Showing 135 results for Ph
Marzieh Razavi, Mosen Saeedi, Ebrahim Jabaari,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: In this study, treatability of wastewater from a laundry unit was investigated by applying electrocoagulation method in which two pairs of aluminum and iron electrodes were utilized. Electrocoagulation is a noble treatment method suitable for different kinds of wastewater which has been given a considerable attentions by researchers recently. Applying direct current to two or several suitable metallic electrode in a batch reactor containing effluent would result in flocks of metal hydroxide.
Materials & Methods: We studied the effect of different operational parameters such as pH, electrodes distance, intensity of electrical current, and type of electrodes on the treatment efficiencies.
Results: Aluminum electrodes showed better effects on the treatment efficiencies in nitrate and COD removal. Maximum phosphate removal (99.93%)took place at pH=7 using Al electrodes. Whereas, in the case of iron electrode, maximum nitrate and COD removal efficiencies were about 97.60 and 80% at pH=9 and pH=6 respectively. Operational cost analysis showed that the corresponding costs of Al application as an electrode is different from that of iron electrode application.
Conclusion: Although application of both iron and aluminum electrodes lead to obtaining considerable removal phosphate, nitrate and COD, iron electrodes could result in reasonable removals to meet Environmental Standards with lower operational costs.
Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian, Mohsen Amrollahi, Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush, Mahboobeh Dehvari,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Water complexes including Jacuzzi are among the most popular water recreation centers that noncompliance with health standards can lead to increased microbial growth in water and thus the risk of infection. This study aimed at comprehensive study of jacuzzis water in Yazd city and comparing the results with national and international standards. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive - analytical study that statistical society included all Jacuzzis of Yazd city. Sampling of jacuzzis was performed every two weakes for 3 months (Summer 2011). We tested the water samples for parameters such as temperature, pH, amount of residual chlorine, turbidity, alkalinity, hardness, the population of heterotrophic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, fecal streptococci, and fecal coliforms accordance with standard methods. The SPSS software and ANOVA, T-test statistical tests, and/or Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney were used for description of data and the obtained results were analyzed by comparing with standards. Results: we found that the mean of residual free and combined chlorine was equal to 0.628 and 0.337 mg/l respectively. The alkalinityand hardness were 141.928 and 275 mg/lCaCo3 respectively. Mean of pH, turbidity and temperature were equal to 7.88, 0.457 NTU and 38.121˙C respectively.Moreover, the mean population of fecal streptococci bacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fecal coliforms were 20465.7, 120.77, 209.91 and 7131.4 in 100 ml respectively. Statistical analysis of data showed that there is a direct relationship between water turbidity and pH (Pvalue=0.018) however, population of heterotraphic bacteria and residual free chlorine had indirectl relationship (Pvalue= 0.026). Conclusion: According to the results achieved, the parameters of heterotrophic bacteria population and alkalinity had the least compliance with the standard indicating the need for continuous monitoring of physical, chemical, and microbial parameters of Jacuzzi water and control of the number and density of people using Jacuzzi and continuous monitoring of Jacuzzi water filtration and chlorination process performance.
Ali Kazemi, Habibollah Younesi, Nader Bahramifar,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: bisphenol A and nonylphenol are xenoestrogen materials used as a monomer of plastics in widely volume in the production of plastic materials especially mineral water bottles and disposable plastic containers. In this study, we investigated the potential of migration of bisphenol A and nonylphenol from disposable plastic containers into water at different temperatures and also from mineral water into water at different temperatures. Materials and Methods: We conducted bisphenol A and nonylphenol extraction from each sample through liquid-liquid extraction. For identification and quantitative determination of bisphnol A and nonylphenol, we used gas chromatography equipped with mass detector, and for quantitative determination of these two compounds, we used high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with fluorescence detector. Results: We found that increasing temperature increased significantly the rate of migration of these two compounds in the water. Moreover, it was revealed that only the presence of bisphenol A in water of mineral water bottles was detected and the increase in temperature also increases the rate of migration bisphenol A into water. Conclusion: In general, results of this study showed that improper storage of mineral water bottles and also use of disposable plastic containers for hot drinks would result in increasing consumer exposure to these compounds.
