Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Year:2021 | Volume:23 | Issue:4 (107)|Papers Count:20

Background and Objective: Leisure spaces are the most important functional areas of the city. Convenient access to these spaces can be effective in balancing the soul of citizens. Because the type of access is measured based on the distance and arrival time from one place to another, we can realize the crucial role of the network in this regard. Method: In this paper which has been done by descriptive analytic method using library and field data collecting, access to leisure spaces in district 9 of Tehran were analyzed in relation to the street network. In this way, access to 11 types of leisure spaces in four land use functions (parks and green space, sports, cultural and entertainment) were evaluated using network analysis. Findings: Levels of access assessment were including the good, average and poor levels and the results showed that access to the sport centers is mostly good and access to the parks, green spaces and catering spaces is relatively good, but access to the cultural spaces is average and poor. In terms of access quality, district 9 of Tehran is divided into two parts, east and west that the western half has better access to leisure spaces than another. Discussion and Conclusion: Also, the results of integrated access to leisure facilities map showed that access to leisure facilities along major arterial streets is better than near parts of blocks. This is especially clearly marked in the eastern half of the area. The result of this problem is exclusion the inside parts of neighborhoods and the rise of inequality in access to leisure spaces.

Background and Objectives: Understanding how a learning environment works effectively is essential to designing an architectural environment. Effective learning environment is an environment that, along with other factors that influence children's education, such as curriculum, teachers, etc. has an important impact on child education. The physical environment does not actually change the behavior, but it can affect the learning process. Therefore, in this study, we explain these principles and their relationship with learning. Method: The present study is an applied one and a survey method. The statistical population of this study is elementary school teachers in Rasht, 300 of whom were selected by random sampling. The KMO index in this study was 0. 939 which indicates the adequacy of the samples. Confirmatory factor analysis and regression were used to analyze the data. Findings: The results show that there is a direct and significant relationship between architectural system factors including: flexibility, light and nature and learning system factors including: fundamental, behavioral and motivational factors, most of which related to the effect of nature factor with regression coefficient 0. 610, which can increase children's motivation for purpose and vitality, which are effective factors in promoting learning. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of the research confirm the impacts of designing and adjusting the environment on children's learning. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the environment is considered as an important factor in the creation of learning contexts.

Background and Objective: Today, organizations with a rich working environment, relationships and social environment have become one of the important features of organizational life. In this research, the effect of employee’ s perception of the organization and its managers (organizational trust and trust in supervisors), the quality of perceived communication (organizational support and the exchange of managers and employees) and the formation of creativity-related behaviors (information sharing, risk taking, evading social and political behaviors) on creativity were studied. The purpose of this research was to evaluate and analyze the social exchange model of organizational creativity in the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture. Method: The statistical population (N=36285) of this research is composed of the experts of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, including graduate employees and managers of various organizational levels in 2017. In this study, a multi-stage sampling method with proportional assignment was performed. In this method, the provinces of the country were divided into 4 developmental levels and finally, the provinces of Isfahan, Gilan, Golestan and Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari were randomly selected (n = 304). Research hypotheses were tested using SMART. PLS2 software. Findings: The results of the study estimated the model's overall fit index to be 0. 350, which indicates a strong fit and high quality of the model of measurement. Discussion and Conclusion: The hypothesis test showed that in the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, the factors under investigation could have an effect on creativity.

Mining of cryptocurrencies is one of the important phenomenon attracting the attention of a great number of people due to its tremendous profit; however, the said profit for a limited number of people is turning into a challenge for the planet earth. As a result, an increase in the power demand causes an increase in the greenhouse gas emission and eventually leads to two degrees of global warming. This is a library research using the inductive-deductive method. Beside reviewing the equation ratio of “ environment” and “ economy resulted from Mining cryptocurrency” , this research suggests some strategies for prevention of the said problems and reviews the civil liability of Mining of such currencies. It is concluded that the Mining should bear the consequences of their profitability based on the theories of “ No-Damage” and “ Risk” and they should try to compensate the damages. Taking into account the existing complex situation of the environment, the method of compensating the damages is in line with the reality.

