JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year:2019 | Volume:21 | Issue:10 (89)|Papers Count:21

Background and Objective: Malachite green is an extensively used biocide in the aquaculture industry, and is highly effective against important protozoal and fungal infections. It is also used as a food coloring agent, food additive, and medical disinfectant as well as a dye in the silk, wool, jute, leather, cotton, paper, and acrylic industries. Therefore, the elimination of malachite green in wastewater of aquaculture and textile, paper and acrylic industries is essential in order to prevent its adverse effects on aquatic organisms. In this study, degradation of malachite green with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) under UV light was investigated. Method: For this reason, the effects of parameters such as different concentrations of malachite green (3. 5, 7 and 14 mg L-1) and the Nano-catalyst concentrations (1. 30, 2. 60, and 5. 20 mg) in constant temperature (25° C) and constant UV intensity (12 W, 230 V, 50 Hz) during 180 minutes were studied. Findings: The best degradation rate of malachite green was found in the concentration of 3. 5 mg L-1 malachite green, pH: 9, and 2. 60 mg of TiO2 NPs. Although with an increase in titanium dioxide nanoparticles the efficiency and removal rate of malachite green increased, the increase in the photo catalyst had no effects on increasing the efficiency of photo degradation. An increase in pH (9) may improve the removal rate of malachite green through increasing free radicals. An increase in the initial concentration of malachite green decreased the efficiency and removal rate of malachite green. Discussion and Conclusion: Therefore, the photo degradation of malachite green in the presence of TiO2 NPs photo catalyst could be a function of pH, the initial concentration of malachite green and concentration of TiO2 NPs.

Background and Objectives: Nowadays, people’ s life is at risk because of various pollutants into the atmosphere by human action and biological activities. One of the major air pollutants are particulate matter. The aim of this study was to evaluate spatial interpolation methods to determine the concentration PM2. 5 and PM10 in Sabzevar city and select the most suitable interpolation method for preparation of zoning maps particulate matter in GIS. Materials and Methods: Particulate matter were measured by a monitoring device, environmental dust model Haz-Dust EPAM 5000 at 48 stations in the city, then in ARC GIS software three well-known spatial interpolation techniques, namely Kriging, Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) were applied for generating the prediction maps. Finally the best interpolation method was chosen according to the values of each algorithm error. Findings: The results indicated that the RMS was lower between geostatistical and deterministic methods, and the MAPE in deterministic methods was lower. Discussion and Conclusion: The best interpolation method for the particulate matter (PM2. 5 and PM10) was deterministic method by IDW function.

Background and Objective: In this paper climate change impacts on daily precipitation, daily maximum, and daily minimum temperature are estimated, while joint uncertainties due to natural climate variability and emission scenarios are estimated. By considering these uncertainties, the results incorporate a wide range of future possible situations which is a great importance in increasing the reliability of the results. Method: For downscaling of future GCM scenarios, Weather Generator method is used using LARS-WG model. CGCM3 outputs for based on three emissions scenarios, medium (A1B) and high (A2), low (B1), are downscaled for Zanjan. Uncertainty due to natural climate variability is estimated by comparison of 90% limits of 100 LARS-WG generated series for historic and for each future climate scenarios. Findings: The results of this research show that the daily minimum and maximum temperature will increase in the future. Despite the Uncertainty due to natural climate variability, if is expected that the monthly means of daily minimum and maximum temperature will increase for the entire calendar months. Moreover, the uncertainty of emission scenarios is low in comparison with the future increase in temperature. It is expected that the average of monthly precipitation will decrease for the most of the calendar months; although, there is a little possibility for increase in precipitation due to natural climate variability. Discussion and Conclusion: In result of climate change, temperature and precipitation of the Zanjan will change in the future and uncertainties due to natural climate variability and emission scenarios are important in climate change impact assessment on precipitation and temperature.

