JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year:2021 | Volume:23 | Issue:1 (104)|Papers Count:20

Background and Purpose: The protected area can provide broad areas for tourism industry development which be available to planners, executive and local people. In this research, the tourism potential of Oshtrankouh protected area and the appropriate strategies for tourism development have been addressed. Methods and Materials: Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were identified using the SWOT model, after field visits, interviews with experts and local communities, and distributed between experts, environmentalists and tourists in the form of a questionnaire. Then, weighing and prioritizing criteria and sub criteria were carried out by the AHP matrix to provide strategies for tourism development. Results: Strengths with a weight score of 0. 313, weaknesses with a score of 0. 376, opportunities with a weight of 0. 148 and threats with a weight score of 0. 163 were identified. To determine the strategies, the defensive strategy with a score of 0. 539 with the highest score and review strategy, diversity strategy and aggressive strategy were ranked in the order, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: The current status of the tourism in Oshtaranku Protected area is not proportional to its potential and capabilities and planning sustainable tourism is essential for real protection of the region.

Background and Objectives: Among the various types of contaminations, dyes have complicated structure and they are usually toxic and resistant to the biological treatment which enter into environment by industrial waste streams. The aim of this study was the removal of C. I. Acid Red 27dye by photocatalytic processes. Materials and Methods: In the present study, Cu, Mg/TiO2 nanoparticle was synthesized using sol gel technique. The physicochemical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques. Findings: The XRD data showed anatase and rutile crystalline phase in catalysts, indicating that Cu and Mg co-doping did not influence the crystal patterns of TiO2. Also, the DRS results indicated that the band gap of co-doped photo catalyst was smaller than that of the monometallic and un-doped TiO2 and there was a shift in the absorption band towards the visible light region. Discussion and Conclusion: The photocatalytic efficiency of the synthesized catalysts was evaluated by degradation of C. I. Acid Red 27under visible light irradiation. The results showed that co-doping of the Cu and Mg can significantly improve the photocatalytic activity of the prepared photo catalysts. The results showed that Cu (0. 1 wt. %), Mg (0. 06 wt. %) co-doped TiO2 with optimum calcination temperature 450 ° C had the highest photo activity among all samples under visible light. Additionally, the effect of influential parameters, such as doping content, photo catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, initial pH and calcination temperature were studied.

Background and Purpose: In recent years, a variety of models have been used to evaluate the waste management systems in Tehran in order to select the best waste management options. But the problem of the final disposal of waste in Tehran is still one of the issues related to the environmental management of the metropolis. The purpose of this study is to provide one model for allocating optimal annual quantities of waste to waste management subsystems of Tehran in order to achieve the highest efficiency, reduce costs and increase system revenue. Materials and Methods: In this research, first by referring to the Arad Kooh complex in Tehran and interviewing with experts and using the information recorded in this complex, the required data was collected. Then, an optimal model proposed for allocating optimal annual amount of municipal waste with considering all of limitations to 5 sub-systems of recycling, aerobic compost, anaerobic digestion, incinerator, landfill using genetic algorithm improved by fuzzy logic with the aim of reducing the total cost of the municipal waste management system in the MATLAB environment and its results were analyzed. Findings: The significant results showed with increasing capacity the subsystems with lower cost and more profitability, the system will not necessarily seek to be optimized and optimal amount of waste allocated to each of the subsystems such as recycling, aerobic compost, anaerobic digestion, incinerator and landfill were estimated about 750, 000, 960000, 182000, 325000, 780000 tons in each year, respectively. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results of the optimal model proposed in this study, it is necessary to carefully follow the flow and optimal allocation of waste from the annual production of Tehran to each of the following subsystems: recycling, aerobic compost, anaerobic digestion, incinerator and landfill in order to achieve the high annual efficiency for municipal solid waste management system in Tehran city.

