Showing 771 results for Type of Study: Research
Naseh Babakhani, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Borhan Mansouri, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Bahareh Lorestani,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Growing concerns exist regarding the impact of nanoparticles on organisms and environmental health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of silver and graphene oxide nanoparticles on the gill and intestinal tissues of guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) during acute toxicity exposure.
Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity (LC50) for both nanoparticles was calculated over a 96-hour period using Probit software. Histopathological examination of the gill and intestinal tissues exposed to the nanoparticles was performed using the hematoxylin-eosin staining method. A semi-quantitative approach was employed to assess the severity of tissue damage.
Results: The LC50 values for silver nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, and their combination were determined to be 2.6 mg/L, 65.2 mg/L, and 1.8 mg/L, respectively. Simultaneous exposure to these nanoparticles exhibited a cumulative acute toxicity effect on fish tissues, with the severity increasing progressively from 24 to 96 hours. Notable injuries included hyperplasia, fusion, and adhesion of secondary lamellae in the gill tissue, as well as villi fusion, structural expansion of villi, increased blood cell count, and erosion in the intestinal tissue of the fish.
Conclusion: Simultaneous exposure to silver and graphene oxide nanoparticles significantly increases the acute toxicity in guppy fish. This study highlights the need for further research to fully understand the implications of nanoparticle exposure across the food chain.
Mojtaba Moazzen, Amir Mohammad Mortazavian, Nabi Shariatifar, Sara Sohrabvandi, Elham Khanniri, Seyedeh Mahsa Khodaei,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Obejective: Many elements can naturally or artificially enter human food and pose risks to human health. Some of these elements are toxic, while others are essential for humans. The purpose of this study is to investigate the concentrations of toxic elements (aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb)) and essential elements (cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)) in yogurt and kashk samples.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the concentration of 10 elements was measured using an ICP-OES device in 48 samples (with two repetitions each) of yogurt and kashk collected from Tehran. The risk associated with human exposure to these metals was then calculated using the Latin Hypercube method.
Results: The results showed that in all samples, the highest and lowest average concentrations of essential elements (in µg/kg) were attributed to iron (567.53) and cobalt (10.58), respectively. Similarly, the highest and lowest average concentrations of toxic elements were attributed to arsenic (28.60) and cadmium (1.08), respectively.
Conclusion: Finally, it can be concluded that the average concentration of all elements—except for Pb, Co, and Cd—was higher in kashk than in yogurt. Additionally, the average concentration of all elements was below the established standards. However, the risk analysis results indicated that children are more exposed to non-carcinogenic risks from yogurt and carcinogenic risks from the consumption of both yogurt and kashk compared to adults.
Somayeh Alizadeh Attar, Alireza Pardakhti, Khosrow Ashrafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Black carbon is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fossil and biomass fuels. Long-term exposure to black carbon has been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure in the ambient air of Tehran.
Materials and Methods: Hourly black carbon concentrations were collected from the air quality monitoring stations operated by Tehran's Air Quality Control Company and averaged to calculate annual means for 2021, 2022, and 2023. The risk assessment for black carbon exposure in Tehran was conducted using the US EPA model.
Results: The findings reveal that in Tehran, the carcinogenic risk index (CR) due to black carbon exposure in ambient air is higher for adults than for children. The non-carcinogenic risk quotient (HQ) for both age groups remains below the threshold value of one, indicating a low and negligible non-carcinogenic risk. However, children demonstrate a higher HQ compared to adults. The lifetime cancer risk associated with black carbon exposure is calculated to be 1.4 × 10-3, while the annual cancer risk is estimated at 0.02 × 10-3.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the carcinogenic risks associated with black carbon exposure exceed acceptable levels for both adults and children. Adults face a cancer risk six times greater than children, though the non-carcinogenic risk is assessed as low. Reducing black carbon emissions is critical for improving public health in traffic-congested cities, and further research on this topic is strongly 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.