Mohamad Hadi Dehghani , Mamood Alimohammadi , Amir Hossein Mahvi, Noushin Rastkari, Masoome Mostofi, Maryam Gholami ,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Various industries such as petrochemical, oil refinery, pharmaceutical, plastics, paper, steel and, resin produce a substantial of phenol and its derivatives. Wastewaters containing phenol need careful treatment before discharging into the environment due to their poor biodegradability and high toxicity. The objective of this study was to remove phenol by multiwall carbon nanotubes from aqueous solution. Materials and Methods: Adsorption process was implemented in a laboratory-scale batch with emphasis on the effect of various parameters such as contact time (5 to 120 minutes), pH (3- 11), initial concentration of phenol (5 - 50 mg/l) and the sulfate and chloride ions (20 - 200 mg/l) on adsorption process. To achieve a better realization of adsorption process, sorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms were also determined. Results: The results indicated that maximum adsorption capacity occurred at concentration 50 mg/L and t =30 minutes. The uptake fluctuated very little in the pH range of 3–9, and at greater than 9 the absorption decreased suddenly. Moreover, the presence of sulfate and chloride ions had no effect on the process. It was found that adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data follow a pseudo-second-order kinetics model and a Freundlich isotherm model respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that carbon nanotubes being effective in a wide range of pH, short time to reach equilibrium and the absence of competing ions on the absorption process can be used effectively in removing phenol from aqueous solution.
Majid Kermani, Mitra Gholami, Zahra Rahmani, Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Niaz Mohammad-Mahmoodi,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Cationic dyes such as basic violet have many applications in different industries. The degradation of basic violet by means of UV, UV/H2O2, US, and US/H2O2 processes was investigated. Materials and Methods: Photolysis process was accomplished in a laboratory-scale batch photoreactor equipped with a 55 W immersed-type low-pressure mercury vapor lamp (UVC) and sonolysis process was investigated in a sonoreactor with high frequency (130 KHZ) Plate Type transducer at 100 W of acoustic power with emphasis on the effect of various parameters and addition of Na2SO4 on discoloration and degradation efficiency. Results: Complete decolonization of cationic BV 16 was achieved in 8 minutes using UV/H2O2 process. In addition, it was found that sonochemical decolorization is a less efficient process, comparing with photochemical process, as the decolorization proceeds to only 65% within 120 min. Low concentration of dye and natural pH resulting from dissolution of salt favors the degradation rate of dye. The results showed that sodium sulfate enhances the rate of sonochemical degradation of dye. In addition, kinetic parameters were obtained by application of first order equations. Conclusion: The results showed that UV/H2O2 and US/H2O2 processes can be effective in the removal of BV16 from aqueous solutions. Considering dye removal efficiency and availability, photochemical process combined with hydrogen peroxide can be recommended as a fast effective method for removal of dyes from aqueous solutions.
M Panbehkar Bishe, B Ayati,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Most of the dyes used in the textile industries can be toxic and carcinogenic. One of the suitable technologies to remove them is advanced oxidation processes. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the positive effect of adding oxidant Na2S2O8 to the photocatalytic process using TiO2 nano-particles immobilized on concrete and UV radiation for removal of Direct Blue71 dye. Materials and Methods: Concrete was covered by 40 g/m2 of TiO2 nanoparticles using SSP method. After selecting suitable oxidant concentration and optimum pH, initial dye concentration, UV irradiation intensity, and time, the efficiency and rate of dye removal and breaking amounts of benzene rings and COD variation were investigated in two systems of UV/TiO2 and UV/TiO2/Na2S2O8. Results: In UV/TiO2 system, 50.48 percent dye removal was observed at initial dye concentration of 100 ppm, pH 9, and 90 Watt UV lamp after 55 minutes and for UV/TiO2/Na2S2O8 system, initial dye concentration of 200 ppm, pH 6.9, and 0.24 g/L oxidant under the same abovementioned conditions resulted in 88.65 percent dye removal. Conclusion: Oxidant addition increased the dye removal efficiency and decreased total time for complete decolorization indicating the positive effect of oxidant on photocatalytic process in dye removal.