Background and Objective: Discomfort glare is a common issue in modern building. Glare not only has negative effect on the comfort of occupant but also increases energy consumption in the building. However, still there isn't a robust glare metric, especially about daylighting. Many existing glare indices including DGP (Daylight Glare Probability), DGI (Daylight Glare Index), UGR (Unified Glare Rating), VCP (Visual Comfort Probability), and CGI (CIE Glare Index) focus on evaluating perceived degree of glare intensity. Method: This paper provides recommendations to determine discomfort glare in daylight space based on simulation and questionnaire in Iran and compares five different glare indices. The metrics analyzed are Daylight Glare Index, CIE Glare Index, Visual Comfort Probability, Unified Glare Rating, and Daylight Glare Probability. For assessing these indices, a questionnaire was developed and by reviewing the simulation results and the questionnaire, it was determined which criteria is more applicable under different circumstances. Findings: It is found that DGP yields the most plausible results. UGR has the highest rate for assessing perceptible glare, DGI has acceptable accuracy for assessing imperceptible glare and the best performance of CGI is in intolerable glare scenes. VCP has the least degree of accuracy in each stage. VCP is not suitable for use in calculations of daylight glare. Discussion and Conclusion: Evaluating visual criteria with considering at subject evaluation shows that DGP is the best Index in different level of glare.

Background and Objective: In the waste from the cold treatment process in zinc production plants, there is about 40 to 50% of zinc and other harmful heavy metals such as cadmium and nickel. Cadmium and nickel are among the heavy metals that are harmful to human health in high concentrations. Removal of bio-pollutants from these wastes is one of the concerns of the zinc industry. The purpose of this study is to remove nickel and cadmium as impurities in the zinc production process by cementation method. Methodology: The procedure consists of three steps: cold purification cake leaching, impurity purification and electrolysis. The cake is first liquefied with sulfuric acid and the resulting solution contains zinc ions along with nickel and cadmium impurities. Optimal conditions for the removal of impurities were obtained by the surface response method (RSM), then the filtration process was performed by the cementation method and the impurities were removed and finally the solution was electrolyzed to produce zinc. Using Design Expert (DOE) test design software, the parameters affecting the filtration process such as temperature, zinc powder concentration, retention time and additive concentration were investigated. Findings: It was found that most influences related to contact time, temperature, zinc powder amount and additive concentration, respectively. So, optimum conditions for removal of nickel and cadmium containing temperature of 85 centigrade, concentration of 6. 63 mg L-1 of zinc powder, contact time of 100 min and concentration of 10. 29 mg L-1 for additive were obtained. At these conditions, impurities amounts were reached to the allowed limit for electrolysis and zinc in the cake was recovery. Conclusions: Using cementation method by removing impurities and then recovering zinc, in addition to solving some of the environmental problems caused by the cake, the recovery of these metals is of great economic importance.

Background and Objective: Bioremediation is an approach that exploits the ability of microorganisms to increase the rate and extent of degradation of pollutants and thereby removing pollutants from the environment. The moisture content and temperature are of the main environmental factors affecting growth and activity of microorganisms and accordingly affecting the efficiency of organic pollutant biodegradation. Method: To study the effect of these two factors a factorial experiment was carried out as completely randomized design with three replications. The factors were moisture in three levels (30%, 55% and 80% of Field Capacity), temperature in three levels (25, 30 and 35 degrees of Celsius) and inoculation with bacteria in two levels (with and without inoculation by Pseudomonas putida) which were triplicated. Findings: The results showed that highest biodegradation rate was observed in the treatment with the moisture content of 55% F. C, temperature of 30 degrees of Celsius and inoculation with Pseudomonas putida which was 92. 8% and the lowest biodegradation rate was observed in the treatment with the moisture of 30% F. C, temperature of 30 degrees of Celsius and without inoculation which was 42. 3%. Discussion and Conclusion: These results shows that the optimization of the environmental conditions in bioremediation process may lead to 50. 5% increase in the efficiency of removal.