Background and Objective: One of the most important outcomes of dam construction is changing land use and investigating its effect on changing water quality and disturbing ecosystem balance of rivers in dam`s downstream. this study was conducted in the downstream watershed of the Karkheh dam locating in the south-west of Iran to analyze influences of land use change resulting of construction of Karkheh dam on water quality of Karkheh river as one of the indicators for destruction of ecosystem balance of the study river. Method: In order to conduct the study periodical Land Sat TM and ETM+ images were used to assess land use change before and after construction of the dam. Comparative water quality data collected. Hydrometric station was also used to analyze possible existence of correlation and relationship between land use and water quality changes. Findings: Results of the study indicated that there is a significant correlation between land use change and water quality of the river in the low land of the Karkheh dam at confidence level of 95 and 99 per cent(p-value=0. 05 and 0. 01) Application of regression models to formulate relationships between area of different types of land use and amount of each one of the observed parameters of water quality indicated that increase in area of irrigated land due to the providing water is the main factor that tended to deterioration of water quality of rive trench in downstream of the Kharkheh Dam. While allowcated land for irrigated land in the study area is about 76%. Discussion and Conclusion: This study indicated that the allowed area allocated to irrigated agriculture was 46% of total basin of Karkheh dam`s downstream. Therefore, increasing irrigated agriculture use was the main reason for reducing the quality of river`s water.

Background and Objective: One of the most important consequences of drought is reducing the amount of vegetation. Reducing vegetation and environmental conditions lead various problems such as soil erosion, increased runoff levels and flood risk. Accordingly, evaluation of the effects of drought on vegetation has a great importance. The purpose of this study is to use the Drought Effect Index (IDI), remotely sensed data and terrestrial data in the study area. Method: The IDI index indicates the long-term effects of climate conditions in the study area on the vegetation cover in area. In this study, the IDI index combines data of the meteorological stations of Malayer Plain to prepare rainfall and temperature maps (information from 5 synoptic stations inside and outside of study area with a 19-years scale) and a series of Landsat TM satellites and ETM + were calculated for the NDVI vegetation mapping (including 6 images in May and 2000, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2015). The zonation map was prepared based on this information. This investigation has been done in May 2019. Findings: The results showed that there is a meaningful correlation between aggregate data (IDI) and SPI index, indicates the efficiency of combined data. Results of Pearson correlation showed that there is a significant correlation between the mean SPI and IDI of 0. 963 at a significant level of P<0. 01. Discussion and Conclusions: So far, land and satellite data have been widely used for the study of droughts, but the index derived from the integration of these data has received little attention from researchers, so the aim and innovation of this research is to make it possible to use drought impact index (IDI). Combine terrestrial and satellite data in the study area.

Background and Objectives: Analyses of surface and groundwater samples in Sareskand region in east Azarbayjan showed some heavy metal concentrations several time higher than standard ones. Due to irrigation of the agricultural lands with these waters, heavy metal pollution of the soils and relationship between pollutant concentrations and the soil properties were goals of this research. Method: Particle size distribution, EC, CEC, pH, OC, and Al, As, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sn, Va, and Zn analyses of 21 soil samples were done. SPSS software were used to correlation coefficients between the metal concentrations and the soil properties to cluster analysis. Findings: Mean concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sn, Va, and Zn of the soil samples were 67190. 48, 127. 95, 487. 24, 1. 80, 20. 52, 85. 05, 49. 19, 40523. 81, 726. 67, 60. 00, 34. 81, 5. 76, 116. 38, and 110. 52 mg/Kg soil respectively. Ba, Co, Fe, Sb, and Ni showed negative correlation with soil EC. Cobalt, Cr, and Ni high positive and Zn negative correlation with CEC were shown. Aluminum negative and Cu had positive correlation with organic carbon. Discussion and Conclusion: The high Al concentrations showed abundant aluminosilicates in the soils. Existence of Fe and Mn mines in around of the region, emphasis high concentrations of theses two metals. Negative correlations between clay and OC of the soil samples with some metals related to heterogeneity of soil samples. Other researches are necessary to determine geologic and anthropogenic sources of these metals.

