Iranian Journal of Health and Environment
Year:2012 | Volume:5 | Issue:1 (15)|Papers Count:12

Background and Objectives: Benzene, toluene and Xylenes (BTX) are organic pollutants, which are mainly associated with oil and its derivatives. BTX is environmental contaminants and considered harmful to human health. Application of surface absorbents such as zeolite is one of several methods for the removal of these compounds. In this study, BTX compounds’ removal efficiencies were investigated and compared by using clinoptilolite type zeolite and zeolite with copper oxide nanoparticles.Materials and Methods: In this study, the modified zeolite by hydrochloric acid in the grain size 1-2 mm and modified zeolite with nano particle of copper oxide were used. Artificially-Contaminated Air flow was used continuously.To determine BTX concentrations, samplings were done by charcoal tube in current input and output. The concentrations of contaminants were determined by gas chromatography with FID detector.Results: Removal efficiency of benzene, toluene, p-xylene, m-xylene and o-xylene by clinoptilolite were 78.3%, 62.1%, 32.2% 32.15% and 18.8%, respectively. For the clinoptilolite containing cooper oxide nano particles efficiency were 25.42%, 35.65%, 36.33%, 33.24% and 29.39%, respectively.Average removal efficiency of BTX compounds observed when the zeolite without nanoparticles used (43.31%) was more than zeolite with nanoparticles (32%). The results showed that the concentration of CO2 in the outlet air of the zeolite-containing nanoparticle (550 ppm) was more than the zeolite without nanoparticle (525 ppm).Conclusion: Results showed that adding nanoparticles to the zeolite, although the removal efficiency of benzene and toluene can be reduced. The results showed that adding nanoparticles to the zeolite, although can be reduced removal efficiency of benzene and toluene, which may be due to occupying or blocking of the pollution absorption sites by the nanoparticles on the zeolite, but It cause promote more catalytic effect of zeolite in the decomposition process of contaminants by breaking the molecules of pollutants and their further degradation progress is done for conversion to carbon dioxide.

Background and Objectives: Guilan province, with unique environmental values of the Caspian Sea is located in the southwest of Caspian Sea. Disposal of untreated domestic sewage, industrial and agricultural surface water cause pollution of the Caspian Sea region and endanger the health of swimmers. This study performed to determine the microbial contamination of coastal water in Guilan.Materials and Methods: In this work, 21 sampling point in the Caspian Sea littoral provinces of Guilan were selected and microbial contaminations were assessed using microbial indicators of fecal and total coliform. Parameters such as pH, temperature, and turbidity also monitored during the year. In this study, 122 samples were taken and then analyzed by statistical software.Results: The results showed that the average values of total coliform and fecal coliform were 234.8 and 60 MPN per 100 ml, respectively. The fecal pollution appeared to be high in some stations. Also significant relationship between temperature, turbidity and microbial contamination was observed (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results revealed high total coliform in the two stations. The average fecal coliform of six stations were higher than the local standards.N per 100 ml sample and fecal coli form in stations 1, 2, 6, 8, 9 and 11, respectively, 195, 163.3, 131.5, 111.5, 127.7, 118.8 MPN per 100 ml sample is. Also significant relationship between temperature, turbidity and microbial contamination was observed (P<0.05).

Background and Objectives: 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid is a well-known herbicide which can be dangerous for both human and animal health in different ways such as its presence in drinking water. This study aimed at Performance of granular activated carbon to 2-4-D removal from aqueous solution and assessing the relationship between COD and 2-4-D concentration Materials and Methods: This study is a lab-scale study. Firstly, different 2-4-D concentrations were prepared from Stock solution (1000 mg/L), and then their CODs were measured. Optimum pH for 2-4-D removal was determined and its absorption rate at different concentrations was measured.Results: Results showed a clear relationship between COD and 2-4-D concentration. On the other hand, COD removal increased as time elapsed, so that maximum removal 90% and 84% at initial 2-4-D concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/L were observed at contact time of 50 min respectively.Optimum pH for all concentrations was determined as 6.Conclusion: According to present study it can be concluded that activated carbon have be up to 90% of 2-4-D removal from water environment. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between COD and 2-4-D concentration, so that direct measurement of COD can be used instead of 2-4-D measurement.