Background and Purpose: The type of activities and social events and the potency of places in attracting individuals and groups is the most important factor in the mobility of urban spaces. The new park family in Mahabad called (family park), in addition to bing expensive construction and having a suitable location and potential, has not been able to adequately provide the attraction and presence of citizens to space. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the study space in terms of activity and explains the most important components of Godard's effect on improving the status of the activities in the studied space. Methods: The present research is descriptive-analytic. The method of data collection in this research is documentary and field study. Using the distribution of questionnaires and imaging, space assessment and identification of factors influencing the upgrading of the space activities, have been measured. Also SPSS software has been used for Cronbach's Alpha, KMO, Bartlett, T test and multiple linear regressions analysis. Results: The amount of Cronbach's Alpha and KMO tests are higher than 0. 7, as well as the significance level of Bartlett's test, was less than 0. 05, indicating the reliability and internal and structural validity of the distributed questionnaire. Also, the results of T test exam showed that the urban space studied in terms of space users in all of the activity components has been evaluated at a level below the average (weak). The results of multiple linear regression tests revealed that existence of various and different activities for different groups with an effect level of 0. 274 and availability of leisure activities and activities with the effect of 0. 248 and the most important and most relevant component for enhancing the activity status are the studied space. Conclusion: Establishing urban spaces such as family Park in Mahabad city, without any attention to the activity aspects, especially based on the wishes of different groups of users of space only as a debris usage and lacking in charm and efficiency for the citizens. Therefore, the present study has been able to identify the weaknesses in order to organize space, as well as the most important factors affecting the activity enhancement of space.

Backgrounds& Objectives: Nowadays, the entry of effluents containing heavy metals, which are mostly the result of industrial activities, into the ecosystem of aquatic organisms and, consequently, the accumulation of these metals in the body of aquatic animals is a major concern which is aquatic life and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems affects. The Caspian Sea is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems that the entry of various pollutants has caused serious damage to these ecosystems. The Caspian seal, the only mammal in the Caspian Sea, is endangered. The aim of this study was to measure cadmium in some Caspian seal tissues on the southeastern shores of the Caspian Sea. Method: In the present study, ten corpses of Caspian seals were collected and inseminated from the coast of the Caspian Sea. Liver, kidney and fat samples were digested to measure cadmium content. The concentration of cadmium was measured by a mass spectrometer machine. Findings: The highest concentration of cadmium in kidney tissues was 13. 59± 0. 73 μ g / kg which higher than the liver with mean of 1. 6± 0. 16 μ g / kg and greater than mean of 0. 07± 0. 02 fat. The concentration of cadmium in male and female tissues was investigated and there was no significant relationship between cadmium metal concentration and sex of seals. The presence of significant amounts of cadmium in 90% of the samples shows the high pollution of the Caspian Sea with heavy metals, including cadmium metal, which is even toxic at very low levels. Discussion and Conclusion: Considering the significant decrease in the population of the Caspian seals in recent years and the persistence of heavy metals, the use of these toxic metals in the industry has to be reduced, as well as the sources of the input of these pollutants to the Caspian Sea to prevent the entry of these toxic metals into the Caspian Sea or before filtration proceed. This will reduce the pollution of the Caspian Sea and helps the health of the aquatic environment.

Background and Objectives: Implementation of numerical models of atmosphere with high resolution is one of the best tools to investigate the atmosphere at the time of occurrence of extreme phenomena. The present study has conducted to survey a numerical modeling of the atmospheric phenomenon which generated a water logging in Persian Gulf coastal area that occurred on March 19, 2017. Method: The WRF numerical model (version of 3. 8. 1) with the ARW dynamic core was used in this research. The WRF model are used to provide a dynamical downscaling and modeling in a selected domain with a central latitude of the 27° and 30 N and longitude 51° and 30 ׳ E in a 10 Km resolution. Results: The results showed that atmospheric variables modeling outputs in the study site were nearly equal to observed station data especially in dry temperature and pressure climatic variables. Also, the maps and diagram which is produced by model, indicated that a supercell thunderstorm has occurred which is caused the severe explosions occurring on the sea surface near the coast of Bandar Dayyer and eventually causing four waves and water logging on these coasts. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the results of the model outputs, the main cause of this flood event was the occurrence of a supercell thunderstorms on the Persian Gulf near the coast of Bandar Dayyer.

