Showing 11 results for Pollutants
A Solgi, R Nabizadeh, K Guodini,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (9-2009)
Abstract
Backgrounds and Objectives:Today the crisis rising from over consumption energy and materialand environmental pollution pose serious problems that challenges present resources of man.Sustainable development is probably an inevitable strategy for human being in such a way that theleast possible damage be inflicted to the environment.In this way, the role played by universities in reaching the objectives of sustainable development is crucial. In this paper, we examine the present state of consumption energy resources (Electricity and natural gas) in the central main campus of Tehran University and so we calculate the extent of environmental pollutants resulted of these energy consumptions.
Materials and Methods: For surveying of our objectives the first step is a survey of the current state of campus by way of reexamination of Gas and Electricity bills and distribution of a questionnaire. Second is an estimate of the entering pollutants to the environment with online software in site of http://www.abraxasenergy.com/emissions.
Results:annual consumption of 16.5 million KWHS of electricity along with 4312392 m3 of naturalgas leads to 0.0218 million tones Co2, 778 kg VOCS, 374.6 tones NOX, 2.41 tones CO, 65.341 tones So2, 93 kg Mercury compounds and 868 kg particles.
Conclusion: It is shown that there is no objective effort and green management in this part ofuniversity officials. This project suggests that the implementation of green management in the framework of programs such as green university can be crucial in reaching the objectives.
Sh Hosseini, A Salehi, E Shokry,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (12-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Increasing population growth and construction of high-rise buildings have doubled the amount of environmental pollution in the cities. Moreover, people use the open urban spaces more than before in order to meet their ecological needs. Accordingly, some parameters such as various vegetation and continuous winds streams can be considerably influential in transmittance of the particle pollution. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the impacts of different green roofs on the dispersion of pollutants in the standpoint of height and density for urban airflow condition of Shiraz City, Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a literature review in the field computer simulation with the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in Envi-met software environment was used.
Results: Regarding the importance of using vegetation in the urban spaces, vertical dispersion of the particles in presence of vegetation was explored. By comparing the basic model (without vegetation) results with models including vegetation with short, medium and high crowns, it was revealed that vegetation with medium crowns is the closest model to the basic model with a difference of 7.65 m2/s in terms of vertical dispersion of particles; in fact, it was the most optimized condition for maximizing the dispersion of environmental pollutants.
Conclusion: The results showed that the green roofs in the buildings increase the horizontal dispersion of the particulate pollution and decrease this term in the vertical dispersion. Finally, by an expansion of green roof usage in the buildings the sustainability in architecture and urbanism can be achieved.
Ar Mesdaghinia, S Nasseri, M Hadi, E Iravani, M Askari,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Supply of safe drinking water to each community is one of the most important challenges in improving the general community’s health. Considering the importance of the research on water quality, identification of water quality research gaps was performed by reviewing the relevant studies through a systematic review for Iran.
Materials and Methods: In this study 638, 166, 300 and 1000 relevant articles were found on Scopus, SID, Magiran and Iranmedex databases, respectively. Out of 2104 articles, 1394 articles were excluded from the study. Finally, 710 articles were further reviewed.
Results: Monitoring of pollutants by a descriptive study was the main objective of the most studies (36.62%). Around 13% of the studies were performed on a laboratory scale. Organic pollutants in Iran have been concerned only in 17 provinces, and other provinces have not participated in this regard. Nitrate is studied in around one fifth of the total studies. Heavy metals were also considered as a parameter of concern in the studies carried out on monitoring drinking water resource quality.
Conclusion: This study reflects the research gaps and provides a basis for prioritizing water quality research in Iran. More actions and sound planning should be taken to monitor organic and inorganic pollutants. Chemical and microbial risk assessment, tracing the fate of pollutants and assessment of their ecological effects, investigations on advanced water purification processes, the use of bioremediation methods, identification of biological contaminant using biomarkers and molecular identification techniques are the most important research priorities that require more investigations.
A Ahmadi Orkomi, A Kamkar, Z Aghajani,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Since mobile resources are the most important sources of air pollution in the metropolis of Rasht and due to the importance of air pollution in wet weather condition in Rasht, this research was carried out in a specific area to determine the pattern governing the change in the monthly emissions of pollutants on a small scale, using the results obtained from that area.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the amount of air pollutants was estimated on a small scale by continuous monitoring of traffic throughout the year (four days per month and six hours per day) and using MOVES software.
