JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year:2020 | Volume:21 | Issue:12 (91)|Papers Count:19

Background and Objective: Air pollution is one of the significant problems that have become one of the main issues. In this study, we focus on detecting the route and source of atmospheric pollutant movement in high-level air pollution periods in Tehran. Method: Air pollution data, Terra MODIS satellite image data, and FNL data were used. The PSI calculated high-level air pollution periods for PM10 and O3. Moreover, the origin of pollutants was detected by the HYSPLIT model and satellite images. HYSPLIT model determined the origin of widespread pollution. It could detect them with the backward method in three levels, which included 10, 1500, and 5000 meters. Some maps were produced for satellite images and HYSPLIT models drawn in GIS. Findings: In the extratropical pattern, the dust from Syria, northeast to south-east Saudi Arabia, central, northern and southern Iraq and parts of Turkey have affected Tehran. According to HYSPLIT model outputs, at a lower level of the atmosphere and the middle level of the atmosphere, not only the local situation but also the regional situation had a considerable role. At the upper level of the atmosphere, environmental pollution could become into Tehran by streams. In the compound pattern, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and some parts of Turkey had an important function. In the HYSPLIT model, the North-East and North-West of Iran have attempted to influence Tehran in the lower level of the atmosphere. In the middle level of the atmosphere, the local situation is more remarkable. At the upper level of the atmosphere, the origin of dust was western to eastern parts of Iraq and the northeast part of Iraq. Further, the dust on the north-eastern of Syria, Jordan, and parts of Turkey is more notable. Conclusion: These maps were categorized into two main synoptic patterns, including extratropical and intricate patterns.

Background and Objectives: Dye is considered as one of the most important environmental pollutants in industrial wastewater due to its harmful effects on both human and environment. This study was aimed to determine Optimum Dioxide Titanium Nanoparticles in Dioxide Titanium /Bentonite Composite for Sono-photocatalytic de-colorization of Methyl Orange dye. Methods: In this study, bentonite was used as the substrate to stabilize titanium dioxide photo-catalyst and the optimum amount of stabilized titanium dioxide nanoparticles in titanium dioxide/ bentonite composite which was evaluated for sono-photocatalytic removal of methyl orange dye. Accordingly, the optimal conditions for the photocatalytic process performance in dye removal included the effect of pH, methyl orange concentrations and nanocomposite doses. Findings: Structural properties of bentonite/titanium Dioxide composites and pure titanium dioxide nanoparticles were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Finally, the possibility of reuse of photo-catalyst was investigated in three periods. Based on SEM results, reducing the amount of titanium dioxide reduced the number of nanoparticles formed on the bentonite surface. XRD and DRS analyses showed successful composite formation. The optimum amount of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in titanium dioxide/bentonite composite was obtained for sono-photocatalytic dye removal of methyl orange with the titanium dioxide powder to bentonite ratio of 1: 2. 5 in the primary mixture. Discussion and Conclusion: The study showed that increasing the amount of photo-catalyst in the reaction medium increased the speed and efficiency of the dye removal but its excessive increase had a negative effect on the reaction. The best conditions for dye degradation were obtained using titanium dioxide/bentonite nanocomposite at pH 4. According to the results, the increase in concentration increased dye removal time. Finally, the sono-photocatalytic composite efficiency was acceptable after three times of reuse.

Background and Objective: This study was performed to investigate the spatial and temporal changes of the zooplankton population in the Bukan reservoir and to map these variations for agricultural and fisheries exploitation. Method: The samples were taken monthly from eight sampling sites during 2015. The samples were filtered through a 55-micron mesh size filter, fixed by 4% formalin and enumerated by an inverted microscope. Geo-statistics interpolation method in GIS (GS+ software) was used to reveal spatial changes of zooplankton and to estimate it in non-sampled points. The cross validation method was used to evaluate and compare the geostatistical methods. Findings: Spherical model fitness on the empirical semi-variogram of zooplankton density in the winter provided the results that indicated the radius of semi-variogram effect is 7280 m. The correlation coefficient of the fitted model was 0. 995. The Kriging method with error of-53. 42 was selected as a suitable model for spatial assessment of zooplankton density. Discussion and Conclusion: Most of the zooplankton population is in the summer and the lowest was seen in the spring. The maximum number of zooplanktons at the beginning of the Bukan dam which regularly reduced towards end of the dam.

