes to implement the haloculture project does not pose a particular problem from the viewpoint of contamination with the studied pesticides. This is confirmed due to the small concentrations of the studied compounds in the liver and below the detection limit in the muscles. However, it is necessary to carry out more studies to evaluate the quality of effluent in terms of the other types of pollution.
Hossein Masoumbeigi, Davood Motalebi Peykani, Ghader Ghanizadeh, Hamed Akbari Jour, Maryam Esmaeili,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The health and safety of the employees of any industry is one of the most important issues to prevent the occurrence of accidents. This study aimed to identify and assess related risks in a battery-manufacturing industry using FMEA method and estimate the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, the production activities of the industry were first identified. Then the work process, employee duties, and Potential risks were determined by the HAZID method. Evaluation and prioritization of risks were done using FMEA method. Risks whose RPN was higher than 145 were determined as important risks and the ratio of incident cost to accident prevention was calculated.
Results: In 62 active units of this industry, 716 risks were identified and prioritized, 16 of which (2.23%) had RPN above 145 with the highest priority. The financial pulp unit with falling and fire hazards and the assembly unit with the risk of fumes and lead dust leakage with RPN 245 were among the most dangerous units and hazards identified in the industry. In all units except one unit, the ratio of the cost of accidents to prevention varied from 1.2 to 25.
Conclusion: The results showed that it is necessary to consider the correction of the important risks by the industry officials, according to the set priorities so that potential accidents caused by these risks are minimized. This prioritization can play an effective role in optimal risk management and reduce related costs.
Zahra Moavi, Khoshnaz Payandeh, Mehrnosh Tadayoni,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals are dangerous pollutants in the environment that accumulate in food. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the health risks and contamination of some heavy metals in lettuce and cabbage in the cities of Hamidieh, Dezful and Ramhormoz in Khuzestan province.
Materials and Methods: The sampling was completely random, with three repetitions, and 15 samples of each of the lettuce and cabbage vegetables grown in each region were prepared. Heavy metals were measured using the Perkin Elmer 4100 atomic absorption device. Heavy metal risk assessment was conducted using soil pollution indicators and health risk assessment method.
Results: The highest amount of metal in cabbage is related to zinc (5.84±0.15 mg/kg), while the lowest amounts of chromium metal in lettuce (0.11±0.005 mg/kg) was achieved. Based on the daily absorption of heavy metals in lettuce and cabbage products, the results showed that the highest hazard index (HQ) values, related to lead metal in cabbage for children and adults, were 3.9376 and 3.4253, respectively, compared to other heavy metals. The highest value of the carcinogenicity index in children was 0.0133 for cabbage consumption. The carcinogenic index of chromium metal in lettuce and cabbage products had the lowest values (0.0003 and 0.0004). Regarding the metal enrichment factor, lead, chromium, copper and cobalt were higher in the agricultural soils of Ramhormoz compared to other regions, while nickel and zinc were higher in the soils of Hamidiyeh than in Dezful and Ramhormoz. The soil index of accumulation of chromium, zinc and copper in the soil of Dezful agricultural fields was higher, whereas lead and cobalt were higher in Hamidiyeh soils than in Dezful and Ramhormoz. Additionally, nickel was higher in Ramhormoz agricultural fields.
Conclusion: According to the soil pollution indicators, cobalt metal played an important role in the soil pollution in Dezful, Hamidiyeh and Ramhormoz, while the metals lead, nickel, chromium, copper and zinc showed minimal pollution levels in the soil of the studied areas. The health risk assessment of soil heavy metals showed that the risk index for lead, nickel, chromium, copper, zinc and cobalt was lower than 1. Additionally, the carcinogenicity index of heavy metals for both adults and children was less than 10-4. The health risk assessment of heavy metals and their risk index showed that the consumption of lettuce and cabbage in these areas can lead to various health problems in people.
Alireza Bakhtiyari, Behrouz Akbari-Adergani, Parisa Shavli-Gilani, Liela Karami, Najmeh Yazdanfar, Parisa Sadighara,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the crucial role of milk and its products in human diets, it is imperative to implement effective measures to ensure the safety of milk by minimizing the presence of hazardous pollutants. This study aims to assess the concentration and potential risks associated with lead in raw milk produced in Tehran province.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study involved the collection of raw milk samples from 24 diverse livestock farms in Tehran province during the winter season of 1401. The samples were analyzed for lead contamination using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical tests were applied to compare the results with international standards, and subsequent risk assessment was conducted based on the average amounts.