Background and Objectives: Aerobic sludge granulation is an advanced phenomenonin which its mechanisms have not been understood. Granulation can be a promising and novel biological wastewater treatment technology to eliminate organic and inorganic materials in future. High salinity is a parameter which leads to plasmolisatian and reduction of the cell activity. This could be a problem for biological treatment of the saline wastewater. Aerobic granule was formed and investigated during this study.Materials and Methods: This study is an intervention study on the treatment of wastewater with 500-10000 mg/L concentration of NaCl by sequencing batch reactor. Asynthesized wastewater including nutrient required for microorganism’s growth was prepared. Input and output pH and EC were measured. Range of pH and DO varied between 7-8, and 2-5 mg/L, respectively. SEM technology was used to identify graduals properties.Results: In terms of color, granules divided into two groups of light brown and black.Granule ranged in 3-7mm with the sediment velocity of 0.9-1.35 m/s and density of 32-60 g/L. Properties of granules were varied. Filamentous bacteria and fungi were dominant in some granules. However non filamentous bacteria were dominant in others. EDX analysis indicated the presence of Ca and PO4.Conclusion: Granules with non filamentous bacterial were compact and settled faster. Presence of different concentrations of salinity leaded to plasmolysis of the bacterial cells and increased concentrations of EPS in the system as a result of which granulation accelerated.

Background and Objectives: Phenol is one of the aromatic compounds, which due to its high toxicity and its presence in the industrial effluents, should be removed and prevented it, to the receiving water resources. The natural biological plant has been accepted as one of the most feasible, eco-friendly and cost-effective options for the treatment of pollutants such as Phenol. The aim of this study is efficiency evaluation of the anaerobic stabilization pond performance in removing phenol and other organic compounds from Kermanshah oil refinery wastewater.Materials and Methods: The method of study was experimental and analytical, a laboratory scale anaerobic stabilization pond, with dimensions of 1 ´1´0.2 m, using fiberglass sheet with a thickness of 6 mm was designed and built up. In this study The hydraulic retention time and hydraulic loading rate were expected 2 days and 95 liters per day respectively. Organic loading rate for anaerobic pond was 100 g/m3. After starting, seeding and biological stability, samples were taken. Initial phenol concentration was added about of 100 mg/l to pilot input, then the parameters such as NH3, PO4 and Phenol were measured by Varian spectrophotometer model UV-120-02 in the wavelength 425, 690, 500 nm respectively. TCOD, SCOD, TBOD, SBOD, pH and ORP were measured according to the standard methods of water and wastewater.Results: The results showed that the removal efficiency of NH3, PO4, phenol, TCOD, SCOD, TBOD, SBOD in the anaerobic pond were obtained 91.51%, 64.34%, 89.82% 74.99 % 73.34% 71.75%, 68.9% respectively.Conclusion: The results showed that the ability for phenol and other organic compounds removal in anaerobic pond using petroleum refinery wastewater is higher than the other systems which are expensive and complex.

Background and Objectives: Existence of Heavy metals in water resources is one of the most important environmental problems in many countries. These metals have dangerous effects on human health. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare lead removal by nanometer and millimeter absorbents of Zizyphus Spinachristi fly ash.Materials and Methods: This study was non-continuous experiment which was implemented under laboratory conditions with and by changing effective factors such as pH (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), contact time (5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 minutes) and adsorbent concentration (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mg/ L).The data was fitted based on four models including Ho et al, Lagergern, Lungmuir and Freundlich which the first two models used for absorption kinetic and the latter two considered as absorption isotherm.Results: The Result of this study showed that as the pH increases from 3 to 5 adsorption efficiency increased as well. Furthermore, when pH was over 5, the metal ions settled down. With increasing contact time, adsorption efficiency increased as well. With increasing the amount of nanometer as an adsorbent, removal efficiency increased and then decreased. Also the adsorption process followed precisely Ho et al kinetic and Langmuir isotherm, for both absorbents.Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, specific area of the nano particles was more than millimeter particles (29.56 m2/g & 17.80 m2/g), therefore adsorption capacity of nano absorbent was four times more than adsorption capacity of millimeter (19.93 mg/g & 17.80 mgr/g). Furthermore, the findings concluded high capability of nano particles towards Sorption of lead ions (Pb) from aqueous solutions.