Yeganeh Mazaheri, Farangis Marboutian, Saeed Aghebat-Bekheir, Alireza Bakhtiari, Behrouz Tajdar-Oranj, Behrouz Akbari-Adergani,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Benzoate and sorbate are utilized to prevent the growth of microorganisms and to extend the shelf life of most food products. However, according to national hygienic regulations, the use of these two preservatives in kefir is not permitted. In this study, the concentration of these preservatives in kefir was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, due to the importance of this issue and compliance with national regulations—which specify a maximum ethanol limit of 0.5% in kefir—the ethanol content of this product was also determined using the gas chromatography method.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, 88 samples of industrially produced kefir from different brands were randomly collected from various regions of Iran and sent to the laboratory at 4 °C. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software, and one-way ANOVA was applied to compare the mean values. In all tests, a significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results: Sorbate was not detected in any of the samples, while benzoate was observed in only 11 samples, with an average concentration of 0.6763 mg/L. The average concentration of ethanol was 0.2997%, and in 10 samples, the ethanol content exceeded 0.5%, which is in violation of national regulations.
Conclusion: The presence of trace amounts of sorbate in the product may be attributed to the activity of lactic acid bacteria. The increase in alcohol percentage could also be due to insufficient control over the fermentation process during production. To improve nutritional quality and safeguard consumer health, it is recommended that limits be established for preservatives in this product.
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.
Garshasb Biranvand, Marzie Razavi, Manizheh Goudarzi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The significant growth in global vehicle usage has introduced various environmental challenges, particularly the management of waste tires. Due to their long decomposition time and the environmental hazards associated with their accumulation, waste tires pose a severe threat to ecosystems. A sustainable approach to mitigating these adverse effects involves the partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregates in concrete with waste tires. However, existing research on the impact of waste tire utilization on the mechanical properties of concrete remains limited, and global trends in this field have not been sufficiently analyzed. This study aims to evaluate the potential of waste tires for improving the mechanical properties of concrete and to analyze global trends in this innovative approach.
Materials and Methods: To assess the effects of crumb and powdered tires on the compressive strength and workability of concrete, the Taguchi experimental design method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed. Additionally, data from the Scopus database were analyzed using VOSviewer software to evaluate research trends and scientific collaborations related to waste tire utilization in concrete.
Results: Using optimal ratios of crumb and powdered tires enables the production of concrete with suitable compressive strength. The coefficients of determination (R²) for the 7-day compressive strength, 28-day compressive strength, and workability were 92.41%, 97.82%, and 80.07%, respectively. Bibliometric analysis revealed that China and India are leading countries in publishing scientific articles in this field, reflecting a strong research focus on the use of waste tires in concrete.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that incorporating waste tires into concrete can be an effective approach to enhancing its mechanical properties. However, developing innovative technologies to optimize mixtures and improve the long-term durability of concrete remains crucial. Moreover, the bibliometric results highlight the importance of fostering greater international and multidisciplinary research in this area. Such efforts can contribute to advancing sustainable technologies in the construction industry.
Mohadeseh Narouei, Narjes Okati, Fatemeh Einollahi Peer ,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Assessing the life cycle and evaluating the carbon footprint in thermal power plants is crucial due to their reliance on fossil fuels. This study was conducted to evaluate the environmental impacts and carbon footprint of the Iranshahr steam power plant.
Materials and Methods: Primary data were collected and analyzed using SimaPro software and the ReCiPe 2016 method (Hierarchist perspective). The carbon footprint was assessed through data modeling based on the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) method. The functional unit was defined as one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated, and the system boundary was set as gate-to-gate.
Results: The study revealed that the most significant environmental impacts of the power plant were related to human carcinogenic toxicity, accounting for 42% at the midpoint level, and damage to human health, contributing 86% at the endpoint level. Sensitivity analysis identified natural gas as the most influential factor affecting the results. According to the IPCC method, fossil fuel consumption contributed 94% to the global warming potential. The highest amount of CO2 emitted was 0.946 kg per kWh of electricity produced.