Sn Alavi Bakhtiarvand, M Ahmadimoghadam, I Parseh, N Jafarzadeh, M Chehrazi, Mostafa Chorom,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Soil polluted with total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHs) is a great threat to human health. Phytoremediation, the use of vegetation for treatment of contaminated soils, is an attractive and cost-effective alternative to reduce pollutant from soil. This paper evaluates the effects of the plant and nutrients on the removal of TPHs from soil. Material and methods: Soils were collected at depth of 0-30 cm, and then polluted with 1 and 2.5 % w/w of crude oil. After preparing the experimental pots, Rhizosphere microbial number, plant biomass, and residual TPHs were determined. TPHs and heterotrophic bacterial number were measured by GC and HPC method respectively. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 17 for Windows) software and Excel. Results: It was found that the average percent of TPH removal in planted soil (28.42%) was higher than that in unplanted soil (12.2%) (p<0.05). Moreover, the average percent of TPH removal in treatments received nutrient and free nutrient treatments was 35.5and 17.7% respectively. Conclusion: Generally compared with the other studies, high clay and salinity of the experimental soil had a negative effect on phytoremediation efficiency. Finally, regarding to the high clay and salinity of the experimental soil, the phytoremediation efficiency was relatively desirable.
N Farajvand, M Alimohammadi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Doogh is considered as one of the traditional drink in Iran and other nations like Eastern Europe, Middle East and Asia. In the past the “doogh” was applied to a product which remained after dilution of full fat yoghurt with water and fat separation using the musk. Nowadays Doogh has have physical, chemical, physico-chemical, microbial and sensory characteristics and standards. In this study the microbial quality of four famous brands produced in Iran was assessed. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Totally, 126 samples were selected from the foodstuff suppliers using random sampling .In order to determine Staphylococcus aureus, Baird Parker Agar (recognition test) and coagulase test (confirmation test) were used. Results: The results were analyzed using SPSS, and T-Test and one way ANOVA were performed. The results showed that in view of contamination there is Significant differences between the months, the brands and the types of doogh (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results and due to probable presence of Entrotoxin, the analyzed brands can be potent risk to consumer’s health.
Mahdi Sadeghi, Kazem Naddafi, Ramin Nabizadeh,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and objective: Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated hydrocarbon used as a solvent in many industries and services activities such as dry cleaning and auto industry as degreasing. We carried out a bioassay using Daphnia Magna in order to determine the ecological effects of wastewater treatment through applying advanced oxidation processes (ultrasonic, ultraviolet irradiation and hydrogen peroxide processes) for removal of perchloroethylene. Materials and Methods: Due to the sensitivity of Daphnia and reports indicating this species is the most sensitive aquatic invertebrate to a variety of organic compounds, toxicity of perchloroethylene and its intermediate degradation products during applying different processes was tested using Daphnia. Lethal concentration (LC50) and toxic units (TU) were determined. In to determine toxicity of perchloroethylene, its stock solution was prepared at a concentration of 100 mg/L. Then, nine samples each containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, and 100% by volume of the primary stock solution were prepared. To determine the toxicity of the intermediate products of perchloroethylene by ultrasonic, photolysis, photolysis with hydrogen peroxide and photosonic processes, an initial concentration of perchloroethylene for each reactor (100 mg/L) was taken. All experiments were carried out at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Results: It was found that the 24 h LC50 for perchloroethylene on Daphnia Magna was 35.51 mg /L. The 48 h, 72 h and 96 h LC50 of perchloroethylene were 28.058, 21.033, and 19.27 mg/L respectively. Toxicity of perchloroethylene was decreased after oxidation processes. Conclusion: The toxicity after hybrid processes was lower than the single processes. The toxicity reduction was the same during all time period. Hence, the hypothesis of reducing toxicity of the intermediate products of perchloroethylene degradation after the abovementioned processes is acceptable. It is noteworthy that although there are different intermediate compounds in the effluent of various chemical oxidation processes, , but they are less toxic compared with the original perchloroethylene this may be due to the partially concentration of intermediate products that will decrease toxicity.