Background and Objectives: Due to population intensity and industrial activities, quality of groundwater is important in Bushehr province and in particularly in coastal areas. The salinity of groundwater in Asaluyeh plain is increasing from the heights towards the Persian gulf and in some places are not even applicable for irrigation.Materials and Methods: In order to explore the source of the chloride anomaly, groundwater samples were analyzed and compared with the Persian Gulf samples. Also Water Samples Different diagrams were determined and the reasons of water salinity of Asaluyeh Plain were investigated.Results: The results of chemical analyses showed the groundwater excessive salinity, especially near the sea. Based on correlation matrix, the highest correlation between the sodium and chlorine ions was observed.Conclusion: The factors influencing on groundwater salinity in the plain varies and arising from solution of halite and gypsum from surrounding formations, suddenly increas sodium chloride in some parts of plain and forming Cl-Na water type. The results indicated that the Groundwater Type of Asaluyeh is Cl-Na and therefore it is classified as non-potable water.

Backgrounds and Objectives: Large quantities of sludge are produced in biological wastewater treatment. Because this sludge is highly rotten, it should be stabilized before its disposal. Aerobic and anaerobic digestion is widely considered as stabilization techniques. Because of high retention time and sludge dewatering difficulties, reduction in retention time, operation and maintenance should be given into consideration. Ultrasonic process increases the enzymatic activity, so decreases the hydrolysis time, a limiting factor in digestion process, and contributes to the decrease of the detention time. The objective of this investigation is to determine the effect of ultrasound in improving dewatering and stabilization of aerobic and anaerobic digested sludge. In addition, the impact of ultrasonic treatment on improvement of sludge dewatering and aerobic and anaerobic digestion is compared.Materials and Methods: In this survey, samples of aerobic and anaerobic digestion were collected from local full-scale Garb Town and Tehran South wastewater treatment plant, respectively. The grab samples were collected for 4 month from July to October 2010. Total numbers of 20 samples were collected biweekly for each type of digestion. Each sample was sonicated for 15, 30, 60, and 90 min under 35 and 131 kHz frequencies separately. Total solids, volatile solids, pH, temperature, total COD, dissolved COD and settle able solids were measured. Ultrasound bath of the solution in a 300 mL glass reactor was performed as a bath reactor with power of 500 W.Result: The results showed that the application of ultrasonic wave increased dissolved COD and temperature and decreased volatile solid, pH and settle able solids. Application of ultrasonic wave with frequency of 131 kHz decreased the VS and increased the dewatering of sludge more effective than the 35 kHz frequency and the highest performance was at 15 min of time and 131 kHz of frequency. Also sonication method showed better efficiency for anaerobic sludge samples compared to the aerobic sludge samples.Conclusion: The results obtained showed that digestion and dewatering properties of sludge improved by ultrasonic application. Therefore it can be used as an alternative method for the sludge treatment.

Background and Objectives: Nosocomial infection is the cause of deaths, morbidity, higher costs and increased length of stay in hospitals. Correct and appropriate use of antiseptic and disinfectants play an important role in reducing infections. In this study the efficacy of antiseptics on bacteria causing hospital infections has been studied.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the laboratory of Imam Khomeini Hospital of Uremia. In this study the Antimicrobial activity of Descocid, Korsolex basic, Mikrobac forte and persidin 1% was studied against bacteria causing hospital infections such as Enterobacter aeruginosa 1221 (NCTC 10006), Staphylococcus epidermidis (PTCC: 1435 (Cip81.55) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain PAO1. Sensitivities of bacteria were determined by Minimum inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal Concentration (MBC) antiseptics. In the second stage, the concentration of antiseptics was prepared according to the manufacturer’s suggested protocol and the effect of antimicrobial agents were studied at the certain concentration and contact time.Result: All disinfectants (Descocid, Korsolex basic, Mikrobac forte) concentration and contact time, Accordance with the manufacturer’s brochure, had inhibitory effect on all bacteria. That this is consistent with the manufacturer’s brochure. Persidin one percent in concentration of from 2 and 4 V/V% and exposure time 5 minutes could not inhibit the growth of bacterial. But at concentrations of 10 and 20% respectively 15 and 30 minutes exposure time, all three types of bacteria can be inhibited, which is consistent with the manufacturer’s claims.Conclusion: In this study, the efficacy of antiseptics was determined with the Micro-dilution method recommended by the NCCLS. Korsolex basic, weakest antiseptics (the highest MIC) for the inhibition of three bacteria was determined. But Between all four antiseptics (according to manufacturer concentration), Only one percent Percidine 2 and 4 V/V % in consumer dilution and 5 minutes exposure time failed to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterobacter aeruginosa.