Background and Objective: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is the most significant environmental pollution problem associated with the mining activities. AMD is caused by the oxidation of sulfide minerals in the mine tailings that occurs when these materials are exposed to atmospheric oxygen and water. Sangan processing plant annually produces 2. 6 million tons of concentrate with iron content more than 66%. During this beneficiation approximately 1. 3 Mt/a of tailing material containing 4% sulfur is produced and discarded to the tailings dam. The presence of sulfide minerals associated with water and oxygen in the tailing dam can generates AMD. The aim of this research is to evaluate the acid generation potential of the tailing material. Method: In order to predict the acid generation potential of the tailing material, samples were taken from the final tailing (i. e., the mixture of various tailing streams of the plant) and also separately from various tailing streams of the plant. Afterwards, the acid generation potential of the samples was determined by modified acid base accounting static tests. Results: The results indicated that the ratio of neutralization potential to acid potential for the final tailing is 2. 04. Conclusion: This research showed that the tailing of Sangan iron ore processing plant is in the zone of uncertainty. Hence, additional kinetic testing must be performed for obtaining certainty about acid generation potential.

Introduction: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) is the most important environmental pollutants which originated from various sources. They are stable in seawater and especially in sediments and their degradation occur slowly. Sixteen numbers of this pollutant are introduced by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as serious carcinogen compounds. In this study, the contents of 16 PAHs compounds were determined in the sediments of Sisanagan coastal sediments (South Caspian Sea). Material and Methods: The sampling was performed by Van Veen grab from 12 sites and 4 transect of the study area. Determination of PAHs (16 components) was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The results showed that the total concentration of PAHs varied between 94. 55-336. 33 ng/g dry weight of sediments. Maximum individual concentration of PAHs was 132, 97. 5 ng g-1 belonged to banzo(b) flouranthene and flouranthene and Benzo[k]fluoranthene, dibenzo(a, h)anthracen, banzo(g, h. i)perylen, acenaphtylen, banzo(a)pyren and indino were not detected in all of the sampling sites. The total organic matters (TOM) of sampling sites were different from 1. 65 to 9. 95%. Conclusion: Comparison of PAHs concentrations in the studied sediments with other places in the world showed (PAHs) pollutions of studied sediments are medium to low and results also showed that PAHs pollutants in this area have both pyrogenic (Fuel) and petrogenic sources. Comparing the values obtained in this area with standard PAHs (ISQGs, NOAA) indicated contaminated sediments are not harmful effect on the creatures.

Background & aim: To use of beneficial effects (prevention of dental caries) and prevent all adverse effects such as dental and skeletal fluorosis, pregnancy outcomes, and blood pressure, the World Health Organization states concentration of fluoride in drinking water as a guideline 1. 8-2 mg/L. The aim of this study was to determine the best deterministic and geostatistical interpolation model to investigate the spatial variability of fluoride in Yazd aquifer using a Geographic Information System. Method: In this cross sectional study, samples were collected from 24 wells, fluoride concentration was determined. To interpolate fluoride, deterministic and geostatistical methods was used in GIS software. Based on cross-validation criteria, best model interpolation was determined and zoning map prepared. Results: The mean fluoride concentration in the samples was equal to 0. 2 ± 0. 6 mg/L. The minimum and maximum fluoride concentrations respectively were 0. 3 and 1. 5 mg/L. by considering cross-validation criteria local polynomial Interpolation method (LPI) was selected as best model for fluoride mapping. Conclusion: According to the results, In order to prevent the occurrence of side effects caused by a deficiency or excess fluoride on consumers’ health, it is necessary to conduct needful measures by responsible agencies.

Introduction: Capacity assessment of natural areas in different directions is one of the tools to achieve sustainable development and reduce pressure on ecosystems and prevent their destruction. One of the most effective uses of natural ecosystems is circulation, which can have negative effects on natural ecosystems if not planned and planned. In this regard, determining the capacity of the circulation can mitigate to some extent these effects. Lorestan waterfall circulation area is one of the areas where the ecological resources of this ecosystem are highly sensitive due to the mountainous area and planning to manage the influx of tourists into the area can be effective in protecting the sensitive resources of this ecosystem. Material & Methods: In this study, environmental units of the region were initially formed based on important factors such as the extent and area needed for circulation activities, climate variables such as hot days, stormy and rainy days, as well as topographical variables such as slope, elevation. And geographical directions, first the physical carrier capacity was calculated and then the actual board capacity was calculated. Results: The results showed that the physical board capacity for eligible zones is 1246792 persons and the actual board capacity for suitable zones is 1664 persons per day. Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained for the range of regionally susceptible regions of the grove yielded two types of range, namely physical and real for the development of tourism. Comparison of the calculated quantities shows that considering the ecological constraints in the bush area including altitude, soil depth, vegetation cover and determined parent rock strength, the physical board capacity in areas prone to tourism development is up to 80%.

