Iranian Journal of Health and Environment
Year:2019 | Volume:12 | Issue:3 |Papers Count:12

Background and Objective: Hospital wastes with the content of infectious, pathologic, sharp, pharmaceupitical and genotoxic materials are classified as hazardous wastes. Of which, genotoxic residues wirh mutagenic and teratogenic effects are of most great concern on human health. Genetic wastes are referred to as cytotoxic, chemical, and radioactive drugs used to treat cancer or treat transplantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the management of hospital wastes in Mazandaran province with emphasis on genotoxic waste. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 35 governmental and social hospitals in Mazandaran province to determine the satus of hospital waste with focus on geotoxic waste. The quanity, quality and management approaches of hospital and genotoxic wastes in the studied hospitals were surveyed with a validated questionnaire. Results obtained from the present study were analyzed with Excel software. Results: The average waste per each hospital bed was estimated to be 3. 51 kilograms. Of which, 2. 2, 1. 24, 1. 9 kg were categorized as municipal, chemical, and genotoxic wastes, respectively. The average of the hospital waste management index in Mazandaran province was found to be about 84 out of 100, indicating good management of these wastes. The management of genotoxic waste in 7 specialized chemotherapy hospitals was estimated to be 64 out of 100, indicating the average state of genotoxic waste management for these hospitals. In 28 non-chemotherapy hospitals, the genotoxic waste management index was approximated 42 out of 100, indicating poor management of these wastes. Conclusion: The main weaknesses in hospital waste management are associated with the management of chemical-pharmaceutical and genotoxic wastes. Accordingly, improvement the quality of genotoxic and chemical-pharmaceutical wastes should be concerned in the future planning.

Background and Objective: Despite the significant improve in air quality in Tehran in 2018 and reducing the average concentration of most pollutants, compared to previous years, air quality is still far from the WHO air quality guideline level and national air quality standards. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of air pollution on health in Tehran by considering the spatial distribution of particulate matter 2. 5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2. 5) and population in determining exposure levels. Materials and Methods: In this study, while introducing the GEMM concentration-response function and BenMAP-CE software, the mortality attributed to PM2. 5 in Tehran and its distribution for 2017 and 2018 was calculated. Hourly PM2. 5 from monitoring stations used to estimate the mean PM2. 5 for 349 Tehran neighborhoods. Results: The results showed that the average population weighted PM2. 5 concentrations in Tehran in 2017 and 2018 was estimated to be 31. 8 and 26. 2 μ g/m3 respectively. Using the GEMM function, about 7, 377 (95% CI: 6, 126-8, 581) total mortality attributed to PM2. 5 was estimated in adults in 2017 (> 25 years) and the figure for 2018 was estimated as 6, 418 (95% CI: 5, 918-6, 753). Conclusion: The spatial distribution of deaths attributable to PM2. 5 showed that the total mortality rate per 100000 in the districts 16 and 18 of the Tehran municipality were higher than other districts and the lowest rate observed in the district 1. Please

Background and Objective: Due to the existence of industries such as stainless steel, the presence of nickel (II) ions in water and wastewater has been reported at high concentrations. Removal of nickel (II) ions from wastewater and the environment are of primary importance. In this study, iron (III) oxide nanoparticles were studied as an adsorbent for removal of Ni (II) ions from water in the batch equilibrium system. Materials and Methods: FT-IR, SEM and XRD techniques were used to characterize the structure of the sample. To determine the optimum adsorption, the effect of important parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent weight and initial concentration were investigated. Also, thermodynamic study (Gibbs standard energy variations, enthalpy and entropy), isothermal studies (absorption capacity) and kinetic studies (absorbent effect with time) were investigated. Results: The results showed that the magnetic adsorbent had the highest removal efficiency of nickel (II) at pH 7, contact time 60 min, adsorbent dosage of 200 mg, and maximum removable concentration of 400 mg/L. Conclusion: With thermodynamic studies, it was determined that the reaction was endothermic and the spontaneous process was controlled using the entropy factor (Δ G° =-2. 7 KJ/mol, Δ S° =+165. 17 J/mol. K). In order to better understand the mechanism of adsorption, kinetics studies were carried out using the pseudofirst-order and pseudo-second-order models. Then, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were investigated to determine the adsorption capacity, and it was found that the adsorption data were well fitted to Freundlich model and the maximum adsorption capacity was 43. 5 mg/g, which indicated high adsorption capacity and its multi-layers. Then, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were investigated and it was found that the adsorption data were well fitted to Freundlich model and maximum adsorption capacity (qmax=43. 5 mg/g) was obtained which indicates good adsorption capacity of adsorbent and its multi-layers.