Background and Objective: The development of urbanization and industries has led to an increase in sewage and wastewater production. The defective and non-standard disposal of these wastewaters has resulted in influx of large amounts of heavy metals into the environment which their removal, as bio-irresolvable contaminants, from water and wastewater are considerably important for protecting environment and public health. Method: In this study, gamma Nano-alumina was synthesized and its structural analysis was characterized, which was applied as a high performance adsorbent for heavy metals Nickel and Cobalt. Moreover, by using DX7 software for experiment design, the effects of different conditions such as heavy metals initial concentration, Nano-adsorbent amount and pH were modified. Findings: The results of XRD, FTIR, SEM and EDX analysis, confirmed the existence of gamma Nano-alumina structure, and Nickel and Cobalt contents were determined by UV-Vis spectrophotometry method. Nano gamma alumina, as a powerful adsorbent, could be adsorbed the high levels of Nickel and Cobalt in alkaline pH-rich environments, then in experimental samples, 98. 66% of Nickel and 95. 1% of Cobalt and in real samples, 100% was eliminated. Discussion and Conclusion: It was found that synthesized gamma Nano-alumina could be considered as a cost-effective and high-performance Nano-absorbent for heavy metals elimination. Consequently, it was verified by Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms, which the adsorption process of these elements with the Nano-alumina absorbent followed by Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption equation.

Background and Objectives: Isogam (Waterproofing) Bituminous production units as one of the major sources of air pollutants, make concerns for environmental organizations, research centers and industries in order to mitigate their destructive impacts on the atmosphere. Due to importance of application of these materials in building sectors, many producing units have been developed in Iran. It confronts many Iranian cities with an environmental crisis. Therefore, accurate analysis of pollutant emissions is an essential step while presenting strategies to minimize its harmful effect. Isogam Bituminous production process includes non-hydrocarbon emissions and hydrocarbon gases. The purpose of this research is to measure exhaust gas emissions of the production units of Isogam Bituminous Delijan such as CO, HC, CO2, SO2 and NOX (NO+NO2), contrasting with the conventional standards. Material and Method: In this research, various values of volumetric gas concentrations (ppm) are measured by analyzer machine named Testo350. Then to analyze the quality of the exhaust gas the health, safety and environmental standards would be applied to the specimen. Findings: According to the presented results, CO is the highest part of pollutants which is 678 ppm in winter and the highest average concentration of hydrocarbons in the summer is 250. Discussion and Conclusion: This study shows that as the values of some parameters is greater than the standard values of exhaust chimney, it is necessary to review the control systems to optimize the emission of pollutants.

Background and Objective: Due to high mobility and toxicity of mercury in environment and also high accumulation of mercury in food chain, it is important to understand and predict human exposure and ecological risk assessment of mercury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the total concentration of mercury and its bio-availability in sediment of Petrochemical and Ja'fari creeks. Method: In the present study, 27 sediment samples were collected from the sampling sites. Digestion was employed in sample digestion followed by analysis using MOOPAM. Samples were analyzed and determined for mercury concentrations by Mercury Analyzer model VM-3000 MERCURY VAPOR MONITOR. Sediments were further investigated for mercury fractions using a three step sequential extraction procedure of BCR. Results: The concentrations of THg in sediment samples with a minimum of 2. 19 and maximum of 45. 71 and average of 23. 9 milligram per liter show that area is contaminated with mercury according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration standard. Discussion and Conclusion: The sequential extraction procedure showed that most Hg in the sediments was largely bound in exchangeable phases. Therefore it can't be exchanged between water and sediment under the physicochemical conditions with alkaline pH. The mercury which bound to exchangeable phase can easily desorb and adsorb by sediments. High content of mercury was in station close to chloral alkaline factory and with distance, Hg concentration was decreased.