Background and Objective: This study was conducted in Mohammadabad waste disposal site in Ghazvin in order to determine the concentration of Ni and Pb in Artemisia sieberi and in region’ s soil. Method: Three plots were selected. Ten random samples from root and shoot of the plant and also from the soil were collected. Two-way and one-way ANOVA were used to assess the differences of metal concentrations in roots and shoots of the plants, and in the soil of the plots, respectively. Duncan Test was applied to compare the average concentrations of metals in different plots. Findings: The results revealed that the soil of the different plots does not have a significant difference in Ni and Pb concentrations. No significant difference was observed between the metal concentrations in roots and shoots of the plants. The mean concentration of lead in the A. sieberi aerial and root organs was 2. 35 mgkg-1 and 3. 19 mgkg-1, respectively, and for the nickel metal 3. 14 mgkg-1 and 2. 99 mgkg-1 respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Bio concentration and transmission factors for Ni and Pb (TF=0. 78; 0. 81 and BCF=1. 10; 0. 33, respectively) suggested that A. sieberi is an appropriate plant to remove Pb from soil.

Introduction: Biological nitrification, in the system that has a proper substrate to replace bacteria is more efficient than other systems. The major problem substrates, such as substrates that are made of synthetic polymers are their high cost of production and environmental problems. The aim of this study using wheat stalks as a substrate cost as well as review performance on the survival of fish. Material and Methods: To do this, the study added 10% and 5% of the word water storage tank size (240 liters size) of wheat stalks (starch). Control over two groups, one control (no wheat stem) control group (three treatments with three replications). You can calculate this student 10, best, most, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after adding ammonia. A weight of 0. 28 g is added to each tank in the test volunteer. Treatments at this stage observe pre-budget law, leading to limited reservoirs of wheat stalks containing mosques. Mortality rates were counted 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the addition of ammonia. There was no food. One-way ANOVA was used to compare data between treatments and each one by time. The means were compared by SPSS software using LSD test at 0. 05 level of confidence. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the ammonia treatment is significantly different than the control group (p > 0/05). The amount of ammonia in treated compared with each other, there was a significant difference (p > 0/05). Greatest amount of ammonia reduced to 10% of the wheat stalk; Lowest fish mortality rates in the second stage of the treatment, 10% of wheat stem (2 number), as well as the control group (without wheat) had the highest mortality of fish (15 number). Results of our study showed that nitrification cycle in the reservoirs that 10% of the volume is dedicated to wheat straw up to 32 times more efficient than the other tanks (tanks without wheat). Well as present study showed that the use the wheat stalks can have a significant role in the increasing the chance of survival of fish, in the face of hyper-acute ammonia.

Background and purpose: Ignoring hospital wastes management has caused numerous problems. So the consequences of neglecting the management of these wastes have threatened the environment and human health. This research is done in 1394 and is a case study in Dr. Shariati hospital of Tehran. The aim was to assess the current situation of hospital wastes management system and propose practical strategies and suggestions for improving the management system of hospital wastes. Material and Methods: To determine the current status, after observing the place and controlling wastes management condition during 3 months a questionnaire was distributed through SWOT method and Likert scoring scale within 30 persons and its results were used to complete internal and external factors Matrix and tables of SPACE and Freeman methods. Results: The analyses showed scoring of external and internal factors are 2/34 and 2/61 respectively. In order to determine each external and internal factors weight more accurately, the hierarchy structure and paired comparison was established using AHP method and Expert Choice software. To set the position of the hospital, SPACE method was used and the hospital rank was in SO position. At the end, Freeman method was used to prioritize the strategies from stake holders’ point of views and “ accurate wastes management” became first by +75 score. Conclusion: As a result, it can be concluded that Freeman and SPACE methods are suitable and efficient for presenting strategic programs in hospital wastes management