Background and Objective: Human external exposure to natural radiation sources is much more than artificial radiation sources. In this study, external annual effective doses were estimated in cities of Gorgan and Bandar-Torkman by determining ambient gamma dose rate in indoor and outdoor spaces. Materials and Methods: Using an ionization chamber detector, the outdoor and indoor ambient gamma dose rate at 32 and 16 selected stations in Gorgan and Bandar-Torkman cities was measured for one hour, respectively. Indoor measurements were performed by 36 dosimeters in Gorgan and Bandar-Torkman cities in 11 and 6 residential buildings respectively using thermoluminescence dosimetry method. Results: The results of this study indicate that the ambient gamma dose rate in outdoor is a little more than this quantity in indoor space. The annual effective dose received by residents of Gorgan and Bandar-Torkman were 0. 720 and 0. 719 mSv, respectively. Conclusion: The annual effective dose received by residents of Gorgan and Bandar-Torkman cities is less than the worldwide average, and it is also less than the reference dose level for ordinary people (1 mSv).

Background and Objective: Water is one of the most valuable environmental factors that has become one of the greatest challenges of human society today. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between religious attitudes toward water saving in high school students in Yazd. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2018. 600 subjects (300 girls and 300 boys) were selected by random sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire on water saving tendency including 21 questions and Religious attitude questionnaire including 60 questions. The score range for the religious attitude and the tendency to save water was 60-300 and 21-105, respectively. Data were entered into SPSS18 software and analyzed using Chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the religious attitude score and the tendency to save water consumption were 180. 11 ± 14. 31 and 65. 27 ± 10. 21, respectively. The religious attitude of students with age and gender, and the tendency toward water saving with gender variables and number of family members was significant (p<0. 05). Correlation between religious attitude and tendency to water saving was statistically significant (r=0. 69, p=0. 01) Conclusion: Considering the positive correlation between religious attitude and tendency towards water saving, efforts to strengthen religious and moral inputs related to water consumption in students can lead to the development of an optimal water consumption attitude in this influential community of a society.

Background and Objective: Algal wastewater treatment is a new and economic technology to remove and recycle nutrients from wastewater. In order to investigate the effect of vinasse on microalgae growth and also the effect of its growth on nitrogen and phosphate removal in a mixture of urban wastewater and vinasse, the growth of Spirulina platensis was studied. Materials and Methods: Growth ability of spirulina in the urban wastewater and the effect of vinasse on growth rate was investigated by the calculation of biomass. The effect of concentration of vinasse, intensity of light and light-dark cycle on growth rate were studied by DESIGN EXPERT and CCD method. By selecting the optimized conditions, rates of nitrogen, phosphate and COD removal was investigated at the end of the growth period. Results: The results showed that adding vinasse to wastewater increased the growth rate and the highest amount of biomass of 3. 19 mg/mL was obtained in the sedimentary stream containing 0. 25% vinasse. By evaluating the effect of vinasse concentration, intensity of light and light-dark cycle on growth rate, optimal conditions at vinasse concentration 0. 4% (v/v), light intensity of 5000 lux and light period of 10 hours, 480 (mg/L) of biomass was obtained. The percentage of removal of nitrogen, phosphate and COD was 63%, 97% and 73% respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the capability of urban wastewater and vinasse in order to replace Zarouk’ s culture medium for growth of Spirulina microalgae. These microalgae were able to remove high percentage of nutrients in the wastewater.

Background and Objective: Due to the increasing growth of urbanization, vehicles are one of the most important environmental causes of air pollution in today’ s world. . With the increasing problems of air pollution and its environmental consequences due to lack of compliance with standards in manufacturing cars and their fuel consumption, awareness of the exhaust of cars and its comparison with environmental protection standards and technical examination is essential for controlling and reducing air pollution. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the aim of studying and comparing the amount of CO, CO2 and HC emissions from light vehicle exhausts in the period of 1383-1389 based on technical and environmental inspection standards in Shiraz. Also, the relationship between the year of construction of the car and the amount of output of these pollutants was discussed. Materials and Methods: In this research, the amount of exhaust emissions (carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and uncured hydrocarbons) from the exhaust of 858 vehicles included models Peugeot 206, GLX and Pars that were referred to the technical examination center during 5 months in Shiraz between the years 1383-1389 was investigated. Also, the relationship between the year of production and the amount of output of these pollutants was studied. Data analysis was done using SPSS software and Microsoft Excel software was used for drawing graphs. Results: The results showed that there was a significant and negative correlation between the year of manufacture of the vehicle and the reduction of CO and HC. As the year of construction increases, the amount of pollutants is decreasing. Also, this relationship was positive and significant between the year of manufacture and CO2. Also, the exhaust pollutants (CO and CO2) from the Peugeot GLX exhaust system were lower than Peugeot Pars and 206, and the lowest amount of HC was observed in Peugeot 206. Conclusion: In general, the exhaust emissions of all three cars were at the standard Euro 2 and technical examination.

