Showing 171 results for Water
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.
Mohsen Pourkhosravani, Fatemeh Jamshidi Gohari, Nasrin Sayari,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This research tries to analyze the spatial distribution and trend of arsenic level changes in the underground water resources of the Sirjan basin, and also to evaluate and analyze the factors affecting the concentration of this element in these water resources.
Materials and Methods: Sampling of underground water sources in the study area was done by systematic-random method and arsenic concentration was done by ICP-MS method in the laboratory. Also, to evaluate the factors affecting the concentration of arsenic in the underground water resources of Sirjan bathe sin, the method of land systems analysis was used.
Results: The results of the research show that the amount of arsenic in all samples is higher than the Guidelines provided by the World Health Organization so the amount of this element in the underground water sources of the study area varies between 30 and 390 µg/L. Samples No. 9, 13, and 16, which are located in the deepest parts of the basin, have the highest amount of arsenic. For this reason, the durability of water in this part of the basin increases. This reduces the intensity of the current. As a result, according to the cumulative effect law, this process can lead to an increase in arsenic concentration.
Conclusion: The evaluation of changes in the concentration of arsenic in the underground water resources of the study area indicates that the concentration of this element had a high increasing trend. According to the results, the location of the studied area in the center of hydrothermal and geothermal processes (copper mineralization belt in Iran), the cumulative effect, and the effect of pH on the absorption and desorption of arsenic are among the most important factors affecting the increase of arsenic in the underground water resources of Sirjan Basin.
Ehsan Rafeemanesh, Habibollah Esmaily, Farzaneh Rahimpour, Mohammad Javad Fahoul, Habib Herati, Hasan Jahed Taherani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Employees of wastewater treatment plants are exposed to various harmful factors in the work environment that can threaten their health. In this research, the health status of the employees of Mashhad sewage treatment plants has been evaluated to help by implementing intervention programs to improve the health of employees.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, (bioaerosols, UV rays, heat stress, and hydrogen disulfide gas) were measured in 5 treatment plants in Mashhad. All study variables, including health status, clinical tests, and job stress, were analyzed analytically in two operational and administrative employee groups. The standard HSE occupational stress questionnaire was used to investigate the state of occupational stress. All data were transferred to the computer and data analysis was done with the help of software SPSS20.
Results: The amount of pollutants except H2S gas was lower than the national occupational exposure limit. The number of smokers, diabetics, knee pain, and hearing loss was higher among operational than administrative employees, and hypertension, increased cholesterol, back pain, and skin disease were also more common in office workers than operational workers, but there were no statistically significant differences. Obesity and overweight (p<0.009) and increased triglycerides (p<0.05) were more common in administrative than operational workers, which had statistically significant differences. The state of job stress in operational employees was statistically significant compared to administrative employees regarding role (p<0.018) and communication (p<0.002).
Conclusion: Appropriate occupational health interventions to reduce pollutants, implement ergonomic programs and improve nutrition and increase physical activity and stress management can play an effective role in improving the health of employees of these units.
Sakine Shekoohiyan, Mojtaba Pourakbar, Asghar Zohdi Shiran, Farshid Ghanbari, Mostafa Mahdavianpour, Ehsan Aghayani,
Volume 16, Issue 4 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The development of the automobile industry has caused various pollutants to enter the environment, one of which is fluoride. Therefore, this study aims to improve the fluoride removal from wastewater pre-paint units of the automotive industry to achieve discharge standards to surface waters.
Materials and Methods: The study is descriptive and on an applied scale, which has been carried out to compare the efficiency of the chemical coagulation process using lime and alum, as well as the electrocoagulation process using aluminum anodes in the presence of lime to remove fluoride.
Results: The results of real wastewater characteristics showed that the pH of wastewater is in the range of 6.1 to 6.3, and its fluoride concentration is in the range of 45 to 55 mg/L. The results of the experiments show that in the most optimal possible state in the chemical coagulation process, it is possible to achieve fluoride removal efficiency in the range of 76 to 81 percent. However, the removal efficiency in the electrocoagulation process using an aluminum anode at a concentration of 5 mol/L of calcium ions, and current density of 20 A/m2 after reaction time of min 20 to 99% can also be achieved.
Conclusion: Considering the high fluoride removal rate (more than 99%) in the electrocoagulation process in the presence of calcium ions, this process can be introduced as an efficient technology for fluoride removal.
Abbas Khazaee, Mehrnoosh Abtahi, Mahsa Jahangiri-Rad, Fatemeh Shokri-Daryan, Mohammad Rafiee,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (6-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Identifying the quality of non-conventional waters and exploring their optimal utilization are fundamental measures for maintaining public health. This study aims to investigate the effluent quality of the irrigation canals in Pakdasht farms.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 120 samples were collected from 6 irrigation canals in Pakdasht fields over a period of 5 months. The physicochemical and microbial characteristics of the canal effluents were determined based on the standard methods of water and wastewater tests. The concentration of heavy metals was measured using an ICP device. To determine the possibility of using the effluent of Pakdasht canals for agricultural purposes, the Environmental Protection Organization of Iran and FAO standards were used.