Results: The maximum annual average emissions of CO and NOx in the study area were 15.76 (between Gas and Razi squares) and 2 (between Imam Hossein Square and Nirou Daryaee square) g/(m.hr), respectively. In addition, the results showed that the average monthly emission of NOX throughout the year in each of the sections was constant and the average monthly emission of CO in the first half and the second half of the year was constant, and its value in the first half was higher than that in the second half.
Conclusion: Hourly distribution of CO emission in different months was affected by events and, in general, the pattern of people's life styles. But the hourly distribution for NOX was roughly constant throughout the year. Also, according to the results, with a single measurement (for CO) and twice measurement (for NOX) of traffic instead of monthly measurements, the pollutant emission estimation in other parts of the city was possible with an acceptable accuracy. Because the generalization of the method used in this study to estimate the emission of pollutants in all roads of the city is not reasonable and cost-effective.
Javad Torkaman, Mehrdad Ghodskhah Daryaei, Shahrooz Sahranavard,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Climate change and environmental pollutants affect the growth of plant species. These effects can be recognized in the tree growth rings. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the precipitation and temperature in four decades (1975-2015) and air pollutants in the last decade on the average growth of pine trees (Pinus eldarica).
Materials and Methods: The studied area is Chitgar Forest Park located in the northwest of Tehran city and the studied species is the forest pine (Pinus eldarica). The research method is descriptive, the required climatic information was obtained from Mehrabad meteorological station and sampling was done by disc cutting from 10 forest pine trees. After preparing the samples, the number and width of annual rings were counted and measured using binoculars and a measuring table. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used at a significance level of 5% to investigate the significant difference in growth width in four decades.
Results: The results show that there is no significant difference between average precipitation in four decades, while average temperature and average growth have significant differences (p < 0.05). The amount of growth based on the growth index has decreased during four decades, and this decrease is more significant and obvious in the fourth decade due to the increase of pollutants such as ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Conclusion: In general, the growth of forest pine trees has decreased during forty years with the increase of average annual temperature, which excessive decrease in the fourth decade is caused by pollutants such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide. It is suggested to do more research on sensitive species planted in urban areas to better understand the effect of pollutants on the growth and development of trees.
Ehsan Rafeemanesh, Habibollah Esmaily, Farzaneh Rahimpour, Mohammad Javad Fahoul, Habib Herati, Hasan Jahed Taherani,
Volume 16, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Employees of wastewater treatment plants are exposed to various harmful factors in the work environment that can threaten their health. In this research, the health status of the employees of Mashhad sewage treatment plants has been evaluated to help by implementing intervention programs to improve the health of employees.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, (bioaerosols, UV rays, heat stress, and hydrogen disulfide gas) were measured in 5 treatment plants in Mashhad. All study variables, including health status, clinical tests, and job stress, were analyzed analytically in two operational and administrative employee groups. The standard HSE occupational stress questionnaire was used to investigate the state of occupational stress. All data were transferred to the computer and data analysis was done with the help of software SPSS20.
Results: The amount of pollutants except H2S gas was lower than the national occupational exposure limit. The number of smokers, diabetics, knee pain, and hearing loss was higher among operational than administrative employees, and hypertension, increased cholesterol, back pain, and skin disease were also more common in office workers than operational workers, but there were no statistically significant differences. Obesity and overweight (p<0.009) and increased triglycerides (p<0.05) were more common in administrative than operational workers, which had statistically significant differences. The state of job stress in operational employees was statistically significant compared to administrative employees regarding role (p<0.018) and communication (p<0.002).
Conclusion: Appropriate occupational health interventions to reduce pollutants, implement ergonomic programs and improve nutrition and increase physical activity and stress management can play an effective role in improving the health of employees of these units.
Qasim Jalal Smian, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Atefeh Chamani,
Volume 16, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Nowadays, individuals spend a lot of time indoors; thus they are exposed to hazardous compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with teratogen, mutagen, and carcinogen potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to detect, and determine the content and source apportionment of PAHs in office building dust samples of Isfahan metropolis in 2023.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 84 indoor dust samples were collected from 28 sampling sites. After extraction of analytes, the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS) method was used to determine PAHs content in the samples. Molecular diagnostic ratios (MDRs) were used to determine the origin of PAH compounds. Furthermore, all statistical analyses were performed by SPSS software.
