JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Year:2016 | Volume:18 | Issue:3|Papers Count:17

Background and Objective: In this study, The Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) type neural networks whit genetic algorithm was applied to estimate the methane fraction in landfill gas originating from Lab-scale landfill bioreactors. In this study, to predict the methane fraction in landfill gas as a final product of anaerobic digestion, we used input parameters such as pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand, NH4+-N and waste temperature.Method: To this Purpose, two different systems were applied for neural network’s data obtained. In system I (C1), the leachate generated from a fresh-waste reactor was drained to recirculation tank, and recycled every two days. In System II (C2), the leachate generated from a fresh waste landfill reactor was fed through a well-decomposed refuse landfill reactor, and at the same time, the leachate generated from a well-decomposed refuse landfill reactor recycled to a fresh waste landfill reactor. leachate and landfill gas components were monitored for 132 days.Findings: The study results indicate that GMDH is able to predict the methane fraction in landfill gas.The correlation between the observed and predicted values for the training data is 0.98 and for the testing data, it is 0.99.Discussion and Conclusion: The proposed method can significantly predict the methane fraction in landfill gas originating and, consequently, GMDH can be use to optimize the dimensions of a plant using biogas for energy (i.e. heat and/or electricity) recovery and monitoring system.

Background and Objective: Determine the residual concentrations of heavy metals in milk can be a direct indicator for the definition health status of milk and also is an indirect determiner indicator for degree of environmental pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the metals including Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Ca of pasteurized milk and cheese in two milk factories in Kerman province.Methods: From raw milk, pasteurized milk and cheese of both factories two samples were taken in half a month in the fall and winter. Overall 360 experiments were conducted on 72 samples to determine the levels of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Ca by atomic Absorption Spectrometry. All tests are based on instructions of standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater book. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.Findings: The averages of measured metal concentrations in pasteurized milk of Sirjan factory are: Pb: 3.4±2.7mg/L, Cd: 0.29±o.o8μg/L, Zn: 5.06±0.39mg/L, Cu: 0.60±0.10mg/L, Ca: 1019±73mg/L and the averages metal concentrations of produced cheese in mentioned factory are Pb: 53.5±8.5 mg/kg, Cd: 2.08±0.18mg/kg, Cu: 1.65±0.18mg/kg, Zn: 9.98±0.77mg/kg, Ca: 2172±161 mg/kg, respectively. The averages of measured metal concentrations in pasteurized milk of Kerman factory are Pb: 3.6±1.9 mg/L, Cd: 0.29±o.o9 mg/L, Zn: 4.5±0.54 mg/L, Cu: 0.57±0.07mg/L, Ca: 1075±47mg/L and the averages metal concentrations of produced cheese in mentioned factory are Pb: 56.9±7.0 mg/kg, Cd: 3.67±0.4mg/kg, Cu: 1.49±0.13mg/kg, Zn: 10.17±0.81mg/kg, Ca: 2254±126 mg/kg, respectively.Discussion and Conclusion: The amounts of measured metal in the study are as global standards (FAO/WHO and Codex 2007) or some dairy producing countries (Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency) and will not create a hazard for consumers. Just Lead in cheese is higher than the permissible limit.

Bachground and Objective: Following the oil crisis in the seventies and the rising cost of fossil fuels, the use of renewable energies flourished. Applying of new and renewable energies, especially solar energy, the divine eternal source due to its easy availability and, in recent years more attention has been scientists and students of the energy. A variety of methods exist for the use of clean energy and eternal God, but heating water using solar water heaters, as perhaps is the easiest and most economical method.Method: In this study, environmental and economic feasibility of using solar water heater systems in residential buildings, 6 units (households with 4 or 5 persons) using real data in the environment of Retscreen software has been studied.Findings and Conclusion: Results of this research show that the replacement of gas water heaters with the solar water heaters, the annual savings in natural gas consumption to supply hot water for the entire households is consuming 5, 820 cubic meters. And the rate of annual economic savings equals 6402000 rials will be replace the electric water heaters the solar water heaters, electrical energy savings of 22, 995 kWh annually and annual economic savings of 120, 244, 000 Iranian Rials.