Results: The study revealed that none of the samples exceeded the permissible limit for lead. The mean and standard deviation of lead concentration in the samples was 7 ± 5.8 (ppb), well below the international standard. There was no significant variation in lead levels among the tested livestock farms. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for both children and adults were calculated to be less than 1.
Conclusion: The concentration of lead in all samples remained below the permissible limits set by Codex and the Iran Standards Organization, indicating no non-carcinogenic risks associated with milk consumption in terms of lead contamination, as suggested by the calculated HQ values.
Safieh Hassanzad, Hossein Pirkharrati, Masoumeh Ahangari, Farrokh Asadzadeh,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: One of the significant challenges in mining areas is the pollution of the environment by heavy metals. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the pollution risk associated with mining wastes and take action to mitigate their environmental impact. The current study assessed the risk potential of recently deposited tailings in the Songun copper mining area.
Materials and Methods: Based on the conditions of tailings, 26 samples were randomly selected from the recently deposited mine wastes. Twenty-two thin and thin polished sections were prepared for lithology and mineralogy studies. Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to analyze all 26 samples, while X-ray diffraction method (XRD) was used to analyze a subset of 10 samples.
Results: Sulfide minerals, as the main source of environmental pollution, remain intact and unaffected in the tailings. However, the majority of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exhibit higher concentrations in the waste composition than the standard levels, resulting in a total ecological risk index of 49.93. Geochemical indicators highlight significant pollution levels for elements such as lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu). The values of the non-carcinogenic risk index for children (except As and Fe) and adults are lower than 1, indicating a non-significant non-carcinogenic health risk. However, the carcinogenicity index also indicates a significant carcinogenic risk in the case of long exposure to wastes, particularly for children.
Conclusion: Therefore, wastes pose a significant environmental risk potential, and due to this risk, proper management of their storage is necessary to prevent the release of PTEs into the environment.
Adel Sheykhan, Gholamreza Moussavi, Mohsen Heidari,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The air quality index (AQI) does not account the interaction of multiple pollutants, meaning the high concentration and health risk of one pollutant may amplify the effects of others. The main aim of this study was to characterize the ambient air quality of Arak by assessing the combined effects and health risks associated with criteria air pollutants.
Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the ambient air quality of Arak for the year 1401 on the Persian Calendar, using the concentrations of criteria air pollutants averaged over appropriate timeframes. Additionally, the AQI, aggregate air quality index (AAQI), and health risk-based air quality index (HAQI) were calculated.
Results: Findings showed that the 1-hour concentrations of NO2, SO2, PM10, and PM2.5 exceeded national standards in 0.05%, 0.2%, 12.1%, and 35.5% of hours, respectively. The AQI, AAQI and HAQI values were above 100 in 54.4%, 77.3%, and 56.2% of hours, respectively. PM2.5 was the major pollutant in over 99% of cases.
Conclusion: The results indicated that AAQI and HAQI, in comparison to AQI, characterized the air quality as more polluted. This stricter assessment by AAQI and HAQI may encourage more precautionary measures by authorities and the public. Thus, it is recommended that the decision-makers in Iran’s air quality monitoring in consider adopting these indices.
Soudabeh Ghodsi, Mina Sheikh, Farzaneh Mohammadi, Mahnaz Nikaeen,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
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 (PM2.5). 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.
Jawad Kadhim Noor, Atefeh Chamani, Ahmed Najm Abdallh Al-Mosawy, Narges Kargari,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The pollution of trace elements in urban soil has attracted wide attention due to its detrimental environmental and health effects. Therefore, this research was conducted to evaluate of the content, pollution levels, and health risks associated with trace elements (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Mo) in the surface soil of Al-Qasim City in Babylon Governate in 2024.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved, a total of 50 surface soil samples from a depth of 0-20 cm. The elemental content of the samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Additionally,, the enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) were calculated. Statistical data analyses were done using SPSS software.
Results: The average concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Mo in the soil were 27240, 62.7, 0.302, 33.8, 570 and 0.999 mg/kg, respectively. The highest average concentrations of Fe (30,331 mg/kg), Cu (37.3 mg/kg), Mn (639 mg/kg), and Mo (1.08 mg/kg) were found in downtown areasm whilefor the highest concentrations of Zn (65.3 mg/kg) and Cd (0.332 mg/kg) were observed in rural and midtown areas.
Conclusion: The results of this research demonstrate the impact of urban activities—such astraffic, industry, and agriculture—on the trace element pollution in the soil of Al-Qasim City. Therefore, regular monitoring of trace element concentrations and identification of their pollution sources are recommended to reduce and manage associated environmental and health risks.