Introduction: Now competitiveness is a central issue in the world and the use of it, as a tool, is mentioned to achieve sustainable development. Many researchers consider the economic competitiveness equals success, but urban competitiveness should be examined from a broader perspective on aspects of economic and non-economic aspects in addition to the stress of urban life. Due to the vacuum in the field of research aimed at evaluating and ranking states are conducted with an emphasis on social and environmental dimensions. Material and Methods: This study uses 36 indicators of social and environmental dimension to urban competitiveness evaluation techniques using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). Methods the study population consisted of descriptive analysis of all the provinces in 1390. The models used to analyze the data and SAW HAVE eventually integrated Kandrst technique and competitiveness was divided to 5 groups can be very high, high, moderate, low and very low. To find the coefficients of each indicator used is the Shannon entropy. Results and Discussion: Based on Kandrst mode, the provinces terms of social and environmental indicators of urban competitiveness, there are wide differences. So that the difference between Tehran Province (ranked first) with a score of 30 and Semnan (bottom) with a score of 25, was too high (55) and this gap is caused by an imbalance in land use. Final ranking shows that Tehran, Tehran, Khuzestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Isfahan and Khorasan Razavi is very high competitiveness and regions in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer, Ardabil, Yazd, Golestan, Semnan Bakhtiari and competitiveness can be very low.

Background and Objective: Low water use efficiency, in addition to wasting scarce water resources, also increases water flow and environmental pollution. Analyzing the effect of increasing water use efficiency can be a useful tool for policy makers. This study aimed to analyze the effects of increasing irrigation efficiency among farmers in Fars province. Method: In this study, multi-objective planning approach was used. Findings: Result showed that Impact of increased irrigation efficiency on cropping pattern and producer's objectives including gross margin and risk as well as its impact on environmental aspects including water and chemical fertilizer use was studied. Employment is also another objective. Regarding the multidimensional impacts, multi objective programming was applied. Discussion and Conclusion: Scenario analysis showed that increase in irrigation efficiency increases gross margin, chemical fertilizer use and diversity in cropping plan. However, it failed to incorporate in risk reduction. It was also found that increase in irrigation efficiency dose not increase employment. In general, the society will be benefited from improvement in irrigation efficiency if the increase of gross margin is considered as the main goal.

Background and Objective: macroinvertebrates communities are very sensitive to environmental pollution. Therefore, we can use to derive the pollution load entering to the ecosystem via their ecological structures. This study aimed to identify macroinvertebrates as well as indicator to evaluate the ecological health of water in the Eghlid. Methods: Thirteen physicochemical parameters have been measured including BOD, COD, NO3, NO2, PO4, NH4, Fecal Coliforms, Temperature, pH, EC, DO, Total Hardness and Turbidity in Eghlid Rivers (Sefid and Gavgodar parts), Fars province-Iran. Findings: Based on the results, 8161 macroinvertebrates were identified from 14 orders and 24 families with 66 % frequency of Gammaridea belong to Amphipoda order as the most collected family. Discussion and Conclusion: With regard to Spearman correlation (r=0. 81), the BMWP/ASPT index had the most dependency with the abiotic parameters. Although, the results didn’ t show any significant differences between references and impaired stations (sig > 0. 05), but the category of water ecological quality was in moderate to low in all studied stations. This study concluded the ecological status of water in the studied area is not desirable.

Background: Today, Vermi compost production process as one of the very good procedures in terms of economic, health, and environmental sustainability to stabilize the organic waste is discussed. The aim of this study was Vermi compost production from fruit and vegetable organization waste by earthworm (Eisenia Fetida). Methods: In order to evaluate the quantity of produced Eisenia Foetida and Vermi compost an investigation was conducted in Azadi fruit and vegetable organization. The experiment was completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments were fruit, leaf vegetable and lettuce, non leafly vegatables, paper and combination of four treatments, in similar conditions. Results: the amount of Vermi compost significantly increased by fruit, combination and non leafly vegetables. Also the numbers of mature Eisenia Foetida, significantly increased by fruit and combination. But there were no significant differences in number of immature worms. Total weight of mature and immature worms was increased significantly by using fruit, combination and non-leafy vegetables. The highest increase in the average body length of mature worms and the most used waste were observed during the use of fruit treatment. The results showed that Vermi-compost quality treatments examined were in the standard range and only in terms of the organic matter was higher than the standard level. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that using waste of fruit and vegetable for producing compost from Eisenia Foetida is fully justified.

