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M Mohammadian, J Nouri, N Afshari, J Nassiri, M Nourani,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (10-2008)
Volume 1, Issue 1 (10-2008)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Heavy metals processing industry has always been a major cause of concern which affects soils, surface waters, ground waters and river sediments contaminations. Thus, the Zanjan Zinc and Lead Smelting Plant has been considered as a potential source of contamination.
Mterials and Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted in February 2008 in the site region .The concentrations of Lead, Zinc and Cadmium have been assessed. The samples have been taken from 17 wells and atomic absorption spectrophotometeric method has been used to assess the samples. In order to find out and locate the exact situation of the wells under study, Global Positioning System instrument has been used. The correlation between the concentration of each metal and the distance of studied well from the plant has been assessed too.
Results: The findings of this study showed that lead and cadmium concentrations were 53% and 59% respectively out of the guideline values of World Health Organization.
Conclusion: The concentration of Zinc was lower than both national and international values in all samples. As the heavy metal concentration is very important for human health status, the other fields of study like heavy metal air pollution effects and related diseases and conditions should be studied and assessed.
M.a Zazuoli, M Abdi, E Ghahramani, M Ghorbanian,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (11-2009)
Volume 2, Issue 3 (11-2009)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives: The school is the most appropriate place for flourishes children, adolescents and juniors, and prepares safe and vigorous life. Thus, the aim of this research is to study of the hygienic conditions in primary schools in region 1 of Sari city.
Materials and Methods: This article is a descriptive study. In which 45 non-for-profit and governmental schools were sampled using census method. The Fools of sampling was questionnaire filled in during interview with school principals and direct observation. Collected information was analyzed using "Excell" and spss soft wares.
Results: The results of this search showed that %93.4 of schools had dimention smaller than minimum standard. Only in %35.6 of schools, lavatory and drinking places were separate and the quality and quantity of lighting in %32 of. schools were classes proper.
Conclusion: The most important finding of this search was the ignorant of indicators in environmental healthas overlooking of standards, and the schools are merely established on quantity and urgent need despit of their quality.
M Aghapour Sabbagi,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Volume 4, Issue 2 (9-2011)
Abstract
BackgroundsandObjectives: Environmental activitiesunknownprice and value caused establishing of some unique characteristics for mentioned commodities. One of these characteristics was existing gap between private and social cost and benefit. For assessing these activities different approaches include travel cost, willingness to pay and hedonic price had been suggested. According to Tehran's air pollution problem, in this study Hedonic approach had was used for the assessment of healthy air on Tehran's residential house price.
Materials and Method : Hedonic approach is one of the methods that are used for evolution environmental goods. In this method, each good's price is estimated as a functions of that good`s properties. To gather this study information 300 questionnaires has been collected by random sampling from different area of Tehran.
Result: Results revealed that activities in order to reduce air pollutions, in addition to environmental value have economical value form the point of view of consumers. Also, results show that willingness to pay of every Tehran's citizens for every square meter of house located in region with less pollution is between 1120 to 1350 thousands Rials.
Conclusion: According to the obtained results can be said that, clean air as an environmental good from the viewpoint of consumers has economic value that can be calculated this value using methods such as Hedonic.
Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour Feizi, Mohammad Mosaferi, Saeed Dastgiri, Maasumeh Mehdipour, Ahmad Kusha,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2012)
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2012)
Abstract
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background and Objectives: Intake of high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water can cause dental fluorosis. In this study, the prevalence of dental fluorosis in rural communities of East Azerbaijan Province was studied.
Materials and Methods: 3 villages of Bashsizkooh, Bostanabad (fluoride concentration in drinking water = 0.12 mg/L), Nagharehkub, Ahar (current water resource = 0.6 mg/L, old water resource = 1.1-1.2 mg/L), and Gharehbolaq, Jolfa (current water resource = 0.35 mg/L and old water resource = 2.4 mg/L old source) were selected as low, medium, and high exposure to fluoride respectively. All village residents above 6 years old were visited by physician. Quality of water resources was determined by referring to the records archived and through conducting new analysis.
Results: Dental fluorosis was observed in 62.7 % of the people visited. In 31.5% of participants, fluorosis Grade 1 in 22.4 % of participants, fluorosis grade 2 in 7.7 % of participants, fluorosis grade 3 and finally fluorosis grade 4 was observed in 4 patients. Different levels of fluorosis were observed in residents of the villages of Gharebolaq, Nagharehkub, and Bashsizkooh (83.3%, 70.5 %, and 32.5 % respectively). There was a significant difference in prevalence of fluorosis between villages (P < 0.001). Fluorosis was observed in both permanent and temporary teeth. Mean cumulative fluoride index (MCFI) in people with and without fluorosis was 22660.2 and 4743.2 mg, respectively. There was a correlation between this index and fluorosis (R =0.413).