Introduction: Greywater (GW) is defined as wastewater from kitchen, bath and laundry excluding streams from toilets. GW can be classified as either low-load GW (excluding kitchen and laundry) or high-load GW (including kitchen and/or laundry). In recent years many studies have been carried out on GW treatment. Method: This review provides information on the GW characteristics, existing guidelines for wastewater reuse and the present state of art in GW treatment as well as their advantages and limitations. Result: This article revealed that GW quality is highly variable and dependent on the source of production. Physical processes have been shown to achieve only a limited treatment of the GW, therefore the use of these methods alone is recommended in the low strength GW. The chemical treatments were reported to provide good removal of the suspended solids, pathogens and surfactants in the low strength grey water but could not efficiently remove the BOD. Biological processes achieved good general treatment of GW, but the nutrient imbalance of GW limits the performance of these systems. Conclusion: However, the combination of aerobic biological process with physical pretreatment and disinfection is recommended in the high strength GW as the most economical solution.

Background and objective: Rangelands are important ecosystems with diverse functions in the land that are at risk of destruction. The purpose of this research is to evaluate and determine the areas with potential to carry out rangeland activities under the Plasjan watershed. Material and methods: By reviewing the sources and by Delphi method, the criteria, sub-criteria and limitations of the study were determined. The weights of the criteria were calculated by hierarchical analysis (AHP) method and the layer maps were standardized using fuzzy proportional functions. The rangeland rangeability of the area was determined using multi-criteria assessment (MCE) and with weighted linear combination (WLC) models and weighted sorted averaging (OWA) with medium risk and compensatory capability. Findings: Rangeland capability maps were produced in 6 classes from without range capability to with very high range capability classes. Results have shown in the WLC model, 69249 and in OWA model, 54589 hectares were related to very high capability class. Sparse rangeland in WLC and OWA models, repeatedly with 22981 and 19187 hectares had highest portion in range land capability maps. Discussion and conclusions: Results of this study have shown in WLC model due to high rate of tradeoff in comparison of designed OWA model, wider area considers in high and very high range capability class that is related to major area functions that are water reservation and Animal husbandry. This study has shown importance of vegetation characters, land shape and soil character for determining rangeland capability of an area.

Background and Objective: Height Measurement of all trees in a forest or forest stand is almost impractical. For this reason, today different researchers prefer to estimate the tree height by the relationship between the DBH and height of trees. Method: In this study, to fitting different statistical models in different stages of forest development, after field inspection, three one hectare sample plots located in different development stages in Beech forest of Kheirud forest, Natural Resources Faculty in Tehran University were selected. Then the DBH of 251 trees have been measured randomly and 80 percent of trees were used for modeling and 20 percent were used to validate 22 regression models. In order to determine the best model for each of development stages, R2, E, MBE and NMPE criteria were used. Findings: The results of this study indicated the suitability of Rational Function and Weibull models in initial stage, Modified Exponential in optimal stage and Gompertz and Richard models in Decay stages. Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that different regression models doesn’ t have the same ability in fitting the data of DBH and height of different forest stands and the same model can’ t be used to fit the data of DBH and height of different forest stands.