The context and purpose of laws and regulations has always been one of the most important and effective tools of governments to preserve the fundamental values of society; Thus, since the 1972 Stockholm Conference, environmental values have been defined as one of the fundamental values of human society. All countries are required to develop safeguards to protect the environment. One of the important components of the environment is vegetation, which is known in cities as urban green space. In Iran, several environmental laws have been developed at various levels, including legal, criminal, administrative and regulations. Therefore, laws and regulations are set and developed as tools of urban decision-making structure in order to protect and preserve these spaces in order to achieve the goals of urban sustainability and environmental justice. The research method in this article is descriptive-analytical which has been tried to collect laws, regulations related to the preservation and development of urban green space and also to identify challenges, gaps and shortcomings in the implementation and legal maintenance and development of urban green spaces and its privacy, take action. One of the most important laws in the field of urban green space is the bill on protection and expansion of green space in cities (approved in 1980) and the law amending the law on protection and expansion of green space in cities (approved in 2009). In order to preserve and develop urban green spaces, these laws have resorted to some legal and more criminal enforcement guarantees. The results of this study indicate that the laws and regulations related to green space in Iran are old and have many gaps and criticisms and in some cases it seems that it cannot meet the support needs as well as the development and maintenance of urban green space.

Background and Purpose: Reactive dyes are the most commonly used dyes in textile industry. During the dyeing process about 60 to 70 percent of consumer dye is fixed on the fibers. So about 10-15 % of consumed reactive dyes enters into the wastewater and causes environmental problems. The aim of this study was to remove Reactive Blue 19 and Reactive Red 198 dyes using activated carbon made from waste of tree pruning grapes in a batch system. Materials and Methods: In this study, activated carbon were synthesized with phosphoric acid in a ratio of 1: 2 at 400 C ° . Also the optimum conditions for maximum adsorption of reactive Blue 19 and Red 198 dyes was determined (pH=2, adsorption dose= 0. 05 g/l, dye concentration = 300 mg/l, temperature = 60° C, solution volume = 200 mL and contact time= 120 min). Finding: Batch adsorption results showed that activated carbon sample with a surface area 1950 m2/g and total pore volume 1. 588 cm3/g and 51 percent pore size distribution in the range of micro-hole with the maximum adsorption capacity 1154 mg/g for Reactive Blue19 and 431 mg/g for Reactive Red 198 (In optimum condition) has great potential for the removal of dyes. Experimental data for Reactive Blue 19 are more compliance with Freundlich model and experimental data for Reactive Red 198 are more compliance with Langmuir model. Adsorption of dyes also be followed pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Discussion and Conclusion: The study showed activated carbon produced from annual pruning vineyards waste has high potential in the treatment of textile wastewater.

Introduction: Knowledge of distribution patterns and maintenance mechanisms of biodiversity along environmental and disturbance gradients is essential to develop biodiversity conservation strategies. In this study, modeling of beta diversity construct was performed at Kheyrud forests of Noshahr. Material and Methods: Modeling of beta diversity was conducted using 7 indicators for disturbance construct, 4 indicators for environmental heterogeneity, 10 indicators for soil, and 5 indicators for land cover and crown percent construct. All species of vascular plants at 100 plots and 6 homogeneous zones were recorded along disturbance gradients in cluster sampling. Beta diversity indices were calculated for each cluster and with other indicators of constructs were entered in structural equation modeling. Results: Results showed that the remaining indicators in the model were able to explain the variation in beta diversity (R2= 0. 761). The predictive relevance of the model for the beta diversity construct was very large (Q2= 0. 422). Discussion and Conclusions: The most important disturbance indicators were area accessibility, number of management plans for harvest, reverse of the years since last harvest, number of grazing days per year and livestock density per hectare, respectively. Effective soil indicators for beta diversity were soil organic matter content, nitrogen and percentage of calcium carbonate of the soil, effective bulk density and soil potassium levels, respectively. Canopy cover and litter cover had negative influence on beta diversity. Environmental heterogeneity had a significant moderator role in reduction of disturbance influence on beta diversity. Because of the scale of disturbance and environmental heterogeneity, beta diversity is useful for comparing communities.