Conclusion: In all three villages studied, even Bashsizkooh, different grades of fluorosis were endemic. It is recommended that the responsible authorities take a new measure and approach for the intake of fluoride from drinking water.
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Farin Fatemi, Hamed Mohammadi, Ali Ardalan, Kazem Naddafi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: On August 2012, two earthquakes measured 6 and 6.2 on the Richter scale took place in Eastern Azerbaijan province. Environmental Health Department is accounted as one of the main units for providing and supervising environmental sanitation services at the emergencies, therefore, the objective of this study was allocated to assess environmental health response performance in recent earthquake. Material and Methods: Through multi-stages stratified sampling, we selected 8 and 4 villages from the earthquake zones of Heris and Varzaghan respectively. The collecting data tools in this research were the WHO checklist in 7 categories, 14 subcategories, and 37 environmental health activities and also the minimum standards of Sphere Project checklist. The status of environmental health in each village was assessed using the mentioned checklists. This study was carried out with attendance of research team in earthquake zones 21 days after the occurrence of earthquake. Results: Among the 37 environmental health activities, 7 activities were the joint ones, which Environmental Health Department had to carry it out with the coordination of other related organizations. In other words, the environmental health has the supervising role in these activities. Totally, such activities had more nonconformities compared with the activities in which environmental health was administered as the main responder. The details of results have been expressed in the full text. Conclusion: Providing intra-sector coordination, prioritizing the needs of the affected population and considering the principles of community based management in the natural disaster are proposed as the recommendations of this study.
Seyed Ali Jozi, Maryam Firouzei,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nemone Tehran Poultry Slaughterhouse having an area of 13000 m2 is located at District 3, Region 5 of Tehran Municipality and in Morad Abad Quarter .This study aimed at analysis the environmental impacts of the abovementioned slaughterhouse. For this purpose, we applied analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as one of the multiple criteria decision making methods (MCDM). Materials and Method: First, we determined the criteria and options required through analyzing the project impacts. Then, for final validity of criteria, we used experts questionnaire. Special vector technique through using the Expert Choice software was used in order to set priorities for criteria and options. Results: Analysis of the slaughterhouse effluent indicated that it can neither be discharged into the surface water and well nor suitable for irrigation and agricultural purposes. Noise evaluation showed that rate of noise measured is beyond the standard limits. The laboratory experiment results on air pollutants was lower than the standard level. Conclusion: The results indicated that from the pollution perspective in the slaughterhouse, wastewater weighted 0.497 is the primary preference and sound, air, and odour weighted 0.229, 0.136 and 0.080 are the subsequent preferences. Cultural and socioeconomical environment ranked hgiher relative to the chemical-physical environment and then biological environment. Finally, regarding to the main significant environmental problem of slaughterhouse (Wastewater), optimization of the slaughterhouse wastewater treatment system and constant monitoring of the external sewage quality is in priority.
S. A. Jozi, S. J. Esmat Saatloo, Z. Javan,
Volume 7, Issue 3 (5-2014)
Volume 7, Issue 3 (5-2014)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chemical spillage of equipment is possible in petrochemical processes. Occurrence of such event can result in firing and explosion and consequently would bring about some risks to the environment affected. The aim of this study was to assess environmental risks in Olefin Plant, Arya Sasol Petrochemical Company in order to identify environmental risks at producing source. Methods: The basic data was gathered through using the results of monitoring and measurement of ambient air pollutants and stack exhaust gases, safety review method and field observation. For determination the effects of hydrocarbons leakage from equipment on the environment, measuring BTEX in ambient air was performed as per EPA0030 Standard method with using Gas Chromatography at 4 stations of the complex and a portable Testo 350 XL device was used for monitoring stack exhaust gases, from 9 stacks from May 2011 to April 2012. Assessment and risk management tool used in this study was the fault tree analysis method. The main part of the risk assessment in fault tree method is selecting a top event. According to the statistics of accidents and environmental aspects of ethane cracking operations, hydrocarbon leakage is detected as top event and then composition and relationship between risk factors is determined in the form of terminal event, intermediate event and the gate “and” and “or”. With qualitative and quantitative analysis of fault tree of this accident, the main causes of the accident and the likelihood of the top event was calculated for a year. Results: Comparing with other stations, it was found that benzene with concentration of 0.37 mg/m3 in autumn, toluene with concentration of 0.13 mg/m3 in spring, and ethyl benzene with concentration of 0.09 mg/m3 in autumn, and xylene with the concentration of 1.01 mg/m3 in autumn season had the highest concentration. The fault tree developed had 16 events (including final, intermediate, and initial), which were connected to each other with seven logic gates. The maximum error percentage in the terminal events was attributed to the hardware failures such as malfunction in equipment with 55.55 percent followed by human and administrative errors in the next ranking. The highest percentage (22.2%) of the terminal events was related to the gasket unsuitable material the main reason is due to the economic sanctions and the lack of effort to provide high quality products. Conclusion: Most likely occurrence of the final event was related to the gasket unsuitable material (2×10-2). Control action to prevent the occurrence of leakage could be supplying high quality gaskets and the failure is classified in the hardware failure category.