Conclusion: The CO2 emissions per kWh of electricity produced (0.946 kg/kWh) exceeded the average CO2 emission factor for fossil fuel power plants in Iran (0.64 kg/kWh). Based on these findings, it is recommended to prioritize the use of renewable and clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, as alternatives for electricity generation in the region.
Farzane Shahbazi, Tayebeh Rasolevandi, Hossein Azarpira,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Regular assessment of confectionery workshops and comparison of their conditions with health standards can enhance the sanitary quality of products. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental health status of confectionery workshops in Saveh in 2022.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, the environmental hygiene status of all confectionery workshops in Saveh was evaluated using a researcher-designed, validated, and reliable checklist comprising 51 questions tailored for COVID-19 conditions, based on Step 2 guidelines for combating the virus. A total of 36 confectionery workshops were assessed, and responses to the questions were recorded as "Yes," "No," or "Not Applicable." Data were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA in SPSS software.
Results: The average health compliance in Saveh’s confectionery workshops was 61% for personal hygiene, 68% for food hygiene, 60% for tool and equipment hygiene, 55% for building hygiene, and 74% for hygiene education. Significant relationships were found between areas such as building hygiene, food hygiene, and hygiene education, and workshop characteristics such as building size, sales volume, production scale, and worker age and experience (p < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the number of refrigerators and the hygiene of tools and equipment (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the overall health status of confectionery workshops in Saveh was relatively favorable. However, the building hygiene variable (55%) had the lowest level of compliance among the investigated factors, highlighting an area that requires attention.
Mohammad Hossein Ghaderi, Azad Teimori, Majid Askari Hesni,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Given the negative effects of heavy metals and their transmission to humans through the food chain, the present study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals—including Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ba, Ni, Cu, V, and As—in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues of the commercial fish Lutjanus ehrenbergii.
Material and Methods: Thirty fish were collected from coral habitats around Hengam Island in 2022 using nets or hooks. After identification and bioassay, the liver, gill, and muscle tissues were dissected from each specimen and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations via ICP-MS.
Results: Biometric analysis showed the average standard length, total length, and weight of the studied fish to be 23.3 ± 1.4 cm, 27.8 ± 2.7 cm, and 470.3 ± 18.9 g, respectively. Among the studied elements, Fe had the highest mean concentration in the gill (327.41 µg/g) and liver (136.10 µg/g) tissues. In muscle tissue, Zn showed the highest mean concentration (2.68 µg/g), while Ni showed the lowest accumulation. The mean Pb concentrations detected in the gill, liver, and muscle tissues were 1.38, 1.35, and 0.46 µg/g, respectively.
Conclusion: The Pb concentration in the muscle, which is the main nutritional tissue, was 0.46 µg/g. This value is higher than the limits set by international standards such as the WHO. Therefore, from a health perspective, it is not recommended to consume commercial fish contaminated with heavy metals. While continuous monitoring can provide information on contamination status, the consumption of Lutjanus ehrenbergii caught around Hengam Island should be done with caution.
Leila Faramarz, Mahdi Davari, Rouhollah Karami Osboo,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Aflatoxins are among the most important and hazardous fungal secondary metabolites, commonly produced in food and animal feed by certain Aspergillus species. Tea is one of the most widely consumed non-alcoholic beverages worldwide and is regarded as a healthy drink, with approximately two-thirds of the global population consuming it daily, particularly in the morning. This study aimed to monitor the presence of aflatoxins in black tea samples collected from Tehran, and to assess the safety of this commonly consumed beverage in the country.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 31 tea samples from different brands were collected in Tehran in May 2023 and analyzed for aflatoxin contamination using a nanoextraction method, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a fluorescence detector.
Results: The limit of detection (LOD) values for aflatoxins G1, G2, B1, and B2 were 0.06, 0.35, 0.06, and 0.35 ng/g, respectively, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 0.2, 1, 0.2, and 1 ng/g, respectively. The LOQ values of the present method are comparable to those reported in recent studies conducted in Spain, Austria, and Iran, which reported LOQs higher than 1 ng/g. According to the results obtained, none of the black tea samples from different brands available in the Tehran market contained detectable levels of the four types of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, and G2), even below the globally permissible limits (AFs ≥ 10 µg/kg).