Background and Objective: One of the main aims of water resource planners and managers is the estimation and prediction of groundwater quality parameters to make managerial decisions. In this regard, many models have been developed which proposed better managements in order to maintain water quality. Most of these models require input parameters which are hardly available or their measurements are time consuming and expensive. Among them, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models inspired by human's brain are a better choice. Method: The present study stimulated the groundwater quality parameters of Dezful plain including Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), using ANN+PSO and ANN+P-PSO models and in the end is comparing their results with measured data. The input data for TDS quality parameter consist of EC, SAR, pH, SO4, Ca, Mg and Na, for SAR including the TDS, pH, Na, Hco3 and quality parameter of EC contains So4, Ca, Mg, SAR and pH, gathered from 2011 to 2015. Findings: The results indicated that the highest prediction accuracy of quality parameters of SAR, EC and TDS is related to the ANN+P-PSO model so that the MAE and RMSE statistics have the minimum and has the maximum value for the model. The results showed that RMSE for PSO in predicting SAR, EC and TDS were 0. 09, 0. 045 (μ s/cm) and 0. 053 (mg/l) in testing period, respectively. These statistical criteria were 0. 039, 0. 031 (μ s/cm) and 0. 045 (mg/l) for P-PSO in this period, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: The results showed that P-PSO had more accuracy compared to PSO. In addition, there were no significant differences between ANN and collecting values. So, it is recommended that ANN were applied to determine nitrate concentration in groundwater.

Background and Objective: Limited energy resources and the need to save on its consumption make energy optimization in the building sector necessary. In this regard, due to the lack of appropriate methods of design and development of new technologies to measure the energy loss of the building is of particular importance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the energy dissipation of residential buildings by designing and using a practical example based on a comprehensive spatial information system. Method: A number of sample housing units with almost identical geometric and physical conditions were considered. In order to investigate the energy dissipation, an extensive energy management system was designed and developed, which includes the LM35 heat sensor, GPS sensor, and GSM board. The stages of this research include conceptual design of energy management system, data collection, information processing and preparation of waste maps in GIS environment. Software developed in mobile and computer environments was also used to display thermal information. Findings: To obtain the amount of energy dissipation of the windows of the studied buildings, kave heat transfer coefficient was applied to the measured data and the amount of energy dissipation of each section was calculated. The measurement results showed that the kitchens of the studied residential buildings with the values of 1. 406 had the highest amount of loss. Discussion and Conclusion: The results showed that most of the buildings under study are not optimal in terms of energy standards and energy resources are wasted from them. Also, one of the main sources of energy loss in residential buildings is windows, which have a low efficiency for energy conservation.

Background and Objective: Water pollution with heavy metals is one of the most important environmental problems that affect human life and health by causing serious diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to control their presence in the environment. Despite the high use of zinc in industry and the pollution of water resources by effluents containing it and the problems caused 0062002y the presence of this metal in drinking water, a study on the use of chitosan nanoparticles taken from the waste of fish breeding workshops and Shrimp has not been done to optimally remove this metal from water sources. Method: Here, a nanocomposite of chitosan and graphene oxide was synthesized at the University of Jiroft in 2019 and used for removal of zinc metal from industrial wastes. The effects of initial solution pH (2-7), chitosan/graphene oxide bio-sorbent dose (0-1. 5 g/l), initial zinc (II) concentration (10-200 mg/l) and contact time on the uptake capacity of metal (30-420 min) were investigated. Findings: This nanocomposite was exhibited the highest metal ions uptake capacity (89. 2 mg/g) at pH value of 4. 0, biomass dose 0. 01 g/l, metal concentration of 200 mg/l and contact time 420 min. The structural stability and efficient adsorption capacity of adsorbent was proved after four times adsorption– desorption cycles and after that uptake capacity was 19. 35 mg/g. Discussion and Conclusion: The results showed that the synthesized nanocomposite from chitosan and graphene oxide could be used as a potentially good adsorbent to remove Zn2+ simultaneously in aqueous solutions.