Background and Objective: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of the most environmental problems which is caused by mining activities. It may be generated from oxidation of sulfide minerals (specifically pyrite) in mining wastes, ore and mineral processing. As a result, prediction and measurement of pyrite can play a key role in investigation of AMD process. In this paper, a relationship based on multivariate regression is suggested for predicting of remained pyrite fraction within a coal waste pile located nearby Alborz- Sharghi coal washing plant.Method: For this purpose, the model uses the most important factors (independent variables) including depth, mole fraction of oxygen, local temperature and cumulative annual precipitation (from the initial deposition of the wastes within the pile) as input parameters and returns the remaining pyrite fraction (dependent variable) in the related depth of the pile as its output.Findings: The results of the laboratory experiments reveal that the fraction of pyrite remaining gradually increased at the lower depth where the oxygen diffuses from the surface to 2 m of the pile. A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted after obtaining and collecting of the required data which caused all the possible relationships among the target and independent variables to be suggested and presented. Then, the best model (relationship) according to Efroymson’s the step wise regression method was presented to predict of the remained pyrite fraction within the pile.Discussion and discussions: The relatively high confidence level of the suggested model (87%) reveals its appropriate reliability. A strong correlation (R2=90%) between validation data and suggested model also confirms the desirable reliability of the model. The proposed model is recommended to be applied in similar coal waste piles and will economize time and cost in investigation of AMD process on the environmental management issue of mining wastes.

Bachground and Objective: Role and importance of water in life and health of human being is a clear matter and it is evident to everyone and more clear reality is that drinking water resources whether surface or underground in various ways is posed to pollution and shortage of ensured resources alternatives today has become one of most complicated problems in human society.Based on above, every factor which qualitatively and quantitavely treats resources, will be followed with sensivity and considered.With considering that providing large part of drinking water in villages of Shemiran province from underground water and also because of existance of farm lands and gardens and use of fertilizers and poisens in this area, examining quality of underground water is prompt.Also, because of establishing some wells of drinking water in Lavasanat village, so potential of effecting pollution to these wells and water analysis of waters are necessary.Method: In this research, 4 no. wells in 4 villages called Hanzak, Anbaj, Kond olia and Kond sofla in two period of July and December are sampled and physical and chemical properties of water by adapting standard conditions and in trustful laboratory of environment ministry have been analysed.Findings: Based on findings and comparing them with existing standards, all of the physiochemical parameters of water were consistent with astandard state and only Phosphate, Fluoride, Magnesium and Total Hardness are slightly higher than astandard.Discussion and Conclusion: Based on results and comparing them with existing standards for drinking use by Schuler diagram, quality of water is relatively in suitable range.

Background and Objective: In recent years, emission of dustfall particles has been an increasing phenomenon in the atmosphere of western, southwestern and central Iran. Particulate matters with an aerodynamic diameter bigger than 10mm show more tendencies to fall and sustain their presence on surrounding environment comparing to smaller particles in the regions, where dustfall phenomenon is a matter of concern. Hence, these particles are considered as an important index to evaluate environmental quality. Objective of this research was to investigate physico-chemical properties of these particles in western part of Iran.Methods: The precipitation rate of dustfall particles on area unit was measured using deposit gauge method in a period of one year from Farvardin to Esfand 1389 (Iranian calendar) in university of Kurdistan in Sanandaj city, western Iran. Also, the concentration of soluble alkali and alkaline earth metals of Na, K, Ca and Mg alongside with concentration of total heavy metals of Fe and Mn were measured in the collected samples using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Additionally, type and dominance of minerals in the samples was evaluated using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).Findings: The results showed that during one year sampling period the highest and lowest rates of the dustfall precipitation were for months of Farvardin and Bahman with 19.71 and 1.38 gr m-2 month-1, respectively. Also, average concentration of soluble Na, K, Ca and Mg among the dustfall particles were 12.45, 5.74, 65.85 and 2.13 mg m-2 month-1 while average concentration for total Fe and Mn were 11.12 and 0.42 mg m-2 month-1. Also, X-ray diffraction analysis of the samples approved abundance of quartz and calcite minerals.Discussion and Conclusion: The results of this research approved that the composition of these particles could emphasize on pedological source for dustfall particles in western Iran.