Introduction: Landslides are one of the most natural hazards in hilly regions with great human and economic losses in the worldwide. Iran is always exposed to landslide susceptibility because of climatic and physiographic conditions. The purpose of this research is landslide susceptibility mapping using AHP-Density area model in GIS environment in the part of Haraz Watershed. Methods: Landslide inventory map was created using field surveys, and then conditioning factors were prepared. Using AHP model and Expert Choice software, weight of each factor was calculated. Weight of classes for each factor was calculated using the density area model in the GIS environment. Finally, weight of classes and weight of factors was multiplied. Weighted map was integrated in GIS environment and the final zoning map created. Results: Results indicated that lithology, distance from road, slope angle, distance from drainage network, land use, elevation, and slope aspect are the main landslide controlling factors in the area. Results showed that slope of 15-50 percent, north and west facing, altitude of 1, 500– 2, 100 m, residential and mixing orchard and agriculture area types of land use, distance of 500 meter from road and 400 meter from drainage network, Shemshak formation and fluvial terraces are very susceptible to landslide. Discussion and conclusion: In general, study area is very susceptible to landslide occurrence and landslide susceptibility mapping is very essential in this region. The resultant map would be useful for general land use planning.

Background and Objective: The presence of spatial changes in soil properties is normal, and it is inevitable to recognize these changes, especially in green spaces, for careful planning and management. On the other hand, with the increasing need of communities for transportation, communications and the use of vehicles, it has become increasingly common for cars to be the main source of heavy metal pollutants in cities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical and chemical limitations of green space soil and also to determine the concentration of lead and cadmium as indicators of traffic pollution of Imam Reza (AS) passenger terminal in the southwestern part of Mashhad. Analysis method: Sampling was performed at 129 points at a depth of 20-0 cm. On the other hand, to determine the deep characteristics of the soil, three soil samples were described and sampled. Element mapping maps were prepared using statistical methods in ArcGIS software. Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the most important limitation of these soils is their shallow depth, which mainly lacks sufficient depth for the growth and development of trees with deep root systems. On the other hand, the concentration of nutrients in the soil was lower than sufficient. The prepared zoning maps also indicate that these changes are spotty and that the area needs local management. The concentration of cadmium contaminants is also high in the threshold area, but for lead, soil contamination is not currently serious.

Background and purpose: As the world's population grows and energy resources are limited, all countries face energy problems. The crises that threaten countries and communities are the lack of nonrenewable sources of energy (fossil fuels), as well as the increase of environmental pollution caused by excessive consumption of fossil fuels which shows the necessities and importance of using renewable energy resources. The close link between the economic and environmental issues has raised new approaches to the field of international environmental law, one of the most prominent of which is the green economy, and since one of the main goals of the green economy is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the use of renewable energy sources is a quick way to achieve a green economy. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to review the comparative effect of renewable energy on green economy in two groups of selected countries that produce and consume renewable energy with high and middle income. Methodology: This study is an applied research and inferential research method. The method and tool for collecting information and statistical resources are written documents, electronic information and taking notes. Findings: The results of model estimation in the selected countries with Fixed Effects Method during the period of 2005-2016 showed that the use of renewable energy has a negative and significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions as an indicator of the green economy in the selected countries. Also, the effect of renewable energy on the green economy in the group of selected middle income countries is higher than that of high-income countries. Other results showed that economic growth and openness had a positive and significant impact, human capital, ICT and rule of law had a negative and significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions as an indicator of green economy in the group of selected countries. Discussion and Conclusion: Renewable energies are clean, abundant and reliable and if properly developed, can play a significant role in achieving sustainable development goals as sustainable sources of energy. The main reason for the emphasis on the use of renewable energies, in addition to helping to solve environmental problems and preventing the loss of fossil fuels, is the conservation of natural resources for future generations, which undoubtedly renewable energy, given their simplicity of technology, plays a significant role in the green economy and sustainable economic development.

Background and Purpose: In the past several decades, the ecotourism industry has a special place in the community nature and the environment, sustainable development and local revenues with significant growth. In this article, because of natural landscapes and pristine, and also because of the elevated area of clean air and a beautiful view of the city of Mashhad in the evening, the Khorshid forest park has a high potential for tourists attracting. Due to the large area and the local environment, this area has the visitors and tourists such as climbers during much of the year. Used methods: The aim of this paper is to examine the current situation of tourism and ecotourism area from different directions (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) which has created a mechanism to improve the situation. Studies in this paper based on the SWOT matrix analysis and analytic hierarchy process AHP have been done. Findings: According to the scores obtained from the final sum of internal factors, weights of strengths (with a final weight of 3. 96) were found to be greater than the weaknesses, which indicates that the strengths of the park were greater than its weaknesses, as well as the existing opportunities, the threats are more that using the opportunities and strengths available to improve the current situation, park tried to provide the satisfaction of tourists more than ever. Discussion and Conclusion: According to calculations made and matrix analysis of SWOT, the Khorshid forest park showed the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the development of ecotourism are more. As a result, the park has a high potential to develop an ecotourism industry that requires planning and management to attract tourists and the nature of the ecological range of the region.