Background and Objectives: Increasing fossil fuel consumption in the building, especially in the air conditioning sector, has increased environmental pollution and global warming. In this research, a zero-energy passive system was designed in a warm and dry climate to ventilate the building and provide comfortable conditions for people in the summer. This Hybrid Passive Cooling System (HPCS) includes two distinctive systems: the Solar Chimney (SC) and Evaporative Cooling Cavity (ECC). Method: This research experimental-analytical and simulation studied and tested the ability of the system in cooling the building in the warmest month of the year from 9: 00 am to 3: 00 pm for ten consecutive days. The air temperature, humidity, and ambient air velocity were measured at the outlet of the evaporative cooling channel and the inlet of the solar chimney. Findings: The findings showed this system could reduce the air temperature by an average of 10 and could increase the air humidity by 34%. Moreover, the air velocity of the SC increased as the air got warm so that the maximum inlet air velocity in the solar chimney reached the highest level (2. 8 ) at 3 pm. In addition. Since the outlet air velocity of the windcatcher rose to 0. 41 at 3: 00 pm compared to 9: 00 am, which is equivalent to an air temperature drop of 3. 6, the chamber was in comfort condition by using the hybrid system at 3: 00 pm. Discussion and Conclusion: The results show that using a passive hybrid system, the chamber is in comfortable condition from 9: 00 am to 3: 00 pm. Calculating the cost of constructing and installing a hybrid passive system and comparing it with a water cooler indicates that the proposed is profitable since used, and the return time of the system after running and launching the system. With an increase in the number of people from 1 to 4 people, the room is in comfortable conditions at 9 am and noon, but at 3 pm the room is placed with 4 people out of the comfort zone.

Background and Objectives: Tourism development in protected areas creates many benefits for area management as well as the visitors. However, it should be considered that tourism without appropriate planning and management and assessment of the area’ s potential can result in negative impacts on the protected area and tourists’ experiences. The aim of this study was to identify suitable areas with potential for the development of ecotourism in protected areas. Sarigol National Park and protected area as one of the protected area in IRAN, involve considerable tourism attractions, so it should be carefully planned for ecotourism development. Method: Since the objective of this research is to identify and zoning suitable areas for ecotourism, analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and GIS technology have been used to determine suitable areas for tourism. The factors used include topography, climate, wildlife habitat, and soil and vegetation type and vegetation density. The ecological map of the region was produced by AHP and the Fuzzy-AHP method by considering these factors. Also, the attraction map area was obtained by GPS points gathering and weighting through a questionnaire and GIS software. Then, by comparing this map and ecological potential map, the appropriate areas have been zoned for ecotourism. Results: The results show that the areas with very high potential are located in the parts including Northwest, Northeast and Southwest. Areas with high power also include areas such as Easy Waterfall, Esfarayen Dam, Ganjdan Valley and Bidvaz Valley. In the attraction map, the most attractiveness is related to the Northern parts and some Southern parts of the region, such as Easy Waterfall. Comparing the ecological potential map and the attractiveness map, it was found that most of the areas that have high attractiveness also have high potential for ecotourism development Therefore, it illustrated that there is ability to develop ecotourism in the Northern region of the National Park, Easy waterfall and some areas of national park. These areas also have high ecological power and are attractive for ecotourism development. Discussion and Conclusion: The development of tourism in Sarigol Protected Area is in the interest of the region and the environment and promotes the level of protection and sustainable use of talents. But in protected areas, protection should be the first priority of management, and other permitted uses, including tourism, can only be done if they do not conflict with conservation objectives.

Background and Objective: One of the main destructive factors in pale of color fibers is the high-energy ultraviolet radiation which causes chemical bonds to break and optically damages of organic structures. These days, due to the adverse effects of synthetic antioxidants, the tendency to use natural antioxidants has been increased as they are not harmful for the environment or they harm the environment less than the synthetic antioxidants. The aim of this study is using rosemary extract with having antioxidant and environmentally friendly properties as a new application in protecting fiber against ultraviolet radiation. Method: In this study, the exposure time and antioxidants concentrations were optimized using rosemary extract. The color features of dyed wool samples under CIE (L* a* b*) color has been evaluated and presented by Δ E. Finally, physical changes in raw and treated fibers with natural antioxidant (rosemary) after dyeing using SEM test was conducted. Findings: In all the cases, the use of antioxidants brings about a relative improvement in protective properties of the samples against ultraviolet radiation. The samples treated with 0. 01 and 0. 03 of rosemary concentrations shows the best operation in the stability. Discussion and Conclusion: Overall, regarding the obtained results it can be concluded that it is possible to in the natural absorbents due to their environmental characteristics, being economical and available. In order to improve and expand the application of these materials and prevent contamination of the environment these antioxidants are important and should be considered.