The effects of forestry on carbon storage as a cost-effective way to reduce global warming have been proven. In our country, especially in the province of Ilam, for the increase of green space per capita of significant areas of susceptible land, different types of forestry have been affected, but the effects of these forests on soil carbon storage and sequestration have been less studied. In this study, the effects of Tehran pine forest (Pinus eldarica Medw. ) And silver cedar (Cupressus arizonica Green. ) Along with Iranian oak (Quercus brantii Lindl) Forests on soil carbon sequestration in Choghbaz forest park of Ilam city were investigated. Examine and compare. Also, the relationship between some physical and chemical properties of soil with carbon sequestration of different soils was investigated. Method: to achieve the above goals, 15 of Quercus brantii Lindl. 15 of planted conifer Pinus eldarica Medw and 15 of Cupressus arizonica Green, totally 45 trees were selectes based on random transects and soil samples under the crown of each tree at the same distance from stem (30-50 cm) at 0-30 depth were taken. After transferring the samples to laboratory and the relevant analysis, the amount of carbon sequestration was determined using appropriate formula by organic carbon in the soil samples. Results: The results indicated that soil carbon sequestration of Pinus eldarica Medw. (55. 7 ton/ha) was significantly more than Cupressus arizonica Green (39. 98 ton/ha) and Quercus brantii Lindl. (29. 45 ton/ha). Their economic values for mentioned species were computed 140, 101 and 74 million rial’ s respectively. The result of Correlation analysis showed that the percentages of organic matter, nitrogen, electrical conductivity and bulk density were respectively the most important factors for soil carbon sequestration. Conclusion and discussion: based on the obtained results of this study, carbon sequestration potential of different plants species is not the same. Therefore, by identifying the species which have higher capabilities for carbon sequestration and analyzing management factors affecting carbon sequestration, it is possible to advance the programs to revive the lands by carbon sequestration.

Environmental protection is a key element in urban management. Due to complex relationships between human and environment in metropolises, the importance of environment is ever-increasing. Heavy environment deterioration and the indicators of the human habitat show significant drop in life satisfaction and life quality in Tehran (Tehran state of the Environment, 2015). A reason for this situation is inter-organizational inconsistencies among those who are in charge of urban environmental management. Sporadic attitudes of the organizations and different policies within the geographical neighboring areas are among managerial and structural deficiencies in the metropolis. This research is an attempted to minimize the effects of such urban difficulties and problems. In this paper The current situation of environment in Tehran metropolis including air, water, biodiversity and human habitat along with the most crucial threats, their effect as well as the associated agencies and organizations have been investigated, using the indicators of OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), UNEP (United Nation Environmental Program) and GFF (Global Environmental Fund). The current management of Tehran environment is studied based on a framework and using SWOT analysis. Then, an ideal urban environmental management framework is proposed for Tehran, with regard to the higher order legal documents of national and international levels and the global models such as: UN Habitat Program, Sustainable Cities Program, Policy and Regulatory Framework for Sustainable Cities Program, Healthy Cities Program, Agenda 21, Strategies of the Environmental European commission and a Good Governance Model, as well as the results of the SWOT analysis In this framework, the authorities in charge of urban management and their responsibilities are determined and classified at three levels of policy-making, decision making and implementation and Target, and the relationship between them are clarified.