Background and Objectives: since there is not any information about the quality and quantity of carpet cleaning wastewater, this study was done for the evaluation of carpet cleaning wastewater characterization in Tehran.Materials and Methods: There are 122 carpet-cleaning units in Tehran. Compound samplings were taken from 10 randomly selected carpet-cleaning units. Each unit was sampled 5 times and analyzed based on the Standard Methods. Quality parameters measured included chemical oxygen demand (COD), detergent, color and suspended solids (SS), and data was analyzed using statistical software spss16.Results: Results showed that the amount of water usage for carpet cleaning was 30.84 liters per square meter of carpet washed. The average level of COD, color, detergent and SS in the effluent of carpet cleaning unit was 367.4 mg/l, 171.85 ADMI, 55.51 mg/l and 359.62 mg/l, respectively.Conclusion: The effluent characteristics of carpet cleaning units are almost with in the domestic wastewater range. However, since these wastes are disposed untreated into the environment which are then enter surface and groundwater, all measured parameter were higher than proposed standards regulated by EPA, So treating process must be done before disposal.

Background and Objectives: Phenols in trace quantities are usually present in the treated effluent of many wastewater-treatment plants. Phenol compounds even at low concentration can cause toxicity, health and significant taste and odor problem in drinking waters. This research focuses on understanding the sorption process and developing a cost-effective technology for the treatment of water contaminated with phenolic compounds, which are discharged into the aquatic environment from a variety of sources. In order to remove phenolic compounds from water, a new natural sorbent, rice husk ash, was developed.Materials and Methods: Removal of phenol, 2-chlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol were characterized by spectrophotometric technique at wavelengths of 269.5, 274 and 280 nm, respectively, under batch equilibrium conditions and via changing the parameters of contact time, initial pH, and initial concentration of adsorbates and dosages of sorbent. Finally, the results were analyzed by the kinetic and isotherm models.Results: in this study, the equilibrium time was found to be 240 min for full equilibration of adsorbates. Removal percent of 2-chlorophenol was lower than two others. The maximum removal of phenol, 2-CP and 4-CP was observed at an initial pH of 5. The percentage removal of these phenolic compounds increased with increasing adsorbent dose and decreasing initial concentration.In kinetics studies, correlation coefficient and ARE factor showed that the sorption of phenol (R2=0.9999), 2-chlorophenol (R2=0.9992) and 4-chlorophenol (R2=1) fitted by pseudo second order model. Isotherm studies also revealed that, Langmuirmodel for phenol (R2=0.9499), Freundlich model for 2-chlorophenol (R2=0.9659) and 4-chlorophenol (R2=0.9542) were the best choices to describe the sorption behaviors.Conclusion: Sorption process is highly dependent on the pH and it affects adsorbent surface characteristics, the degree of ionization and removal efficiency. At high pH hydroxide ions (OH-) compete for adsorption sites with phenol molecules. The sorption was done rapidly and a plateau was reached indicating the sorption sites occuupied till they were saturated. Since the increasing sorbent dose would improve sorption site, its increasing enhances phenolic compounds removal.

Background and Objectives: Nanotechnology defined as understanding and controlling of materials at dimension between 1-100 nm, which show unusual physical and chemical properties. With Increasing development of nanotechnology, concerns associated with release of materials containing nanoparticles into the environment is rising. The purpose of this study is investigation of salinity effect on the acute toxicity of silver nanoparticles in rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchusmykiss).Materials and Methods: In order to conduct the toxicity tests, the Caspian Seawater (12±0.2 ppt) and (0.4 ppt) as sources of brackish water and freshwater were used, respectively. Toxicity of silvernano particles were evaluated in brackish water and freshwater at concentrations of1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32and64ppm and 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and8 ppm, respectively. In addition, in order to investigate the quality of the used silver nanoparticles the Zetasizer, ICP, and TEM method were applied.Results: Results of 96-hour median lethal concentration (LC50 96h), showed that toxicity of silver nanoparticles for rain bow trout fry in brackish water is 12 times less than its toxicity in freshwater.Conclusion: According to the toxicity categories, analysis of the results showed that, for rainbow trout fry (1g), silver nanoparticles are classified as highly toxic agent substances in fresh water, and little toxic in brackish water, respectively.