S Valizadeh, Z Shekari,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2015)
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Significant increase in population and as a result, the production of excessive waste has recently made attention to municipal solid waste management a necessary issue. The objective of this study was to use matrix-based EIA process in order to determine best waste management option in Birjand City and to suggest appropriate solutions to managers and planners of this city. Materials and Methods: Assessing the environmental impacts of waste management options was done using Iranian Leopold Matrix. Through this method, the environmental impacts of waste management options were determined in the Birjand City. The options were Open dumping, Recycling, Composting, and Sanitary damping. Results: The results indicated that Open dumping with a final score of -3.06 had the highest environmental impact and was introduced as the fourth preference. In addition, composting with final score of -2.34 has the lowest environmental impact compared with other options. Conclusion: About 76.95% of the composition of municipal solid waste of Birjand City is household waste therefore, putrescible organic materials are the predominant waste. Thus, according to the results of the Iranian Leopold matrix method, composting option was introduced as the first priority and the most logical option for waste management in the Birjand City.
M Sabouhi , F Nejadkoorki, H.r Azimzadeh, M.s Ali Taleshi,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Volume 9, Issue 1 (6-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The presence of industrial workshops has increased urban pollution. This study aimed to investigate the heavy metal pollutants of Yazd battery repairing workshops and to identify the ecological and environmental effects resulted.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Yazd. In this regard, the city was divided into three parts on the basis of geographical features. Then, 30 workshops were selected from each part through stratified random sampling method. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) in the floor were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The impacts assessment of heavy metals was evaluated using environmental potential risk index (RI), cumulative pollution index (IPI), pollution coefficient factor (Cf), and the degree of modified contamination (mCd) and Pearson’s correlation statistical test.
Results: The trend of heavy metals concentrations in floor dust particles of workshops was as Fe>Cu>Pb>Zn>Mn>Cr>Cd. Therefore, the average concentrations of Fe and Cd in the samples were 27011.52 ±4721.05 and 78.25±21.07 mg/kg respectively. The results of the RI showed that heavy metal of floor dust had very high danger (2816.29). The mCd value was as 63.35 indicating these workshops were at severe contamination class. The value of Cf was as 304.17 revealing that these workshops were at very severe contamination class.
Conclusions: This research showed that the high concentration of heavy metals in battery repairing workshops is due to the interaction of heavy metals of industrial wastes components, including electrical wastes and battery with the dust having mankind origin.
N Naqshband, M Askari Hesni,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2017)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Glyphosate is a non-selective, systemic herbicide that can control most plants, but it has harmful effects on organisms, especially aquatic animals. Static bioassays were made to determine acute toxicity of glyphosate and its effects on haematological parameters and behavior changes of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Materials and Methods: Common carp were exposed to different concentrations of glyphosate (5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L) and a control group for 96 h. After that, blood and plasma factors were measured in blood samples. Mortality rate and fish behavioral were recorded during the experiments. LC50, LOEC, NOEC and MATC were calculated by Probit software according to mortality rate in any treatment.
Results: In the early period of the experiment, fish in toxic media were jumping in water and showed high movements. Then after, the behavior such as breathing in surface, loss of balance, weakness and finally death were observed in the different treatments. LC50 value and 95% confidence limit of glyphosate in 24, 48, 72 and 96 h were 36.09, 30.46, 21.78 and 20.05 mg/L for common carp, respectively. The LOEC, NOEC and MATC were calculated as 6.66, 4.73 and 2.005 mg/L. The Significant changes that were observed in blood factors included RBC, WBC, Hct, Hb and plasma factors such as total protein, glucose, cortisol and other factors when the pesticide concentration was increased (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Results showed that glyphosate had a high effect on common carp and it its physiology and immune system. Haematological parameters may be used as an environmental health diagnostic test and stress indicator for agriculture pesticides in aquatic ecosystems.
H Malvandi, N Hassanzadeh,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals contaminations are readily bioaccumulated in aquatic systems and lead to increased concentrations in food chains, posing a serious threat to human health, water-related organisms and aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of the present study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals in surface sediments of CheshmehKile River, to evaluate environmental and ecological risk and to determine the degree of contamination of the elements studied.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 25 samples of surface sediment were collected from the CheshmehKile River. The heavy metals content of the samples was measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. According to the content of heavy metals in sediment samples, environmental and ecological risk indices were calculated. Also, river contamination was evaluated by comparing the elements studied values with the sediment quality guidelines values.