Background: Groundwater is the most important water sources in arid and semi-arid regions. Due to its nature, it is difficult to decide about groundwater quality at each part of a basin. Regarding to this, new techniques like multi criteria decision making and fuzzy methods has been used. This research was conducted to zone Birjand groundwater quality by using ANP and FANP methods. Material and Methods: Birjand plain located at the east of Iran with latitude between 32˚ 30’-33˚ 00’ and longitude between 58˚ 45’-59˚ 41’ . In this study, the parameters: Mg2+, Ca2+, SO4 2-, Cl1-, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH and total hardness (TH) for 18 wells and 9 aqueducts were collected. Results: The results indicated that Cl1-, Mg2+ and pH had the most effective on groundwater quality so that these parameters showed the effectiveness as 17. 2, 16. 1 and 15. 9%, respectively. Results of zoning and fuzzy showed that southeast had more quality rather than other regions. Concentrations of mentioned parameters were high in southwest. ANP result revealed that very good, good, moderate, semi inappropriate, inappropriate and bad quality regions were as 5. 25, 10. 56, 54. 52, 15. 89, 10. 57 and 3. 18%, respectively. These parts according to FANP result were 5. 97, 22. 01, 28. 85, 30. 16, 9. 54 and 3. 47%, respectively. Conclusion: Since FANP assumed uncertainty and spatiality, the area of moderate and semi inappropriate regions were closer in this method compare to ANP. Regarding to the results, it is recommended to dig more wells in east of Birjand basin for achieving better groundwater quality.

Background and objective: Organocalys are modified by cationic surfactant on surface and between layers of natural or synthesis clays and widely are used. The objective of this study were comparison of absorption efficiency and release of nitrate in aqueous solutions by modified Iranian natural zeoliteclinoptilolite (Semnan) and synthesis zeolite of Fluka-96096. Material and Methods: The Iranian and Fluka-96096 micro-zeolite (clinoptilolite) was separated by centrifuge method. The micro-zeolites were first modified by hexa-decyltrimethyl-ammonium (HDTMA), a cationic surfactant. Structure and morphology of zeolites were determined XRD, SEM, EDX and AFM. In this study, adsorption efficiency in initial concentrations of nitrate by modified zeolite with surfactant loading of 100 and 200% external cation exchange capacity (ECEC) was investigated in a completely randomized factorial design. The nitrate release as affected by time at 4 and 14 mM of nitrate in surfactant loading 200% ECEC were also evaluated. Results: The results showed that absorption efficiency of nitrate by Fluka micro-organozeolite with surfactant loading of 200% ECEC in 3, 6, 20 and 30 mM nitrate were 77, 63, 48, 37 and 30% respectively, whereas, by Iranian micro-organ zeolite were 75, 67, 54, 50 and 33% respectively and no significant together (p≤ 0. 01). The mean of nitrate release were 31 to 21%, in Iranian micro-organ zeolite, whereas for Fluka micro-organ zeolite were 17 to 34%. Discussion and Conclusion: The adsorption efficiency of nitrate was significant by initial nitrate concentration and surfactant’ s level. The best adsorption efficiency of nitrate occurred at 200% of ECEC. The results of this research showed that the micro-organ zeolite of Fluka-96096 not only is not better than Iranian micro-zeolite, but also, Iranian micro-organ zeolite have been better for nitrate absorption and release in some cases.

Background and Aims: Universities play a significant role in sustainable development in various aspects, especially sustainable local social development. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a neighboring university on the social sustainability of the neighborhood using participation indicators. Material and Methods: This research was conducted by survey method with the help of a researchermade questionnaire with 29 items that the respondents of the questionnaire are residents of 18-75 years of Hesarak neighborhood. The statistical population of this study, the residents of the neighborhood, was estimated at about 7090 people, of which 400 people were collected as a statistical sample with required information in year 2018. The validity of the questions was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and one-way t-test was used to analyze the questionnaires and finally Friedman ranking test was used to weigh the research indicators. Findings: The analysis of social sustainability indicators shows that, contrary to expectations, the biggest problem of this neighborhood is related to social instability due to weakness in the level of participation. Therefore, one of the strongest tools to create participation in the neighborhood is to increase local, cultural and recreational group participation and flexible monitoring of group and group activities by creating a sense of trust between the university and neighborhood residents. Discussion and Conclusion: The analysis of the social effects of Azad University on the surrounding neighborhood indicates that the Azad University of Science and Research has had positive effects on the neighborhood (Hesarak neighborhood). According to the studies of this research, the effect on social participation at a high level and the effect on social cohesion in the next category and finally, social architecture and support has the lowest level, which can be in the absence of a comprehensive approach. University officials considered the relationship between the university and the spatial, social and cultural structure of the surrounding neighborhood.