Background and Objective: Environmental protection and natural ecosystems are among the principles of sustainable development in the countryside. Development is compatible with the preservation of environmental, biological and related resources. In this regard, the present study aimed at evaluating environmental indicators based on the dimensions of sustainable development in rural settlements of Golchidar village in Marivan County. Method: The statistical population of this study was 16 villages of Golchider rural municipality (803) households, which were selected by available sampling method. The questionnaire was distributed using a sample size based on the number of households in each village. The research methodology is conducted in a descriptive and analytical manner, so that at the descriptive stage, the present situation is identified and in the process of work, using statistical analysis, we deduce and explain the results. Results: The results of environmental status indices using the Rij model in the studied villages indicate that among the 16 indicators surveyed, 8 indicators, 50% of the villages were in a complete state of instability and undesirable, in which the index of sewage facilities with a degree of sustainability 010 /. In the worst case, there are environmental indicators. One-sample t-test showed that there is a significant relationship between environmental indicators and the instability of rural settlements studied. Conclusion: Regarding the fact that rural areas of the study area are not in desirable condition. it is necessary to review the status of indicators of sustainable development in the village of Golchidar and to have proper and effective management factors for preserving the village and its ecosystem.

Introduction: The study area (Tefli village) is located in Kurdistan, Iran. According to Iran’ s tectonics classification it is part of the “ Zagros Fold Belt” . The aim of this study is to prepare a relative risk zoning map of hill slide instability and landslide in “ Tefli” village. Methods: Initially, nine factors were identified as effective parameters on landslides in the study area, therefore the Phasing method was used in order to prioritize these factors and to make the landslides risk zone of the area. Results: The study showing that 63\14, 10\48, 11\52, 9\60 & 5\24 percent of the area classified to “ very low, low, moderate, high, very high” risk zone respectively and “ Road” and “ Fault” defined as the most effective factors for landslides events. Conclusions: According to the geographical position of the area, formations type and topographic situation, the study area is located in an unstable and high potential of landslide hazard zone. Consequently, slope sustainability methods in unstable hill slides can be used in order to increase the safety of the area.