Results: The mean concentration of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, zinc and arsenic were 41.27, 356.35, 16756.32, 9.17, 11.87, 41.24 and 24.60 µg/g, respectively. Based on the values of the CF and Igeo indices, all of the elements, with the exception of arsenic, showed a low degree of contamination. The indices of Eir and RI also showed the lowest ecological risk at all stations.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the surface sediments of CheshmeKile River in Mazandaran province were somewhat contaminated with arsenic. However, fortunately, the river sediments were of good quality from the point of view of the content of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and zinc.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 25 samples of surface sediment were collected from the CheshmehKile River. The heavy metals content of the samples was measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. According to the content of heavy metals in sediment samples, environmental and ecological risk indices were calculated. Also, river contamination was evaluated by comparing the elements studied values with the sediment quality guidelines values.
Results: The mean concentration of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, zinc and arsenic were 41.27, 356.35, 16756.32, 9.17, 11.87, 41.24 and 24.60 µg/g, respectively. Based on the values of the CF and Igeo indices, all of the elements, with the exception of arsenic, showed a low degree of contamination. The indices of Eir and RI also showed the lowest ecological risk at all stations.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the surface sediments of CheshmeKile River in Mazandaran province were somewhat contaminated with arsenic. However, fortunately, the river sediments were of good quality from the point of view of the content of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and zinc.
P Firouzi, H Aslani, A Aslhashemi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Volume 11, Issue 4 (3-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, swimming pools as a sport and entertainment center have found more popularity. Violation of health based standards in terms of physicochemical, microbial and environmental health indices can turn pools into a potential source of disease transmission and spread. Due to the importance of maintaining swimmers’ comfort, health, and safety, the present study was aimed to consider environmental health status and physicochemical and microbial quality of swimming pools water in Tabriz.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the official checklists of swimming pools (consisting 10 public and 22 private swimming pools) were obtained from Tabriz Health Center. According to the inspections conducted in February 2017 and August 2017, the related information was extracted from the checklist. Data were analyzed using Excel software, SPSS version 23 and Chi-Square test.
Results: The average accordance of the physicochemical parameters with the standards for public and private pools was 67.5% and 65%, respectively. Among the physicochemical parameters, the residual free chlorine showed less accordance with the standards. On average, in the summer 49.5% and in the winter 28% of the pools showed microbial contamination.
Conclusion: The residual free chlorine values in the pool, Jacuzzi and chiller indicated a weak management of pools and a high potential for pathogenicity. Therefore, continual surveillance of the environmental health status and planning for an objective inspection program by the local authorities, especially in private sector, is suggested.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the official checklists of swimming pools (consisting 10 public and 22 private swimming pools) were obtained from Tabriz Health Center. According to the inspections conducted in February 2017 and August 2017, the related information was extracted from the checklist. Data were analyzed using Excel software, SPSS version 23 and Chi-Square test.
Results: The average accordance of the physicochemical parameters with the standards for public and private pools was 67.5% and 65%, respectively. Among the physicochemical parameters, the residual free chlorine showed less accordance with the standards. On average, in the summer 49.5% and in the winter 28% of the pools showed microbial contamination.
Conclusion: The residual free chlorine values in the pool, Jacuzzi and chiller indicated a weak management of pools and a high potential for pathogenicity. Therefore, continual surveillance of the environmental health status and planning for an objective inspection program by the local authorities, especially in private sector, is suggested.
A Marzban, M Barzegaran, M Hemayatkhah, M Ayasi, S Delavari, Mt Sabzehei, V Rahmanian,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, with the increasing environmental issues such as energy crisis, climate change, waste generation and destruction of natural resources and the increase of waste materials due to the development of urbanization, human impact on the environment is one of the most challenging issues of the scientific community. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of awareness and environmental behaviors of Yazd citizens.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1000 residents of Yazd in 2018 by cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a standard questionnaire for knowledge, attitude and environmental behavior. The score range for the three knowledge, attitude and practice structures was 0-12, 13-65, and 17-55, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical tests at the significance level of 0.05 using spss16 software.
Results: One hundred percent of the questionnaires were completed. Mean score of knowledge and environmental attitude was 8.23 ± 3.92 and 36.15 ± 8.28 (moderate), and of the environmental behavior was 26.19 ± 7.14 (poor). There was a significant statistical difference between knowledge and environmental behavior of women and men. The level of knowledge and environmental behavior of women was higher (p<0.05). The largest source of environmental information was radio and television (42%).
Conclusion: Despite the relatively good awareness and attitude towards the environment, the majority of the people had poor performance due to the environmental behavior. Therefore, environmental awareness cannot be a guarantee of environmental behavior. It also needs to encourage persuasive social conditions and structure and facilitating environmental behaviors.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1000 residents of Yazd in 2018 by cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a standard questionnaire for knowledge, attitude and environmental behavior. The score range for the three knowledge, attitude and practice structures was 0-12, 13-65, and 17-55, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and analytical tests at the significance level of 0.05 using spss16 software.