Background and Objective: Proper management of a supply chain, assessment and selection of suppliers is an important task which can affect the profitability of organization in the long time. The purpose of this research is to provide a framework for assessing Resilient Suppliers. Material and Methods: Researcher through literature review and interviews with experts of Company and preparing a questionnaire to identify the factors affect to Resilient Suppliers. In this study, two ANP techniques to determine the weighting of criteria and Fuzzy Ratio System method for ranking alternatives are used. Results: The criteria and factors that influence the selection of resilient suppliers include the main factors of performance, minimization of risk, responsiveness, Technical support and power. In this study paired comparisons carried out by ANP. In addition, Fuzzy Ratio System as a new method of fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making, in order to rank the options is used. Conclusion: According to the results of Fuzzy Ratio System, S2 has been chosen as the best option.

Background and Objective: Road construction in forest ecosystems cause the microclimate, light regime to be changed and thus reduce light competition adjacent to the roads that provide the access to solar radiation for a variety of the plants. So the density and stock of plants around the road is increased by fast-growing and shade intolerant species which changes the diversity of plant species in the forest ecosystem. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ecological effect of forest roads on wooden tree and shrub species in Zilakyrood region of Roodbar. Material and Methods: In this study, a part of forest roads in Series 4 of Zilakirood at the age of 18 was selected in terms of homogeneity of height, aspect and slope changes and species composition status with sufficient length (500 m). In this road, 6 transects were designed and parallel plots were implemented at intervals of 1, 5, 10, 30 and 50 meters, with dimensions of 2 in 10 meters. The number and type of wooden tree and shrub species were sampled. Diversity index of Simpson, richness index of Menhinic and evenness index of Pilow were calculated using Ecological methodology software. To compare the parameters of species biodiversity, after normalization of data, paired t-test was used and to determine whether the differences in sample plots are significant or not, ANOVA and Duncan test was used. Findings: The results of this study showed that a there is no significant difference between downstream and upstream edge of the forest roads in terms of Simpson diversity index, Menhinic richness and evenness Pilow indices (to a depth of 50 m in Forest). But there is a significant difference in terms of wood species richness in plots between various distances of downstream and upstream of roads in the study area at 95% probability. Also, the highest species richness was at the downstream and upstream of roads, respectively at the distance of 5 and 1 meter from the edge of the road. Discussion and Conclusions: Since the roads as the access routes to forest ecosystems are important both for humans and invasive plant species, road ecology studies is very important and valuable to monitor and control the impact of forest roads on biodiversity. So, the knowledge about the flora and edaphic conditions is essential to minimize the damage to vegetation and soil in the region influenced by forest roads.