Introduction: Promotion and training of the environment has an important and fundamental role to play in protecting it, so education is considered as one of the main tools in the realization of human development. In this way, human beings as axes of development can play an active and influential role in development while acquiring new abilities. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of environmental awareness among Yazd University students. Material and Methods: For this purpose questions trends in pollution, and biodiversity assessment was brought to the knowledge of students to determine trends in this field. Cochran formula obtained 628 samples collected using questionnaires randomly distributed among students of Yazd University. Data were analyzed with SPSS and Excel software. Results and Discussion: The results indicate the need for environmental education and awareness in the community and promotion of environmental awareness. Type of education on students' awareness about the environment did not have a great impact on the field of education and gender attitudes of people had a great influence. Conclusion: Due to the promotion of environmental education at university level as a starting point can also be useful in filling this gap, capable people with expertise and skills necessary to disseminate knowledge and information related to the environment and the crisis facing the education.

Background and Objective: In the traditional architecture, buildings had close relationships with the surrounding environment, and intimacy to the nature had deep roots in Iranian’ s culture. Traditional Bazaars were one of the most important parts of a city and had great impacts on people's social lives and architecture. Due to the expansion of cities, the concept of bazaar has changed and replaced by distributed spaces called shopping centers. Method: In this study, the shortcomings of the current bazaars, and the effects of traditional architecture and organic concept were examined from the perspective of clients and visitors. Descriptive-analytic survey was conducted and questionnaires were distributed randomly among 272 visitors in Rey bazaar, Tajrish traditional bazaar, Almas shopping center, and Tirazheh shopping mall. To evaluate the hypothesis, the single variable T-test and the F-test were applied. Findings: The results indicate that, synthetizing the concept of organic architecture and Iranian traditional architecture in the current shopping malls could meet the users’ expectation. Results and discussion: Exposing the apparent similarity of the environment and an element is not sufficient for users. So, a special attention is required for the psychological aspects received by the visitors.

Introduction and Objective: Quality of life in urban residential environments, including cities in Iran, faces a variety of risks that reduce residents' satisfaction. By identifying the factors that promote the quality of life in urban areas, this study seeks to determine whether optimal residential satisfaction can be achieved. Also suggested in Golshan neighborhood as case study, in order to achieve a better quality of life, interventions should be made in the areas of housing, public transport, open spaces and green areas, and solutions to improve them. The Purpose and the Model: The overall objective of the present study was to measure and localize the quality of life indicators in the Golshan neighborhood and to present strategies for improving the quality of life. The satisfaction model is designed as a basis for evaluating the indicators of quality of life in the four dimensions of physical-spatial, socio-economic, functional-service and environmental. Methods: The research method is descriptive-analytical and in order to final evaluation and data analysis, SPSS software and statistical methods such as mean, Spearman correlation coefficient were used. The method of collecting field information is through objective researcher interviews and interviewing the authorities and filling out the questionnaire. Conclusion: Evaluations and analysis results show that the overall satisfaction of residents in Golshan is moderate. The highest satisfaction with the criteria of high neighborhood relations among residents, area of residential unit, sense of belonging to the neighborhood, etc. is expressed. The study also found that among the individual characteristics, gender, occupation, education and number of households in terms of collective dimensions were more important in affecting residential satisfaction

Background and Objectives: Consideration of Healing through recreational footpaths can improve mental and physical health and increase the mental health of city dwellers. One of the most important dimensions of recreational footpaths is design elements used in them which are categorized into two tangible and subjective species. Many researchers have investigated the effective design components on the health and welfare of citizens; but a comprehensive look at the relationship between landscape elements of recreation footpaths and healing components with regard to the role of the human senses has not been carried out yet. This article seeks to identify effective dimensions of recreation footpaths and their impact on healing the users with the help of the five senses. Method: The research approach is qualitative. In a general view, all the used data in this research obtained from two ways; review of previous researches and experts’ vote. At first, efficient dimensions and components were clarified and prioritized using library methods and logical reasoning; then experts’ recommendations had been analyzed and discussed through fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP). At the end, the results of both previous stages were integrated using normalization in order to finalize the priorities of footpath elements. Findings: The findings emphasized that “ Sight” has the most impact on perception and healing components, among other senses. Also, natural elements have the most impact on the healing through footpath elements. And the highest proportion of healing will occur in ‘ emotional / psychological healing’ . Discussion and Conclusion: Seeing "natural landscapes" (through sight and visual aspects) and being in touch with nature (through olfactory, tactile and audible senses), can decrease the psychological stresses and Increase biological well-being as well as heal internal anxiety.