Results: One hundred percent of the questionnaires were completed. Mean score of knowledge and environmental attitude was 8.23 ± 3.92 and 36.15 ± 8.28 (moderate), and of the environmental behavior was 26.19 ± 7.14 (poor). There was a significant statistical difference between knowledge and environmental behavior of women and men. The level of knowledge and environmental behavior of women was higher (p<0.05). The largest source of environmental information was radio and television (42%).
Conclusion: Despite the relatively good awareness and attitude towards the environment, the majority of the people had poor performance due to the environmental behavior. Therefore, environmental awareness cannot be a guarantee of environmental behavior. It also needs to encourage persuasive social conditions and structure and facilitating environmental behaviors.
Kh Ghattavi, A Naji, S Kord,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Marine pollution is growing due to human activities. Continuous increase in plastic production and poor management of plastic waste resulted in a significant increase of this contaminant in aquatic environments. This in turn led to the widespread presence of Microplastics (MPs) with a size of less than 5mm.
Materials and Methods: In this study, frequency, distribution, color and type of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of fish in Oman Sea were investigated using random sampling, tissue digestion and flotation of MPs.
Results: The total number of the MPs found in the studied species was variable. The highest number of MPs were found in the species belonged to Rastrelliger kanagurta and Nemipterus japonicus (29%) and Saurida tumbil, Trichiurus lepturus and Paragaleus randalli (14%).
Conclusion: The forms mostly observed were belonged to microfibres (86%), fragment (11%) and pellet (3%). The most frequent colors that were detected were in a decreasing order blue, pink and black. The results demonstrated that the highest concentrations of MPs were observed in Ratrelliger kanagurta and Nemipterus japonicus species. The present study provides useful information for further research, and a background analysis to monitore the pollutants in the Oman Sea.
Materials and Methods: In this study, frequency, distribution, color and type of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of fish in Oman Sea were investigated using random sampling, tissue digestion and flotation of MPs.
Results: The total number of the MPs found in the studied species was variable. The highest number of MPs were found in the species belonged to Rastrelliger kanagurta and Nemipterus japonicus (29%) and Saurida tumbil, Trichiurus lepturus and Paragaleus randalli (14%).
Conclusion: The forms mostly observed were belonged to microfibres (86%), fragment (11%) and pellet (3%). The most frequent colors that were detected were in a decreasing order blue, pink and black. The results demonstrated that the highest concentrations of MPs were observed in Ratrelliger kanagurta and Nemipterus japonicus species. The present study provides useful information for further research, and a background analysis to monitore the pollutants in the Oman Sea.
K Naddafi, A Mesdaghinia, M Abtahi, Ms Hassanvand, R Saeedi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Environmental burden of disease (EBD) studies are one of the most important needs for determining the current situation, increasing the effectiveness of health policies and programs and prioritizing environmental health interventions. This review article was evaluated the status of the EBD in Iran based on the results of the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, other international studies and national estimates in the country.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the researches on the EBD in Iran were identified by searching in the international and national scientific databases and the search results were studied and analyzed.
Results: The review of the EBD studies showed that based on the results of the GBD study, the share of environmental risk factors in the total burden of diseases in the country in 2017 according to the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths were about 8 and 13%, respectively. According to the results of the GBD study, the contributions of environmental risk factors in the attributable DALYs in the country in 2017 (a total value of 1,648,329) were as follows: ambient air PM2.5 for 45.0%, occupational risk factors for 25.1%, exposure to lead for 19.4%, unsafe water source for 5.0%, tropospheric ozone for 1.7%, lack of access to handwashing facility for 1.5%, unsafe sanitation for 1.4%, residential radon for 0.6%, and household air pollution from solid fuels for 0.3%. The total DALY rate and death rate attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation in Iran in 2000 were estimated to be 46.2 and 0.7, respectively. The DALY and the DALY rate attributable to elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water due to dental fluorosis in the country in 2017 were 3,443 and 4.14, respectively. The evaluation of the effect of water fluoridation as an environmental protective factor showed that the intervention by reducing the risk of dental caries could fall the DALY and DALY rates in the country by 14,971 and 18.73, respectively. In the period of 2005-2017, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to ambient air PM2.5, tropospheric ozone, residential radon, and occupational risk factors rose that the result increases the importance of the preventive measures and controls of these risk factors.
Conclusion: There was a considerable difference in the burden of disease attributed to each risk factor in various international studies as well as between national and international studies. The results of national studies on the burden of diseases attributable to environmental risk factors are considered to be more reliable and practical due to the application of more detailed data and conducting subnational evaluations; therefore, the strengthening and continuing these studies at the national and sub-national levels with regard to priorities, needs, and spatiotemporal trends using domestic reliable data and information are necessary and strictly recommended.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the researches on the EBD in Iran were identified by searching in the international and national scientific databases and the search results were studied and analyzed.