Background and Objective: The rainfall is one of the main elements of the climate in each region. One of the characteristics of arid and semi-arid regions is a low rainfall with high fluctuations. Hence, changes in rainfall patterns, including spatial and temporal changes in rainfall, are of particular importance. The patterns of rainfall distribution, determine the rainfall during the time. The purpose of the present study was to investigate spatial and temporal changes of rainfall variability indices in the gauge stations of Ardabil province. Material and Methods: In this study to determine the rainfall variability from the monthly rainfall with a 24-year period from the year of 1989 to 2013 (based on current statistics) in the watersheds of Ardabil province has been used. In order to calculate the quantitative variability of rainfall in the studied stations, Shannon, Simpson, Index of variability, rainfall variability index (RVI), MCIntosh, Berger-Parker, Rainfall anomaly Index (RAI) were used. After calculating these indices, the spatial variations of the indices at the studied stations were performed using the interpolation methods and the Inverse Distance Weighting method in the Arc Map software, and also the non-parametric Mann-Kendall method was used to determine the temporal variation of the values of rainfall variability indices. Findings: According to the results of the interpolation of these indices, the spatial variations of the Simpson, Index of Variability, McIntosh and the Berger-Parker indices are similar to the one in which the high variation values in the eastern regions include stations of Aladizgeh, Namin, Niaraq, Abi Beiglu and Khosh Abad and the northern part of the province are observed. Discussion and Conclusion: In general, it can be said that regions of the province, in the proximity of the provinces of Gilan and East Azerbaijan, have more variability in rainfall values due to the impact of the air masses and rainfall of the Caspian and Mediterranean fronts. Also, the results of the trend test indicated a significant increase in rainfall variability indices that could lead to a change in the seasonal distribution pattern of rainfall values in different months and the results show similar behavior in most of the indices.

Background and Purpose: Knowledge of the ecological conditions prevailing in the region is essential to achieve sustainable development and reduce the increasing degradation of natural resources and the environment. The ecological footprint index is of great interest as a way to measure levels of sustainability. In this study, using the ecological footprint index of Hamedan urban ecosystem in 2014, it was studied. Material and Methods: In this study, ecological traces of consumption in two parts of consumption and production of the city were evaluated. The ecological footprint of the consumption sector was estimated in each of the four urban areas and using SPSS software, a significant difference between the areas, was determined. Results: The results showed that per capita ecological footprints in the consumption sector, including housing, transportation services, goods and food, were 0. 13 globalhectares. The most significant ecological footprints in this section was of transportation with 3980. 499 (gh) and the least important Foot print in this regard was food with 3864. 6 global hectare; therefore, the urban living capacity was determined 0. 59 globl hectare. Conclusion: The results indicate that the ecological footprint of the consumption sector does not create the unsustainability of the urban ecosystem and, by creating an ecological surplus in this part, the city of Hamedan is introduced as a creditor of ecology. Which indicates in this sector that the demand is lower than the supply. Besides, there is no significant difference between the ecological effects of consumption in four urban areas. It was also concluded that there was an ecological deficiency in production sector which indicates of ecosystem bioaccumulation consumption and it could disturb the ecological stability of the ecosystem.

Background and Purpose: Effective protection of the environment and optimal use of natural resources is one of the most important pillars of sustainable development. Green productivity is a strategy to increase environmental productivity and performance in order to social and economic development. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution has severely affected all countries in terms of economic, social, political, cultural aspects as well as security, employment, health, the environment, and many other macro variables; so that, the technology has become the main driving force of the world's economy and sustainable development in today's world. According to the importance and the impact of Foreign Direct Investment and Information and Communication Technology on green productivity, this paper uses the Johansen-Joselius coherent test of the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and Information and Communication Technology and the Green Productivity Index in Iran. Materials and Methods: The effect of Information and Communication Technology and Foreign Direct Investment on green productivity has been investigated in Iran using the Johansen-Joselius coherent test during the period of 1980-2013. Findings: According to the research findings, the Information and Communication Technology and Foreign Direct Investment have a positive and significant and a negative and significant effect of on the Green Productivity Index in Iran, respectively. Also, the vector error correction model shows that the adjustment process is slowing towards the equilibrium. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the obtained results, and considering the negative and significant effect of Foreign Direct Investment on green productivity, which could be as a result of increased pollution, it is suggested that is possible to provide a ground to improve green productivity by adopting policies to reduce the destructive effects of Foreign Direct Investment, including the replacement of green energy. It is also recommended that environmental regulations and standards be imposed upon the entry of Foreign Direct Investment which could be done with less environmental pollution. The effect ofInformation and Communication Technology index on Green Productivity Index is positive and significant in Iran. Therefore, it can be surely said that the use of Information and Communication Technology, as a solution for green productivity institutionalization is essential for implementing the continuous and effective process of green productivity improvement. It is also suggested to determine criteria, for the development and implementation of the green productivity concept, that fully cover the qualitative patterns of economic growth and development.