Background and Objective: One of the probable results of global warming is rise of free seas level. Scientists believe the increase of greenhouse gases (earth temperature controller) is the reason of this global warming and by using satellite measurements, have forecasted averagely 1-2 mm for increase of free seas level.Methods: This research by collecting and analyzing long term data of annual mean of global temperature (Gtemp), annual mean of Hormozgan province temperature (Temp), annual mean of sea surface temperature (SST) and also annual mean sea level (MSL) related to these coasts, at first compares the significance of their changes in 5 years groupings during recent 20 years with a long term group of each variable as control, by using Duncan test, then considering being significant the increasing trend of mean of recent years groups, derives the regression equation between first three variables (Gtemp, Temp and SST) as independent variables with the last variable (MSL) as dependent variable using multi- variable regression, studies the quality and quantity of influence of each one of them on MSL and by this mean, propounds the necessary predicts in this regard.Findings and Conclusion: The results of this study show the increasing trend of annual mean of the quantities of experimental groups concluded to 2008 (namely recent years) in each of four mentioned variables has had significant difference with groups before them (during recent 20 years) and also with control group (long term mean of each one of the groups). Moreover, three variables including Gtemp, Temp and SST in multi-variable regression for calculating MSL have coefficients of 4.45, 1.713 and 0.798 respectively.

Bachground and Objective: Since the environment has a limited ecological potential for human uses, the ecological potential assessment provides a well suited bed for environmental planning. The main objective of this paper is to determine proper criteria by applying multicriteria decision-making Methods for land capability assessment to establish new cities.Methods: In this research, multicriteria assessment approach and Weighted Liner Composition (WLC) are utilized in ecological potential assessment of Zardrud basin of Khouzestan for urban development by using geographic information system (GIS) based on 13 criteria which includes: slope, evaluation, aspect, rainfall, average temperature, land type, soil, land use, distance to river, distance to industries, distance to road, earthquake bearing and fault zones. Land capability map is developed in which it shows prioritized and proper areas for urban development in the aforemeotioned range.Findings: Most importants factors on urban development were earthquake bearing, land use and soil and that R11, R4 nappies have better choices.Discussion and Conclusion: The results obtained from this study can be used as a pattern for urban planning that indicates well suited urban location with respect to environmental considerations.

Background and Objective: Increasing use of pesticides and improper methods of sewage disposal will cause water resources pollution and extremely damaging effects on the environment. This study aimed at Performance of granular activated carbon to diazinon removal from aqueous solution and assessing the relationship between COD and diazinon concentration.Methods: This study is as a cross - sectional and work was carried out in lab-scale. Firstly, diazinon concentrations 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150 mg/l were prepared from Stock solution (1000 mg/L), and then their COD were measured. Optimum pH for 2-4-D removal was determined and its absorption rate in different concentrations was measured.Findings: Results showed a relationship between COD and concentration. On the other hand, COD removal increased with passage of the time, so that maximum removal 88% at contact time of 50 min observed. Optimum pH for all concentrations was determined to be Discussion and Conclusion: According to present study it can be concluded that activated carbon have be high performance of diazinon removal from water. In addition, a significant relationship was observed between COD and diazinon concentration, so that direct.