Results: The average concentrations of COD, BOD5, TSS, TDS, NO3-, SO4-2, PO4-3 parameters were 259, 125, 105, 697, 4.5, 94.4, 13.5 mg/L. Additionally, the average number of total and fecal coliforms in the effluent of the canals exceeded the standard values set by IRNDOE and FAO. The mean pH was 6.97, the electrical conductivity (EC) was 1014 μm/cm, and the turbidity was 76.2 NTU. The detected concentrations of heavy metals were awithin the following ranges: Cr (0.025-0.045 mg/L), Cd (0.0006-0.001 mg/L), Pb (0.0006-0.001 mg/L), Co (0.038-0.059 mg/L), and Ni (0.05-0.06 mg/L), which were roughly lower than the suggested standards. However, both HEI and WWQI indices confirmed that the water was unsuitable for agricultural irrigation.
Conclusion: Based on the comparison of the results of the parameters measured in this study with the environmental and FAO standards, the effluent from the irrigation canals of Pakdasht city is deemed unsuitable for the irrigation of warm-season crops but suitable for fodder and industrial crops.
Seyed Khabat Naynava, Bahareh Lorestani, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Behzad Shahmoradi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Fenitrothion is a phosphorus-based pesticide that enters water resources through various sources,including industrial wastewater and agricultural effluent. its non-biodegradability, which results from the formation of strong chemical complexes, advanced oxidation methods are required to remove it from environmental matrices. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite functionalized with cerium dioxide in the removal fenitrothion from aqueous solution.
Materials and Methods: In this applied research, GO@Fe3O4@CeO2 was synthesized and subsequently used as a photocatalyst for the removal of Fenitrothion from aqueous solutions. Characterization of GO@Fe3O4@CeO2 was conducted using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), SEM-EDX elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) methods. The effects of various parameters, including pH (2-9), photocatalyst dosage (10-40 mg), and contact time (0-90 min), were assessed to determine their influence on fenitrothion removal efficiency.
Results: The results demonstrated that the removal efficiency increased up to 60 min contact time, 20 mg of photocatalyst. The optimal pH for fenitrothion removal was found to be 4. Additionally, kinetic analysis of the photocatalytic removal process indicated that it followed a pseudo first-order (PFO) model.
Conclusion: The GO@Fe3O4@CeO2 nanocomposite proved to be an effective and accessible photocatalyst for the removal of fenitrothion from industrial wastewater under UV light.
Gholamreza Shaghaghi, Amir Hossein Javid, Sara Allahyaribeik, Ali Mashinchian Moradi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The discharge of seawater concentrate from desalination plants into the sea causes irreparable effects on the environment. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of this discharge, model methods for optimizing it, and design an effective outlet that minimizes environmental impacts and costs.
Materials and Methods: This study discusses impacts of seawater concentrate discharged into the sea, numerical modeling of diffusion, and outlet design based on discharge standards.A review of articles and sources from databases such as Google Scholar, Academia, Scopus, Civilica and Irandak was conducted using keywords such as “brine discharge”, “numerical modeling”, and “outlet design.” Out of 132 reviewed articles, 45 articles were consistent with the objectives of the study.
Results: The effects of seawater discharge can be observed in the discharge area and at greater distances. Numerical modeling is employed to predict pollutant concentrations at various distances and to determine the optimal discharge point while considering established standards. The design of the diffuser and the use of multiple nozzles at an angle of 60 degrees result in the greatest dilution at the discharge point.
Conclusion: The use of desalination systems necessitates addressing the effects of climate change. Appropriate modeling and design of the outlet are essential for complying with environmental standards and optimizing costs. Further research in this field is needed.
Narges Arab Ameri, Hatam Godini, Mansur Zarrabi, Mohammad Darvishmotevalli,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Wastewater produced in industrial estates is crucial to address due to the wide range of pollutants it contains. The objective of the present study was to investigate the performance of the Chamshahr Industrial Estate Wastewater Treatment Plant for effluent and sludge reuse.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and comparative study, the quality of raw industrial wastewater, effluent, and sludge from the wastewater treatment plant of the Chamshahr Industrial Estate was investigated over three periods at monthly intervals. Additionally, archival quality data for wastewater, effluent, and sludge from 1402 to 1403 were analyzed. The results were compared with the standards and guidelines of Iran, WHO, FAO, USEPA, and others. The wastewater treatment method employed a combination of chemical sedimentation and aerated lagoons with return sludge.