Results: The review of the EBD studies showed that based on the results of the GBD study, the share of environmental risk factors in the total burden of diseases in the country in 2017 according to the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and deaths were about 8 and 13%, respectively. According to the results of the GBD study, the contributions of environmental risk factors in the attributable DALYs in the country in 2017 (a total value of 1,648,329) were as follows: ambient air PM2.5 for 45.0%, occupational risk factors for 25.1%, exposure to lead for 19.4%, unsafe water source for 5.0%, tropospheric ozone for 1.7%, lack of access to handwashing facility for 1.5%, unsafe sanitation for 1.4%, residential radon for 0.6%, and household air pollution from solid fuels for 0.3%. The total DALY rate and death rate attributable to solar ultraviolet radiation in Iran in 2000 were estimated to be 46.2 and 0.7, respectively. The DALY and the DALY rate attributable to elevated levels of fluoride in drinking water due to dental fluorosis in the country in 2017 were 3,443 and 4.14, respectively. The evaluation of the effect of water fluoridation as an environmental protective factor showed that the intervention by reducing the risk of dental caries could fall the DALY and DALY rates in the country by 14,971 and 18.73, respectively. In the period of 2005-2017, the DALY rate (per 100,000 people) attributable to ambient air PM2.5, tropospheric ozone, residential radon, and occupational risk factors rose that the result increases the importance of the preventive measures and controls of these risk factors.
Conclusion: There was a considerable difference in the burden of disease attributed to each risk factor in various international studies as well as between national and international studies. The results of national studies on the burden of diseases attributable to environmental risk factors are considered to be more reliable and practical due to the application of more detailed data and conducting subnational evaluations; therefore, the strengthening and continuing these studies at the national and sub-national levels with regard to priorities, needs, and spatiotemporal trends using domestic reliable data and information are necessary and strictly recommended.
Kh Ghattavi, A Naji,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Microplastics (MPs) are well-known emerging contaminants in the marine environment. A key route by which MPs can directly affect marine life is through ingestion.
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate and measure MPs in the Persian Gulf, random sampling and digestion of tissues and flotation of MPs were used. This method has been used to study the frequency, distribution, shape and color of MPs in in the digestive system of fish in the Persian Gulf.
Results: According to the results, the highest concentration of extracted MPs were found in Sillago sihama (62%), Diagramma pictum (26%), Lutjanus johnii (6%), Otolithes ruber (5%), Epinephelus coioides (1%). However, MPs were not observed in Scomberomorus commerson.
Conclusion: The relative contribution of different forms of MPs in any fish showed that microfibers with the most abundant forms of MPs and fragments and films were observed to have the lowest concentration of 11% and 2%, respectively. Based on our results, it is suggested that Sillago sihama is suitable indicator of MPs contamination among studied fish in the Persian Gulf. Ingestion of MPs provides a potential pathway for the transfer of plastic additives, metals, PAHs and other POPs to wildlife and human consumers of fish. Therefore, more comprehensive investigations on MPs and nano-plstics should be conducted in food chain of seafood.
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate and measure MPs in the Persian Gulf, random sampling and digestion of tissues and flotation of MPs were used. This method has been used to study the frequency, distribution, shape and color of MPs in in the digestive system of fish in the Persian Gulf.
Results: According to the results, the highest concentration of extracted MPs were found in Sillago sihama (62%), Diagramma pictum (26%), Lutjanus johnii (6%), Otolithes ruber (5%), Epinephelus coioides (1%). However, MPs were not observed in Scomberomorus commerson.
Conclusion: The relative contribution of different forms of MPs in any fish showed that microfibers with the most abundant forms of MPs and fragments and films were observed to have the lowest concentration of 11% and 2%, respectively. Based on our results, it is suggested that Sillago sihama is suitable indicator of MPs contamination among studied fish in the Persian Gulf. Ingestion of MPs provides a potential pathway for the transfer of plastic additives, metals, PAHs and other POPs to wildlife and human consumers of fish. Therefore, more comprehensive investigations on MPs and nano-plstics should be conducted in food chain of seafood.
A Daryabeigi Zand, A Vaezi Heir,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Municipal waste transfer stations (WTS), operate as middle elements in waste collection and transfer to the final disposal site. Besides their benefits in waste transportation cost reduction, WTS can cause negative environmental impacts such as noise, air, and water pollution. Environmental impact assessment is an effective solution to reduce the environmental impacts of WTS. This research was conducted at evaluating the environmental impacts of various options defined for WTS in Tehran using the Rapid Impact AssessmentMatrix (RIAM) analysis method.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed to assess the environmental impacts of WTS based on field observation and data collection. Comparing was included four options including: continue the current condition of the WTS, three other alternatives considered to be three other alternatives (WTS in open space with the construction of green space) and transfer in enclosed space and with construction of green space and without it. Finally, using the sustainability model, the stability of the options was also measured.