The obligations of the Sponsoring State are subject to liability arising from the requirements of international environmental law. The obligations of the Sponsoring State in protecting the environment of the area are of an appropriate nature, assessment, precaution, prevention, control and compensation. However, if the Sponsoring State has taken all necessary and appropriate measures to the best of its ability to bind the sponsored contractor, it will not be liable for damages resulting from the contractor's activities. This situation means that the damages resulting from the contractor's activity to exploit the resources of the area are not compensated. However, the international community should not, in any case, suffer the damage caused by the contractor's activities to the marine environment. Undoubtedly, the inability of the Sponsoring State to control and oblige the contractor to fully comply with international standards in the exploration and extraction of marine resources should not be taken into account by the international community. It is imperative that the Sponsoring State be absolutely responsible for the damages caused by the contractor. If the damage is due to the fault of the contractor, the Sponsoring State shall compensate it and then deduct it from the contractor's bail. If the damage caused by the negligence of the Sponsoring State, it should compensate the same damage so that in any case the damage to the marine environment is not left unattended and the damage is not inflicted on the international community body.

Background and Objective: The increasing use of heavy metals for industrial purposes has caused an increment in discharge of these contaminants as industrial wastewater into the environment. Electrocoagulation is a complicated process with several functional mechanisms to remove pollutants. Use of this process as an effective and efficient method to remove heavy metals from water has been recommended. Method: In this research studied parameters are: reaction time, distance between electrodes, initial heavy metal concentration, electrode material, and inlet voltage and pH value. Then, the effect that any of these parameters was investigated. In order to do that a 5. 4-liter pilot from plexiglass with length of 20 cm, width of 15 cm and height of 18 cm with electrodes of iron, aluminum and steel having length and width of 15 cm and thickness of 0. 2 cm and voltage between 0 to 48 v and a direct current (DC) power supply was used. Findings: removal efficiency by electrocoagulation is directly related to voltage and reaction time increment, so that the best removal efficiency was occurred in voltage of 40 v and reaction time of 40 min. By increasing the initial concentration of metals from 1 to 50 mg/l, removal percentage of lead, cadmium and chromium was decreased. Most amounts of removal percentage were gained using iron– aluminum electrodes in a condition in which the distance between them was 5 cm and pH value was equal to 3. Discussion and Conclusion: Due to the excellent efficiency of the electrocoagulation process in removing heavy metals of chromium, lead and cadmium, the feasibility of removing the metals desired by this process is evaluated and can be used as a novel solution in removing metal ions from industrial effluents.

Background and Objective: The purpose of this research is to analyze the security level of the walkways with the environmental safety approach in the perimeter climate, as exemplified by the Alam-Al-Hadi crossing in Rasht. Method: The research method was descriptive-analytic and data collection was done by library and field method using a questionnaire and a survey of citizens. In this research, SPSS software was used to analyze the questionnaires. Findings: Pedestrians are one of the main urban spaces in cities and play a very important role in urban and environmental safety of people and urban activities. Therefore, it can be said that providing human and environmental safety of these spaces can be of great help to the citizens of the city. Because environmental safety is considered as one of the main components of human security and the security category is mentioned in the subsections of cities sustainability; therefore, the study of the security of the walkways and the presentation of its upgrading principles can be used to create a city, live, active and maintaining a healthy environment using renewable energy. Discussion and Conclusion: The results of the research indicate that after turning Alam al-Huda Street into a sidewalk, in terms of physical and environmental security issues, measures have been considered that have increased the level of security in this space; Among these measures were the impossibility of entering motor vehicles in these spaces, the control of these spaces by the police, and lighting using clean and renewable energies. In addition to these cases, other components are effective in improving security, which were addressed in this study.