Amir Hossein Javid, Seyed Ahmad Mirbagheri, Arezoo Karimian,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Dez dam located on Karun River is one of the largest Iranian dams. In a field study, EC, NO3, NH4, PO4, turbidity, TS, alkalinity, coli, temperature, chlorophyll a, DO, BOD5, and Secchi disk (at depths of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, and 50 m)were measured at five sampling points during 2011-2012 water year. Materials and Methods: Water Quality Index and TSI were calculated for all sampling points and quality zonation was conducted in GIS. Results: It was found that the best water quality index for reservoir water is at second sampling point with amount of 61 situated at the center of reservoir, and the worst index is at entering point to the reservoir with amount of 46 in April. The main reason of changes was turnover of thermal stratification. Conclusion: The laboratory analysis and assessing the quality indices revealed that the Dez reservoir water is suitable for variety of public uses, however, it needs advanced treatment for drinking purpose. Moreover, in the case of continuity of pollutant entrance into the reservoir, the eutrophication risk would threaten the reservoir water quality. Eutrophication occurrence will cause serious limitations in water use applicability, increase turbidity, produce toxic materials, and increase sedimentation regime.
Reza Shokoohi, Salah Azizi, Said Amir Ghiasian, Javad Fredmal,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organic compound and phenolic derivatives categorized as priority pollutants that have harmful effects on humans, animals, and plants in low concentrations. Therefore, PCP removal from water and wastewater is very important. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of A. niger fungus biomass in PCP absorption. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study in which different steps of the experiments were performed. A. niger strain was prepared from Persian Type Culture Collection of Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). After activation in potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture plates, fungi were incubated for 7 to 10 days at 25 °C. The prepared A. niger biomass was modified by NaOH and then it was used for PCP absorption assay. The concentration of PCP was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The findings of present study showed that contact time is an important and effective factor in the PCP absorption rate. Two hours was selected as the optimum retention time in this experiment and after that the removal percentage did not raise significantly. The results of PCP absorption in different pH demonstrated that the adsorption efficiency decreases by rising pH and initial PCP concentration. The effects of contact time, pH and initial PCP concentration on the absorption process was significant (P-value <0.001). Conclusion: The results show that absorption efficiency increases by rising retention time under constant conditions. In addition, at low pH the modified A. niger biomass could be a good absorber for PCP.
Masoumeh Golshan, Simin Nasseri, Mahdi Farzadkia, Ali Esrafili, Roshanak Rezaei Kalantary, Leila Karimi Takanlu,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The use of surfactants enhance the bioavailability of nonbiodegradable contaminants such as PAHs. Biosurfactants are more environmental friendly. In this study the ability of removing phenenthrene from soil by biosurfactant was assessed and compared with that of chemical surfactant. Materials and Methods: A soil sample free of any organic or microbial contamination was artificially spiked with phenanthrene at two concentrations. Then, mineral salt medium at constant concentration of chemical surfactant TritonX-100 and rhamnolipid MR01biosurfactant was added to it in order to have the proportion of 10% w:v (soil:water). A microbial consortium with a potential of phenanthrene biodegradation was inoculated to the soil slurry in two densities (OD=1 and 2) and then it was aerated on a shaker. After eight weeks, the residual concentration of phenanthrene in the soil was extracted by ultrasonic and was analyzed using HPLC. MPN test was used for measuring microbial population. This study was conducted based on the two level full factorial design of experiment. Results: It was found that chemical surfactant exhibited higher PHE removal efficiency than the biosurfactant. Using 120 mg/L of TritonX-100 and rhamnolipid, the PHE removal for the soil contaminated with 50 mg PHE/kg dry soil was 98.5 and 88.7% respectively, while the removal efficieny was decreased to 87 and 76% respectively for the soil contaminated with 300 mg PHE/kg. In the absence of surfactant, the removal efficiency at concentrations of 50 and 300 mg PHE/kg dry soil was achieved 60.76 and 51% respectively. The phenanthrene removal efficiency in OD=2 was more higher than OD=1. In the presence of rhamnolipid, the maximum microbial populations was observed in the second week, while it decreased in the presence of TritonX-100. Conclusion: Use of biosurfactants can be considered as a suitable option in low level pollutant sites. Chemical surfactants as ex-situ has achieved more satisfactory results in high level contaminant sites.