Results: The results showed that 16 priority PAHs were detected in the office building dust samples with the minimum, maximum, and mean values (µg/kg) of 4575, 16589, and 9838. Moreover, based on the results obtained, the mean contents of NAPH, FLU, PHE, FULA, PYR, BaA, CHR, BbF, BkF, BaP, DahA, BghiP, and IcdP species were higher than the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) established by Iran DOE. The results of the MDRs method indicated that although PAHs originated from both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources, the pyrogenic sources had the main role in the pollution of office building dusts with PAHs.
Conclusion: Due to risks arising from exposure to PAHs, detection, determination of contents, source identification, and especially health risk assessment of PAHs in indoor dust of other closed places such as commercial, educational, and recreational buildings as well as households is recommended.
Seyedeh Sholeh Hosseini, Bahareh Lorestani, Soheil Sobhanardakani, Mehrdad Cheraghi, Sahar Rezaian,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Street dust, as both a source and sink of pollutants, is considered a reliable indicator for assessing atmospheric pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the pollution levels and environmental toxicity of arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) in street dust in the city of Hamedan in 2023.
Materials and Methods: A total of 108 street dust samples were collected from 12 sampling sites, including residential, commercial, and industrial regions, during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The concentrations of the analyzed elements were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Additionally, pollution indices (PI), integrated pollution index (IPI), and mean effects range median quotient (mERM-Q) were calculated.
Results: The highest average concentrations of the analyzed elements in street dust were observed in the industrial regions and the fall season for As (5.79 mg/kg), Zn (405 mg/kg), Cd (0.758 mg/kg), and Cu (84.8 mg/kg). For Pb, the highest average concentration (110 mg/kg) was found in commercial regions during the fall season. PI values indicated pollution levels for As, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu ranging from "moderate" to "very high." The average IPI values varied between 2.52 and 3.90, reflecting "high" pollution conditions across all sampling sites and seasons. Furthermore, the average mERM-Q values suggested a 21% probability of elemental toxicity in the analyzed street dust samples.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the influence of human activities, seasonal variations, and emission source fluctuations on street dust pollution. To mitigate pollution, it is recommended to identify and control the release sources of these elements, particularly in regions with higher pollution levels.
Raziyeh Zandipak, Nader Bahramifar, Habibollah Younesi, Mohammad Ali Zolfigol,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Dyes are significant pollutants that pose serious hazards to humans, animals and other organisms. They are not biodegradable through aerobic treatment processes, making their removal from industrial wastewater through photocatalytic processes essential. This research aimed to synthesize an imide-conjugated polymer photocatalyst for the first time and evaluate its effectiveness in removing Rhodamine B dye from aqueous solutions.
Materials and Methods: In this applied research, an imide conjugated polymer was synthesized and employed as a photocatalyst for the removal of Rhodamine B from aqueous solutions. The polymer was characterized using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) methods. The study also assessed the influence of variables, including pH (4-9), photocatalyst concentration (0.01-0.04 g/L), and contact time (0-120 min), on the removal efficacy of Rhodamine B.
Results: The findings indicated that removal efficiency increased to 99% at a contact time of 45 minutes and a photocatalyst concentration of 0.02 g/L. The optimal pH for Rhodamine B removal was found to be 7.
Conclusion: The imide conjugated polymer proved to be an effective and accessible photocatalyst for the removal of rhodamine B from industrial wastewater under visible light.
Akbar Eskandari, Mohammad Mosaferi, Alieh Tabasi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (5-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Microplastics are emerging and persistent environmental pollutants. The most common types include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyformaldehyde, polystyrene, and polyamide. Due to their chemical and toxic properties, ability to absorb and release persistent organic pollutants, and association with heavy metals, microplastics pose a serious threat to both the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics on human health and the environment.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive review was conducted in 2024 to document the process of searching, screening, and reporting based on the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews. Articles published between 2019 and April 2024 were searched using keywords such as "Microplastics," "Health Risk," "Emerging Contaminants," and their Persian equivalents in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Magiran, and SID.
Results: The effects of microplastics on human health include the absorption of aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, and other pollutants, leading to neurological and respiratory disorders such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, and genotoxic and cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, microplastics have detrimental effects on plants, microbial populations, soil structure, and the health of animals and humans.
Conclusion: Microplastics represent a significant environmental challenge, threatening human health and biodiversity. These particles enter the food chain and can cause hormonal imbalances and chronic diseases. Raising public awareness and reforming policies on plastic production and consumption are essential steps to mitigate this pollution.
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.