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.

Background and Objective: Groundwater resources are the most valuable resources of each country. Development of agricultural activities in Ardabil plain and over-use of fertilizers and pesticides, improper disposal of municipal sewage and industrial areas are responsible for groundwater pollution. Clean-up of groundwater resources is very difficult and expensive. One of suitable method in preventing groundwater contamination is determination of the vulnerable zones of an aquifer to manage water resources and sustainable development. Materials and Methods: In this study for determining of vulnerability of aquifer Ardebil, information of 52 observational wells, 43 pumping tests, average of annual precipitation of 8 stations, 45 logs of exploration wells, land use map, topographic map and geological map have been gathered. Then, data layers of groundwater depth (D), Recharge (R), Aquifer media (A), Soil media (S), topography (T), impact of vadose zone (I) and hydraulic conductivity of aquifer (C) were prepared and overlaid based on DRASTIC method in ArcGIS software. Results: Zoning map of DRASTIC method showed that DRASTIC index varied between 63 to 195 units. Areas with high vulnerability potential were characteristic with shallow depth groundwater, coarse-texture soil, thin soil and gentle topographic slope. Accuracy of the zoning map was evaluated by nitrate concentration map which showed the increase of DRASTIC index with nitrate concentration. Conclusion: Northwestern and central parts of the Ardabil plain showed high vulnerability. The results of this study could help to reduce the environmental impact of contaminants on groundwater resources of the study area in future.

Background and Objective: Surface water and underground water quality in countries that facing dehydration have increased the interest of the community to use Household Water Treatment devices. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the quality of drinking water of Household Water Treatment devices and general distribution network in Garmsar, which is under the control of the water safety plan. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study administered in 6 regions and 41 cities of Garmsar city in spring and summer seasons in 2018. Chemical tests performed according to the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater, general measurements were performed using the multitube fermentation method and counting of heterotrophic bacteria by pour plate method. The results analyzed by using Excel and SPSS software. Results: The average values during two seasons were reported as: EC= 1507 (μ S/ cm), TDS= 786. 8 (mg/L), F= 0. 048 (mg/L), residual free chlorine= 0. 67 (mg/L), pH=7. 9, total coliform= 0. 16 (MPN/100 mL), fecal coliform= 0. 14 (MPN/100 mL) and HPC= 112 (CFU/mL). No significant difference found between the chemical and microbial parameters in the general distribution network and the output of the Household Water Treatment devices during the two seasons. Conclusion: Household water treatment devices did not affect the microbial burden but caused a change in the amounts of some chemical parameters. Drinking water from the distribution network, with the proper application of the water safety plan, is of good quality.

Background and Objective: Knowledge about the quantity of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation plays a key role in formulating policies of waste management. So far, different methods have been applied to estimate the quantity of waste generation. In this study, eight specific forms of mathematical functions were evaluated to predict waste generation by the regression analysis method based on population. Materials and Methods: The significance test of each model and the existence necessity of predictor parameters were performed using the F-and t-statistic, respectively. The statistical indicators of determination coefficient ( R2 ), adjusted determination coefficient ( 2 Adjusted R ), root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE) and mean percentage error (MPE) were used for model’ s goodness of fit. The predicted determination coefficient ( 2 Pr edicted R ) was calculated to assess the predictive ability of models by method of Leave-one-out cross validation. Results: The results showed that polynomial models of second order and more are not significant (at 0. 01 level) despite good accuracy and are not suitable for long-term prediction. Linear, power and exponential models are best with R2 equal to 0. 942, 0. 932 and 0. 936 and 2 Pr edicted R equal to 0. 904, 0. 893 and 0. 898 respectively. However, the uncertainty was greater in the exponential model. Conclusion: The status of waste generation was investigated in four scenarios based on growth rate of population (increasing, fixing and decreasing births) at Tehran metropolis in 2021-2051. In all scenarios, annual generation and per capita of waste are increased to 2051. The daily waste generation will increase to 12317 ton in 2051.

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).