Fatemeh Hashemi, Hatam Godini, Ghodratolah Shams Khorramabadi, Loqman Mansouri,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Phenol presence in water and wastewater is interesting because of its stability in environment and health problems. Therefore, it must be removed for water pollution prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate phenol adsorption from aqueous solutions using walnut green hull. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study in which walnut green hull was used as biosorbent with a range of mesh 40. In this study, stock solution of phenol was prepared and effects of effective parameters such as pH (4,6,8, and10), contact time (3-60 min), adsorbent dosage (0.25-5 g/L), and initial phenol concentration (10,20,40, and 50 mg/L) on adsorption process were evaluated. Moreover results were evaluated using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and first order and pseudo-second order kinetics. All experiments were conducted in double and the mean adsorption rate was reported. Results: The maximum adsorption capacity of 30.30 mg/g corresponded with Langmuir model. Kinetic evaluation indicated that the adsorption of phenol by the walnut green hull clearly followed the pseudo-second order reaction. It was found that increasing contact time and adsorbent dosage would lead to increasing of adsorption of phenol and increasing pH and initial phenol concentration lead to decreasing of phenol adsorption. Maximum phenol removal was achieved at pH 4, with more than 99.9 % efficiency. Conclusion: The results of this study show that the walnut green hull can be used effectively in phenol removal, because walnut green hull is agriculture waste and is produced annual in high volume hence, it can be used as adsorbent in phenol removal from wastewater.
Alireza Rahmani, Jamal Mehralipoor, Amir Shabanlo,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Electrochemical methods as one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), have been applied effectively to degrade recalcitrant organics in aqueous solutions. In the present work, the performance of electro-Fenton (EF) method using iron electrodes on the degradation of phenol was studied. Materials and Methods: In this study, a lab-scale EF batch reactor equipped with four electrodes and a DC power supply was used for removing phenol. The effect of operating parameters such as pH, voltage, H2O2 and initial phenol concentration and operating time were evaluated. We added H2O2 manually to the reactor while iron anode electrode was applied as a ferrous ion source. Results: It was found that initial pH of the solution, initial H2O2 concentration, applied voltages were highly effective on the phenol removal efficiency in this process, so that 87% of phenol after 15 min of reaction at pH=3.0, voltage 26 V and H2O2 100 mg/L was removed. Phenol removal efficiency decreased with increasing pH, so that at pH 10, after 15 min, efficiency was 11%. To remove 99.99% phenol at pH 3, 100 mg/L concentration of H2O2 and voltage 26 V for 60 min was required. Conclusion: Electro-Fenton process using iron electrodes for phenol degradation and remediation of wastewater could be a promising process.
M Safari, S Ahmady-Asbchin, N Soltani,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Petroleum hydrocarbons are a bunch of pollutants hazardous to the environment. Nowadays, biodegradation of petroleum contaminants is considered as one of the most efficient and most cost effective methods of removing oil contamination from the environment. The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of cyanobacterium Schizothrix vaginata ISC108 in the biodegradation of crude oil and to evaluate oil effects on growth rates, dry weight, and chlorophyll content. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, the cyanobacterium Schizothrix vaginata ISC108 was obtained from the algal culture collection of Research Institute of Applied Science, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. First, purification of the cyanobacterium was performed using agar plate method on solid medium of BG11. Growth rate, chlorophyll content and dry weight of cyanobacteriaum was measured using spectrophotometry method. The biodegradation rate of crude oil was calculated using gas chromatography (GC) analysis. Results: Measuring the growth rate of cyanobacterium Schizothrix vaginata at 1% treatment of crude oil and control samples showed that the growth of cyanobacterium in the presence of crude oil as the sole carbon source increases at the same rate as the control sample. Moreover, it was found that increasing the concentration of crude oil will result in increasing dry weight of Schizothrix vaginata however, and the chlorophyll content reduced in various crude oil treatments. The average biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbon after 14 and 28 days of treatment was 54.78 and 93.98% respectively. Conclusions: It was found that cyanobacterium Schizothrix vaginata ISC108 has great potential in biodegradation of crude oil. Therefore, since oil is a product toxic to biological systems and is one of the main pollutants of bioecosystem, it has a great potential to be used as an indicator to eliminate pollution in contaminated areas.