Background and Objective: Increasing population growth and the need to develop agricultural products have increased the use of pesticides and thus the pollution of water resources as one of the environmental problems. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the residual concentration of diazinon pesticide in the water of Abbasabad River in Hamedan in 2014. Method: Water samples were collected from four stations along the Abbas Abad River. In the laboratory, after sample preparation, diazinon residues were determined using a spectrophotometric method. All statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software. Findings: The maximum mean concentration of diazinon residues (μ g/L) in samples of spring and summer seasons were 97. 0 ± 10. 2 and 202 ± 13. 7, respectively. Also, the mean contents of pesticide residues in the water samples in both seasons were higher than the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) established by WHO and EPA. Discussion and Conclusion: Due to exceeding the average residual concentration of pesticides in the evaluated water samples, it is necessary to pay attention to issues such as training gardeners in order to use pesticides correctly and in principle. Also, measures should be considered in order to use the water of this river for drinking or farming cold-water fish.

Background and Objective: Land cover maps are important data for environmental assessment. In this study, the accuracy of preparing the land use map of Haft Boram area of Shiraz with the base object algorithm on the World View 2 satellite images of 2015 has been investigated. Method: In this study, World View 2 images have been used in the forests around Shiraz, which can provide detailed vegetation maps. The method of map preparation analysis is the method of the base object with the decision tree. The work process includes: segmentation, selection and extraction of the desired features including 9 classes with spectral indices, hierarchical classification of the base object and creation of a decision tree to classify the image, and finally classification and evaluating of its accuracy. Findings: The results showed that the classification classes were successful and the overall accuracy was 87. 45%. The most accurate classification was obtained in the procedure accuracy for water, forest, crop, and building classes. The highest accuracy is related to water (100%). Discussion and Conclusion: Planting trees and natural forests were recognized by the base object method. Additional coastal bands provide the ability to detect Bayer lands from other vegetation. Distance to tree and shadow play an important role in the identification of buildings.

Background and Objective: Increasing production rate, biogas volume and pressure, methane composition are increased efficiency. The effect of adding a mixture of cow manure (CM) and digested to municipal organic solid waste (MOSW) for increase productivity of process is considered. Method: Through three steps single MOSW, CM and digested mixing were treated by laboratory setup. Digested and CM mixing effect with MOSW were studied and evaluated by investigating of physical-chemistry properties, feed and digested elemental analysis, and also biogas pressure and volume measuring, AD time and biogas analysis. Findings: Adding mixture of digested and CM with MOSW increases feed dry part and its carbon and nitrogen content. Transformation rate in MOSW co-digestion with digested and CM mixture (3rd step) compare to co-digestion of MOSW with digested (2rd step) and also conversion percent of mentioned quantities derived from 2rd step compare to single digestion of MOSW (1rd step) are increased. Biogas volume and pressure in base on feed mass unit and also biogas relative component, in 3rd step compare to 2rd and also in 2rd step compare to 1rd are increased. Discussion and Conclusion: Digested and CM mixing with MOSW not only contributes in increasing the organic part of the feed, but also collaborates in inoculation in process and increases the methane generation. Biogas volume and pressure and also methane production efficiency are increased.

Background & Objective: Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are recognized as the most effective and capable available methods to remove and degrade different kind of dyes. Among various advanced oxidation processes, Fenton process is one of the most effective techniques that are used successfully to remove dyes without producing additional toxic by-products. Method: In the present study, all experiments were performed in a 500 mL rectangular plexiglass cubic reactor. The effect of different system parameters including pH, [Fe2+] to [H2O2] ratio, initial dye concentration, H2O2 concentration, stirrer velocity and temperature were examined and optimized using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) method. Findings: The results obtained from this study showed that Fenton process can remove 96 percent of Acid Blue 25 from aqueous solution. The optimal condition using Fenton process included initial concentration of 150 mg/l, pH= 3, molar ratio of [Fe2+]/[H2O2] = 0. 3, stir. vel. = 100 rpm, temperature 43° C and 10 min contact time. Discussion and Conclusions: Fenton process is suggested as a suitable method for the removal of Acid Blue 25.