Results: The volume of wastewater produced in this industrial estate was 15,000 m³/day, primarily originating from leather and tanning industries (6,100 m³/day), which exhibit high pollution intensity. The treatment plant's efficiency in removing BOD, COD, and TSS was 62±24%, 72±19%, and 84±13%, respectively. However, due to the concentration of heavy metals, such as chromium in the wastewater (0.28 mg/L) and sludge (353.5 mg/L), the treatment method was unable to meet existing standards and guidelines. Furthermore, the salt content in the effluent (43,300 mg/L) and sludge (202,000 mg/L) was excessively high, rendering it unsuitable for disposal or reuse without further treatment.
Conclusion: The performance of the wastewater treatment plant fails to meet the standards and guidelines for environmental discharge and the reuse of effluent and sludge. Therefore, the final effluent and sludge require additional treatment to enable reuse and prevent environmental pollution.
Ehsan Aghayani, Azizallah Dehghan, Navid Alinejad, Malihe Amiri,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Monitoring pesticide concentrations in drinking water resources is crucial for enhancing water quality and public health. Therefore, periodic assessments of pesticide levels in these resources are essential to safeguard consumer health.
Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess the concentrations of six pesticides—malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin—in agricultural water resources as well as in urban and rural water distribution networks in Fasa city in 2023. Pesticide levels were monitored in 25 drinking water samples and 6 agricultural water samples.
Results: The results show that pesticide concentrations are higher in agricultural water compared to drinking water and distribution networks. Specifically, the concentrations of malathion and diazinon in agricultural water resources are significantly higher than in drinking water, with levels potentially up to eight times greater. The total risk index for samples from agricultural water sources ranges from 0.89 to 1.36, indicating a comparable risk to that of drinking water.
Conclusion: The health risk assessment of malathion, diazinon, glyphosate, paraquat, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin in drinking water resources suggests no immediate threat to public health. However, due to the elevated pesticide levels in agricultural water resources, ongoing monitoring of water sources near agricultural areas is recommended.
Maryam Ghani, Masoomeh Askari, Babak Mahmoudi, Nejat Mousavipour, Reza Barati Rashvanlou, Shahrokh Nazmara,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Sewage sludge, a byproduct of wastewater treatment plants, is rich in organic matter and nutrients. With appropriate treatment, sludge can be utilized as a fertilizer for agriculture and soil amendment. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality of wastewater treatment plants in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted during the winter of 2018. A total of 25 samples were collected from the dewatering tank and sludge storage areas. Fecal coliform counts were determined using EPA Method 1681, while Salmonella and parasite egg counts were assessed using EPA Methods 1682 and 1992, respectively.
Results: In the dewatered sludge, fecal coliform levels ranged from a minimum of 67 MPN/g.TS on the first day to a maximum of 18,518 MPN/g.TS on the third day. Salmonella levels measured on the fifth, eighth, and tenth days were 0.55, 0.32, and 0.66 MPN/4g.TS, respectively. Parasite egg counts recorded on the second, ninth, and tenth days were 4 OVA/4g.TS. In the stored sludge, regardless of depth or geographic location of the disposal land, fecal coliform counts during retention times of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 years were 10, 186, 480, 30, 27, 29032, 2, and 11 MPN/g.TS, respectively. Salmonella and parasite eggs were not detected in the stored sludge.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that, in the sludge storage unit compared to the sludge dewatering unit, achieving Class A standards for sludge is feasible through continuous quality monitoring.
Nahid Raeisi, Samaneh Mehraban Nawaz, Ahmad Reza Yari, Mohammad Jahandideh, Fariba Naghavi, Reza Zeraatkar, Hadi Niknejad, Mohsen Hesami Arani,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Swimming pools are considered as a potential source of microbial and chemical contamination due to direct and continuous contact with different groups of people. The present study was conducted to investigate the water health indicators of swimming pools in Kashan and Aran-Bidgol and compare them with the existing standards in the country in the years 2017-2021.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study with a longitudinal design, 830 samples were taken from all indoor and active pools in 2017-2021. Physicochemical parameters, and microbial parameters were measured. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software 16.
Results: The concentration of free residual chlorine, combined chlorine, pH, turbidity, and corrosivity were in the desired range in 53 percent, 48 percent, 67 percent, 81 percent, and 67 percent of the water samples, respectively. None of the samples were contaminated with Pseudomonas. A significant and inverse relationship was observed between the bacterial population and free residual chlorine, and a significant and direct relationship was observed between the bacterial population and turbidity (p<0.005).
Conclusion: Due to the low compliance of the water chlorine level with the standard and the observation of coliform bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and heterotrophs, it is necessary to continuously monitor the physicochemical and microbial parameters of the water, as well as to carry out proper health surveillance and disinfection.