B. Kakavandi, M. Mokhtari, R. Rezaee Kalantari, E. Ahmadi, N. Rastkari, M. Fatehi, A. Azari,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Phenol is one of priority pollutants produced through leather, paint, resin, and pharmaceutical industries and it can contaminate groundwater after entering to the environment. Hence, it is necessary to use a suitable method for its removal. The aim of this study was synthesize and efficiency evaluation of magnetic nanocomposite of activated carbon powder-zero valent iron/silver (PAC-Feo/Ag) in the removal of phenol from aqueous solution. Material & Methods: Reduction method was used for converting bivalent iron to zero valent iron and co-precipitation method for depositing of iron on activated carbon. For coating silver on nano zero valent iron, rapid mixing at high temperature was used. The adsorbent was characterized using SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. Then, the impact of pH, contact time, agitation speed, temperature, adsorbent, and initial phenol concentration were evaluated and optimized by one factor at the time method. Reaction kinetics and isotherms were also determined. Results: It was found that PAC-Feo/Ag has cubic and intertwined structure and has a diameter in the range from 40 to 100 nm. The optimum conditions for phenol removal by PAC-Feo/Ag were as pH=3, 90 min contact time, 200 rpm agitating speed and adsorbent concentration equal to 1 g/l. Isotherm and kinetic equations showed that the experimental data of phenol adsorption onto PAC-Feo/Ag are correlated to the Langmuir (R2>0.969) and pseudo-second order (R2<0.965) models, respectively. Conclusion: Under optimum conditions, modified adsorbent by zero valent iron and silver with maximum efficiency of 97% has quickly and effectively ability in removal of phenol and it can be easily separated from the solution sample by magnet because of its magnetic properties.
A.a Babaei, Z Nazari, E Ahmadpour, M Hosseinzadeh,
Volume 7, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: alkylphenol poly ethoxylates (APnEOs) and their metabolites enter environment through discharging wastewater and are of particular concern due to their persistence, toxicity to aquatic organisms, and a potential endocrine disruptor. In this work, we focused on the determination of nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol polyethoxylate (NPnEOs) in sediment samples collected from Karun River, Khoozestan Plain, Iran. Materials and Methods: Sample collection of Karun River sediment was carried out on rainy and dry seasons from 10 hydrometric stations. The sediment samples were prepared and extracted using solid phase extraction procedure and were analyzed using HPLC-FLD. Results: We found that NP and NPnEOs concentrations in sediment samples of Karun River were 0.21-2.43 and 0.18-0.91 µg/g respectively. This study revealed that NP concentration in sediment samples of Karun River was higher than the other alkyphenolic metabolites. Conclusion: The results indicated accumulation of endocrine disrupting contaminants (EDCs) in the Karun river sediments. The results showed significant difference between mean concentrations of these compounds in the upstream and downstream stations of Ahwaz Megacity (p-value<0.05).