Results: Based on the obtained results, the fourth option (indoor loading/unloading along with establishment of green spaces in WTS) as the first priority for the Construction of transfer stations among the other options has the highest score (0.079) in terms of sustainability as well as the adverse environmental impacts. However, the current environmental status of Tehran WTS (first option) has the lowest score (-0.213) in terms of sustainability and the most destructive environmental impacts and found to be the last priority in establishment of transfer stations.
Conclusion: Combined use of the RIAM and sustainability model can be a promising and reliable way to evaluate and improve the performance of (WTS).
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed to assess the environmental impacts of WTS based on field observation and data collection. Comparing was included four options including: continue the current condition of the WTS, three other alternatives considered to be three other alternatives (WTS in open space with the construction of green space) and transfer in enclosed space and with construction of green space and without it. Finally, using the sustainability model, the stability of the options was also measured.
Results: Based on the obtained results, the fourth option (indoor loading/unloading along with establishment of green spaces in WTS) as the first priority for the Construction of transfer stations among the other options has the highest score (0.079) in terms of sustainability as well as the adverse environmental impacts. However, the current environmental status of Tehran WTS (first option) has the lowest score (-0.213) in terms of sustainability and the most destructive environmental impacts and found to be the last priority in establishment of transfer stations.
Conclusion: Combined use of the RIAM and sustainability model can be a promising and reliable way to evaluate and improve the performance of (WTS).
Mansour Shamsipour, Homa Kashani, Masud Yunesian, Kazem Naddafi, Mohammad Sadegh Hassanvand, Reza Saeedi, Mahdi Hadi, Alireza Mesdaghinia,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess Iran’s position and trends for environmental health status among the countries of “Iran’s perspective document in 1404” according to the indicators used in Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report in 2018.
Materials and Methods: The score of indicators in environmental health area; air quality (including household solid fuels, exposure to PM2.5, and PM2.5 exceedance), water and sanitation (including drinking water and sanitation) and heavy metals (including lead) were extracted for all studied countries as well as for the last and baseline (generally ten years prior to last report) years from EPI 2018 database. According to EPI scores, the performance of the studied countries in each indicator was ranked. The percent change in the score of each indicator from baseline to current year was calculated and compared with the mean percent change for all studied countries.
Results: Iran ranked 7th regarding air quality in 2016. Also, it ranked 6th, 8th, and 9th in terms of household solid fuels, exposure to PM2.5, and PM2.5 exceedance, respectively. The EPI score for Iran regarding water and sanitation was 54.4 in 2005 and 58.74 in 2016 (percent change=7.98%). Iran ranked 21st in 2005 regarding lead exposure index. Although this index showed a growth of 100% in 2016, which is very desirable compared to the average growth of all countries (34.47%), but only leads to one step up in the ranking of Iran and was ranked 20th in comparison with other countries.
Conclusion: Totally, according to EPI 2018, Iran ranked 6th in the field of environmental health issues among 23 countries of “Iran’s perspective document in 1404”. However, there is uncertainty in the accuracy of the EPI raw data used for calculating index scores. Hence, caution should be exercised in their interpretation.
Materials and Methods: The score of indicators in environmental health area; air quality (including household solid fuels, exposure to PM2.5, and PM2.5 exceedance), water and sanitation (including drinking water and sanitation) and heavy metals (including lead) were extracted for all studied countries as well as for the last and baseline (generally ten years prior to last report) years from EPI 2018 database. According to EPI scores, the performance of the studied countries in each indicator was ranked. The percent change in the score of each indicator from baseline to current year was calculated and compared with the mean percent change for all studied countries.
Results: Iran ranked 7th regarding air quality in 2016. Also, it ranked 6th, 8th, and 9th in terms of household solid fuels, exposure to PM2.5, and PM2.5 exceedance, respectively. The EPI score for Iran regarding water and sanitation was 54.4 in 2005 and 58.74 in 2016 (percent change=7.98%). Iran ranked 21st in 2005 regarding lead exposure index. Although this index showed a growth of 100% in 2016, which is very desirable compared to the average growth of all countries (34.47%), but only leads to one step up in the ranking of Iran and was ranked 20th in comparison with other countries.
Conclusion: Totally, according to EPI 2018, Iran ranked 6th in the field of environmental health issues among 23 countries of “Iran’s perspective document in 1404”. However, there is uncertainty in the accuracy of the EPI raw data used for calculating index scores. Hence, caution should be exercised in their interpretation.
Mahdi Hadi, Alireza Mesdaghinia, Simin Nasseri, Elnaz Iravani,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Volume 13, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The bibliometric analysis is the most effective way to study the scientific output and trend of research. The purpose of this study is to analyze the scientific output of the Institute of Environmental Research (IER) at Tehran University of Medical Sciences using bibliometric technique.