Conclusion: Despite the absence of aflatoxin contamination in tea samples consumed in Tehran, previous studies worldwide suggest that tea can be contaminated with fungi and may support mycotoxin production under favorable temperature and humidity conditions. Therefore, ensuring tea safety requires attention to proper processing, adequate storage conditions, and the prevention of aflatoxin-producing fungal growth during production stages.
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.
Farzaneh Safavi, Hamid Sharifi, Paria Jangipour Afshar, Habibeh Vazirinasab, Hasti Daraei,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Leishmaniasis is an infectious skin disease whose prevalence and spread are influenced by economic, cultural, environmental, and ecological factors. Since Jiroft is one of the main centers of leishmaniasis, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of environmental factors on leishmaniasis rates in Jiroft during 2015–2022.
Materials and Methods: The present research is a cross-sectional study. The study population consists of all patients with leishmaniasis in Jiroft between 2015 and 2022. The sample included all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of the disease in Jiroft, selected using the census method. The environmental and climate data used in this study included temperature, precipitation, total sunny days, and humidity. To analyze the relationship between climatic factors and disease incidence, time series analysis was conducted at a 95% confidence level. For the analysis, ArcGIS software and the "tseries," "forecast," and "TAS" packages in R version 4.0.1 were used.
Results: The total number of leishmaniasis patients was 269, of whom 23.4% were aged 6–15 years and 50.2% were male. Rainfall and hours of sunshine showed a negative effect on the number of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases at log 0. The overall trend in the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis decreased over the study period.
Conclusion: Although some environmental conditions had an adverse effect on the disease, leishmaniasis remains an endemic disease in Jiroft. Therefore, the continuation of preventive interventions, along with improvements in diagnosis, care, and treatment, is necessary to control its spread.
Farzaneh Borzabadi Farahani, Mahmood Alimohammadi, Jamshid Rahimi, Sanaz Khoramipour, Emad Dehghanifard,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: People spend over 90% of their time indoors, where air pollutant concentrations—including volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—are significantly higher than outdoors. Among these VOCs, benzene is particularly critical due to its carcinogenic properties. Phytoremediation offers a sustainable solution for removing such pollutants from indoor environments. This study evaluates the benzene-reduction efficiency of two ornamental plant species, Aglaonema ‘Silver’ and Chlorophytum comosum, under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
Materials and Methods: The plants were exposed to two temperature levels (18°C and 24°C) and two relative humidity conditions (35% and 50%). Benzene was introduced into sealed chambers at concentrations of 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 µL/mL. After 12 hours of exposure, benzene reduction was quantified using gas chromatography.
Results: At 20°C and 35% RH, Aglaonema 'Silver' removed 96% of benzene, outperforming Chlorophytum comosum (38%). Removal efficiency depended on species, environmental conditions, and initial concentration. Predictive models (Eq. 2–3) correlated strongly with experimental data (R² > 0.9).
Conclusion: Aglaonema 'Silver' demonstrated superior benzene removal compared to Chlorophytum comosum under lower temperature and humidity conditions. Our findings highlight that selecting plant species adapted to specific environmental parameters can significantly improve phytoremediation effectiveness. Furthermore, the proposed model indicates that elevated temperature and humidity levels may enhance benzene removal efficiency by indoor plants.
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.
Mahdi Elyasi Kojabad, Ali Aghdami,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The paper industry is one of the most water-intensive sectors, generating a large volume of wastewater. Proper management of this waste—including its treatment, recycling, and reuse—can help prevent environmental pollution and conserve the country's water resources. In this study, a three-step process consisting of coagulation, ozonation, and membrane filtration was employed to treat papermaking wastewater.