M Zare Jeddi, N Rastkari, R Ahmadkhaniha, M Alimohammadi, M Yunesian,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Bottles for packaging drinking water represent one of the most popular uses of plastic and polymer additives. Recently, public concerns related to possibility of exposure to chemicals through the consumption of polyethylene terephthalate bottled water has caused great concern to consumers. Phthalate esters, as a class of these compounds, are often classified as endocrine disruptors and one of them is a possible carcinogen for human. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of phthalates in bottled water and to calculate the health risk of phthalates intake via consumption of bottled waters. Materials and Method: After purchasing, samples were immediately stored according to the recommended conditions (25 ºC, dark place) given on the bottle label. Migration of phthalates was investigated in PET-bottled water at different time intervals using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Therefore, a phthalate exposure assessment was performed to characterize their risk to the consumer’s health via a calculated hazard quotient (HQ). Results: It seems that the duration of storage affects phthalate migration. Total increases of DEHP (811.8%), DBP (2545.2%), and BBP (832%) were observed at 12 months over the initial level before storage (bottled water immediately after production) but the level of phthalates in bottled water was always very low (<EPA:6 μg/L). Non-carcinogenic risk assessment from exposure to phthalate via consumption of bottled water was negligible in all of the subject groups (HQ<1). Furthermore, a little excess cancer risk of 9.9×10-7 for bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was observed.Conclusion: The research showed that the concentration of phthalates in PET-bottled water was extremely low. Consequently, based on the risk assessment results, bottled waters regarding existence of safe for consumers and they phthalates are not considered as public health issue for consumers as phthalates does not have any risk exposure for the consumers.
M.s Mansoury, H Godini, Gh Shams Khorramabadi,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Natural organic matters (NOM) are known as precursors to disinfection byproducts. As conventional treatment processes cannot get disinfection by-product standards, novel methods have been increasingly applied for the removal of disinfection by-products precursors. The UV/ZnO process is one of the advanced oxidation processes using photocatalytic technology. The present study aims to investigate the effect of UV/ZnO photocatalytic technology on the NOM removal from aqueous solution. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in a lab-scale batch photocatalytic reactor. The volume of reactor was 1liter and covered with UV lamps. Peristaltic pump was used for complete mixing. Humic acid is a key component of natural organic matter and it was used in this study. Each of the samples taken from the UV/ZnO process and other processes were analyzed for their UV absorbance at 254 nm by spectrophotometric. Initial concentration of Humic acid, contact time, pH, and UV irradiation were investigated. Results: The highest efficiency of the UV/ZnO photocatalytic process for removal of Humic acid from aqueous solution was achieved at initial concentration = 2 mg/L, contact time = 120 min, UV irradiation = 3950 µw/cm2, and pH=3. In this process, the removal efficiency for 2 mg/L humic acid was 100 % at 2h retention time. Conclusion: The research showed that performance of system was increased by increasing contact time and UV irradiation and was decreased by increasing HA initial concentration and pH and UV radiation with ZnO agent could not remove NOM lonely. Photocatalytic system using zinc oxide immobilized on glass have high performance to remove humic acid from aqueous solution. The UV/ZnO process was efficient and environmental friendly for natural organic matter removal.
F Rezaei, H Kakooei, R Ahmadkhaniha, K Azam, L Omidi, S.j. Shahtaheri,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: PAHs are main components of urban air pollution and are mutagenic for human being. Seasonal variations have effects on the amount of exposure to PAHs. The objectives of this research were to determine the amount of newsagent’s exposure to PAHs found in the urban atmosphere of Tehran City during warm and cold periods and comparing exposure levels in two periods. Materials and Methods: The assessment of personal exposure was performed based on NIOSH method 5515 and was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Mann- Whitney test was used to determine the effects of seasonal variation on the amount of newsagent’s exposure to PAHs. Results: The mean levels of newsagent’s exposure to benzo[a]pyrene in the south area of Tehran City were 0.148±0.010 and 0.417±0.041 µg/m3 in summer and autumn seasons respectively. The amount was higher than the mean levels of newsagent’s exposure in other geographic areas of city. The levels of newsagent’s exposure to all PAHs (p<0.001) were significantly higher in autumn compared with summer. Conclusion: The levels of exposure to PAHs during autumn were 2 to 3 fold higher than the levels of exposure during summer. Newsagents in the south area of Tehran City were experiencing higher levels of exposures to PAHs.