Materials and Methods: All related IER articles that have been indexed in Scopus and WoK were retrieved from the beginning of 2009 till November 23, 2019. The bibliometric data were extracted and analyzed using R software.
Results: The document production follows an increasing exponential trend with a rate of 10% per year. 807 documents were retrieved with an average citations of 19.26 per each document. The documents per author and authors per document were obtained 0.196 and 5.1, respectively. The highest citations to documents was in 2017 (35.5 citations). The most frequent keywords were found “Adsorption”, “Drinking water”, “Air pollution”, “Particulate matter”, “Risk assessment” and “Response surface methodology”. Thus, engineering-based studies are more prominent in the published studies. Health-based studies, including risk assessment studies, accounted for the most area of research. The largest numbers of international research collaboration were recorded with the United States, Switzerland, Canada and India. While, in the national scale, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences’ collaboration was prominent.
Conclusion: It is still necessary to promote the level of the IER’s international collaborations to raise its regional status. In addition, more attention should be paid to health-based topics like risk assessment studies. These studies need to be given higher priority in the action plan of the IER’s centers and research groups.
Materials and Methods: All related IER articles that have been indexed in Scopus and WoK were retrieved from the beginning of 2009 till November 23, 2019. The bibliometric data were extracted and analyzed using R software.
Results: The document production follows an increasing exponential trend with a rate of 10% per year. 807 documents were retrieved with an average citations of 19.26 per each document. The documents per author and authors per document were obtained 0.196 and 5.1, respectively. The highest citations to documents was in 2017 (35.5 citations). The most frequent keywords were found “Adsorption”, “Drinking water”, “Air pollution”, “Particulate matter”, “Risk assessment” and “Response surface methodology”. Thus, engineering-based studies are more prominent in the published studies. Health-based studies, including risk assessment studies, accounted for the most area of research. The largest numbers of international research collaboration were recorded with the United States, Switzerland, Canada and India. While, in the national scale, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences’ collaboration was prominent.
Conclusion: It is still necessary to promote the level of the IER’s international collaborations to raise its regional status. In addition, more attention should be paid to health-based topics like risk assessment studies. These studies need to be given higher priority in the action plan of the IER’s centers and research groups.
Ali Daryabeigi Zand, Maryam Rabiee Abyaneh,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Volume 14, Issue 1 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Due to the increasing trend of municipal solid waste (MSW) production, if a suitable management system is not applied, it will lead to environmental pollution and endanger human health. The aim of this study was to compare different scenarios of waste management in Chalous city with life cycle assessment (LCA) approach and to select the most efficient method in terms of environmental adaptation.
Materials and Methods: After investigation of the quantitative and qualitative characterization of the produced wastes and the current waste disposal method in Chalous city, the obtained results were used to evaluate the life cycle of six different waste management scenarios; including the combination of four methods of composting, recycling, incineration along with energy extraction and sanitary landfilling. Emissions from various scenarios were assessed using IWM-2 model.
Results: The current system of municipal waste management in Chalus (scenario 1) with ecological index of 1.73+06 poses the highest pollution load into the environment. The inclusion of compost disposal methods in the organic waste sector and recycling of biodegradable materials significantly reduces the emissions of environmental pollutants by increasing the amount of materials for recycling and reuse, as well as preventing emissions from raw material production. The fifth scenario (60% compost, 30% recycling and 10% sanitary landfill) with ecological index of -2.00+05 was known as the lowest contamination scenario.
Conclusion: Considering that a high percentage of Chalous municipal solid waste composition is perishable materials (organic waste), simultaneous application of composting and recycling methods can be a suitable option for optimal management of wastes in Chalous city and play an important role in reducing the environmental pollution load.
Materials and Methods: After investigation of the quantitative and qualitative characterization of the produced wastes and the current waste disposal method in Chalous city, the obtained results were used to evaluate the life cycle of six different waste management scenarios; including the combination of four methods of composting, recycling, incineration along with energy extraction and sanitary landfilling. Emissions from various scenarios were assessed using IWM-2 model.
Results: The current system of municipal waste management in Chalus (scenario 1) with ecological index of 1.73+06 poses the highest pollution load into the environment. The inclusion of compost disposal methods in the organic waste sector and recycling of biodegradable materials significantly reduces the emissions of environmental pollutants by increasing the amount of materials for recycling and reuse, as well as preventing emissions from raw material production. The fifth scenario (60% compost, 30% recycling and 10% sanitary landfill) with ecological index of -2.00+05 was known as the lowest contamination scenario.
Conclusion: Considering that a high percentage of Chalous municipal solid waste composition is perishable materials (organic waste), simultaneous application of composting and recycling methods can be a suitable option for optimal management of wastes in Chalous city and play an important role in reducing the environmental pollution load.
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