Materials and Methods: A three-step process involving coagulation, ozonation, and membrane filtration was employed to treat the wastewater. In the first stage, polyaluminum chloride (PAC) was used to remove larger particles. This was followed by ozonation to degrade complex organic compounds. The final stage involved membrane filtration to further purify the water. At each stage, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater was measured and analyzed for comparative evaluation.
Results: Each stage played a critical role in the treatment process. Coagulation effectively removed a substantial amount of suspended particles, while ozonation addressed issues related to color and the breakdown of complex compounds. The final stage, membrane filtration, was instrumental in eliminating extremely fine suspended particles. Despite these efforts, the treated effluent exhibited a higher COD than the initial sample, possibly due to the release of intermediate compounds during treatment. However, the process successfully reduced the concentration of crude oil by 66%.
Conclusion: The membrane flux analysis revealed that at pH levels of 11 and 14, the effluent’s membrane flux closely approached that of pure water. This finding highlights the potential effectiveness of the proposed purification method for the treatment and recycling of papermaking wastewater.
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.
Bahram Kamarehie, Majid Irvani Mofard, Nahid Khoshnamvand, Mohammadreza Samaei, Faramarz Azimi, Ali Tolabi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although hygiene standards are often not fully observed in the preparation of many foods, the demand for ready-made meals has increased due to urbanization and time constraints. This study aimed to investigate and compare the microbial load on surfaces, equipment, and restaurant workers' hands before and after disinfection with savory extract, and to compare its effectiveness with ethanol in restaurants across Shiraz.
Materials and Methods: Ten restaurants in Shiraz were selected through simple random sampling for this study. A total of 180 culture media were prepared to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli contamination. Microbial load was quantified using luminometry. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion.
Results: Following intervention with savory extract, microbial analysis revealed maximum Staphylococcus aureus contamination (33 CFU) on workers' hands in Restaurant C, while Restaurant J showed the lowest contamination level (16 CFU). Notably, alcohol-based intervention completely eliminated both S. aureus and E. coli contamination (0 CFU) across all sampled restaurants.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate significant deficiencies in both food contact surface sanitation and worker hand hygiene across the studied restaurants, posing substantial public health risks. These results underscore the critical need for: (1) enhanced food safety training programs for food handlers, (2) strict personal hygiene protocols, and (3) rigorous regulatory inspections to mitigate potential health hazards.
Hadi Niknejad, Ehsan Manavipour, Musa Cheshmi, Vajihe Hasanzadeh, Roghayeh Abedi Sarvestani, Fatemeh Ahmadi, Mehrnoosh Abtahi,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metal contamination in vegetable oils is a major food safety concern due to its potential adverse effects on public health. This study aimed to measure the concentrations of heavy metals (As, Pb, Cu, and Fe) in various types of vegetable oils and to assess the associated health risks from human consumption.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 72 samples of vegetable oils—including sesame, sunflower, and rapeseed—were systematically collected from markets in Sabzevar. The oil samples were accurately weighed and digested using a mixture of nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The resulting digested solutions were filtered and analyzed for Pb, As, Cu, and Fe concentrations using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES). All procedures were performed in triplicate, following national Iranian standards. To accurately evaluate health risks, the hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic effects and the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). A daily intake of 0.227 kg of vegetable oils was assumed, based on national dietary data, to estimate chronic exposure.
Results: The results showed that the highest levels of heavy metals in vegetable oils were as follows: Pb (0.058 mg/kg) in sesame oil, As (0.090 mg/kg) in sunflower oil, and Cu and Fe (0.143 mg/kg and 0.847 mg/kg, respectively) in rapeseed oil. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values for Pb (THQ = 0.146), Cu (THQ = 0.022), and Fe (THQ = 0.01) were within the safe range. However, the THQ for As (THQ = 1.905) was found to be significantly elevated. The cancer risk assessment indicated that the consumption of these oils is generally within the acceptable risk range, but the risk associated with As was estimated to be approximately 100 times higher than that of Pb.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that, although the carcinogenic risk associated with vegetable oil consumption is low, continuous monitoring of these products—particularly for heavy metal contaminants—is essential to ensure consumer safety.
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.