Background and Purpose: The phenomenon of dust is one of the unfavorable climatic changes and environmental consequences that have come out of our natural course in the last few years and we are witnessing the multiplicity of its occurrence in the Middle East region. The purpose of this study is synoptic investigation and remote sensing of Hormozgan dust phenomenon. Materials and Methods: With the combined method of synoptic-remote sensing investigations, the conditions affecting the dust storm in Hormozgan province in November 2016 have been studied. Results: After investigating the horizontal visibility and wind direction and speed at ground level stations, the atmospheric surface re-analysis data were obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and they were used to investigate synoptic conditions and draw surface and upper levels weather maps in the Grads software. The dust was then detected using Modis satellite images (Aqua). Discussion and Conclusions: Under conditions where the Siberian high pressure is inclined to the west, the penetration and expansion of its tabs to the south of Iran causes a thermal contrast of about 35 degrees Celsius and increases the pressure gradient between the northeastern and southern regions of Iran. The winds caused by the Siberian high pressure due to passing over the dust sources (east and center of Iran and the deserts around Hormozgan province) cause the dust to rise from the mentioned areas and enter Hormozgan province. Remote sensing images confirm the direction of dust movement according to the airflow in the region and show that even this phenomenon has extended to the Oman Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Introduction: Thunderstorms are one of the most destructive weather phenomena, and knowing the mechanism, development, and development of such storms can be of particular help in counteracting and mitigating the damage. Methodology: In the present study, thunderstorms with rainfall of more than 10 mm of Mashhad synoptic station in a 61-year statistical period (2010-1901) have been investigated. Thus, first the codes related to the occurrence of the thunderstorm phenomenon and then the precipitation of more than 10 mm related to the mentioned phenomenon were extracted and then the daily data of the average sea level pressure from the series of retrieved data series. NCEP / NCAR were harvested within 12 days. Finally, with the method of basic component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, sea level rotation patterns that played a role in the formation of thunderstorms were classified. Results and Discussion: The study showed that thunderstorms of the Mashhad region, has been created by two general patterns. The first pattern, in the SLP, formed the cell of the monsoon system over the country advocated hot and humid air needed for thunderstorm by motion of cyclonic and at the upper levels (850 and 500 hpa) the trough of westerly winds is located over the studied area that led to the thunderstorms occurrence. In The second pattern, the Sudan system expanded from southwest toward northeast and then passed over the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, that led the humid advection into the study area and at the upper levels (850 and 500 hpa) trough of westerly winds is located over the studied area that provided dynamic rise and consequently led to thunderstorms. In both precipitation pattern, main source of moisture was the South Seas and the major factor of uplifting was the western trough.

Background and Objective: By reviewing human activities during last decades, it seems that inappropriate human activities and changes in the environment caused immense ecological problems and sometimes it is irreparable. Ecosystems in the nature are so various and destruction of one gradually destroys the entire ecosystem and thus will disturb the ecology of the area. The result of this article is: Understanding Mechanisms and Construction Method in Mountainous Regions and Ecosystems, The training of environmental and animal sensitivities, attractiveness and attraction (rivers, lands, soils, etc. ) and the energy available in the region to people, gardeners, agricultural technicians, etc., using new and appropriate methods instead of past Old and obsolete methods & The need to remind and show the damage that has been inflicted by people outside the area to the targeted area. Since there have been a few numbers of ecological studies in Qazvin, and even in Iran, and because of diverse animal and plant species and natural, lack of biological resources and abundant internal energy region of Alamout, recognition the species and finally to educate the results of the investigation to people are required. Method: Our research method is survey and the analysis of research hypotheses test is done by using the deductive method and SPSS software. Findings: Due to these requirements, the study is based on interviews with experts from the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Agricultural Research Center of Qazvin _ and several professors of Imam Khomeini International University and a group of experts and CEOs of cooperatives and even people in order to analyze the importance of Ecological education. Discussion and Conclusion: In the following sections, with review these statistics and the results achievement Descriptive and analytical analysis (Independent T-test and Levin, Cronbach's alpha, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Friedman test), in SPSS software it can be concluded that education is one of the key factors in the promotion of ecological knowledge In the rural community.

Context and purpose: connection with the nature is the most essential natural need of human. Researches show that nature and green space contribute to mental stress reduction and mental health improvement. Today, landscape architecture designs natural elements such that they would have positive effects on human mental condition and stress reduction. Actually, by developing ability to confronting stress, gardens improve mental views (garden) on human mental health and stress reduction and meeting the natural need of human to experience diverse natural environments of obtain peace. Research methodology: This research used information collection instruments (librarian studies, related documents) and component, principles and patterns related to the subject have been examined and analyzed. Findings: research result show that using Persian garden model by healing function in medical centers is useful and contributing to mental health and stress reduction. Thus, the following are characteristics of a healing garden for mental health: Lack of material opaqueness in relation between human and space, possibility of selection and making equilibrium between isolation and interaction positive distractions possibility of physical action and encouraging it water and inducing peace feeling. Conclusion and discussion: there are many researches on healing garden and Therapeutic landscape and its effects on human in internal literature while this study provides and examines characteristics specific for stress reduction and mental health in these gardens.