Background and Objective: Air pollution is one of the most important problems in big cities. One of the goals of urban managers is their awareness on air pollution in the future. For prediction of air quality, air pollutant must be modeled first. Carbon monoxide is one of the most toxic air pollutants that has harmful effect on human health.Method: In this paper, modeling carbon monoxide concentration and 24-h prediction by ARMA and NAR neural network have been studied. Then, the results of the two methods are compared. For this purpose, data is collected on 29 November until 31 December 2009 in Azadi air quality monitoring station: belonged to Tehran department of environment.Findings: The results of the two methods showed that, NAR is more accurate than ARMA for modeling and prediction of carbon monoxide. NAR neural network had MSE=1.6 and a correlation coefficient of 0.84 while ARMA had MSE=5.46 and correlation coefficient=0.72 for 24 hours prediction.Discussion and Conclusion: Finally, the predicted values can be used and published in internet for public awareness. Also urban managers can use the results of modeling and prediction for a better management. Result of this paper showed NAR neural network has sufficient ability to model and predict time series of monoxide carbon.

Background and Objective: Today, food security is one of important issues of consumers of agricultural products. Therefore, this study was carried out for evaluation of organophosphorus pesticide diazinon residues in zucchini as a greenhouse crop.Method: In this study, totally 10 specimen of zucchini were collected from greenhouses and market basket of Hamadan city. After cutting the samples and then added with acetone, the solution was filtered. Then added sodium sulfate and dichloromethane to filtered solution, we attempted to separate the lower phase. The lower phase is evaporated in the oven until was set at 2 ml. Finally diazinon residues in samples determined using a spectrophotometric method in 3 replications. The statistical calculations were done using SPSS version 18.0 statistical package.Findings: The results showed that the average concentration of diazinon residues in samples were 0.105±0.006, 0.093±0.003, 0.149±0.013, 0.159±0.027, 0.151±0.013, 0.147±0.018, 0.119±0.006, 0.171±0.013, 0.157±0.018, 0.140±0.027 mg kg-1, respectively and more than the maximum residue limit provided by the Codex alimentarius and the European Commission. The results of the comparison of the mean concentration of pesticide residues between samples revealed significant differences between all the samples together (p<0.05).Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, the average concentrations of diazinon residues in zucchini exceeding the maximum residue limit provided by Codex Alimentarius Commission and the European Commission. Therefore, education of farmers for optimal agricultural inputs usage, especially pesticides is recommended.

Background and Objective: Nowadays, with the advances of sciences and technologies, production and management of solid waste have been significantly transformed. Regarding the fact that in the present age, strategic management is considered as an effective step in attaining organizational successes and also realization of organizational objectives in long-term plans, therefore, in the preset study, the strategic planning management of solid waste in Zahedan City is investigated and presented.Method: In order to present the strategic planning management of the waste of Zahedan City, the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) were employed. In addition, the professional ideas of elites and experts were used.Findings: The findings of the present study indicate that the most strategy with the highest score for realization of the organization's objective and achieving sustainable development in Zahedan City, the government's cooperation and support for allocation of credits is necessary. Providing the situation of attracting and participating private sectors, necessity of education and public acculturation, codifying production approaches and software sections and the lack of executing regulations and laws regarding management of the waste are among the effective strategies in improving solid waste management in Zahedan.Discussion and Conclusion: Strategic priorities obtained from the study can take a significant step in the path of sustainable development for the realization of ecological objectives of management of the waste in Zahedan. On the other hand, municipalities and local organizations can execute and organize the required policies for reinforcing local innovations and Initiatives. Furthermore, families, industries and occupations, offices and providers of services working in the domain of waste are required to execute MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) management system.

Irregular utilization as well as environmental damages by mankind caused concerns for future generation. Identifying the rights of future generation is an important step to achieve to sustainable development. In this regard, conservation of environment, reasonable and fair utilization of sources to reach to a distinct future that ensures the rights of future generation are supposed as the duty of international community. So, the concept of "future generation rights" that firstly entered to international arena after ratification of United Nations charter 1945 and then developed by Stockholm declaration (1972) in international environmental law. Nevertheless, the concept of "future generation rights" as a moral and normalized principle is faced with many ambiguities. In the first chapter, legal ambiguities of this concept from different aspects regarding international law are examined. In the second chapter, in order to study legal basis of this concept in international environmental law, its status in binding and non-binding law is observed.in Chapter three we try to have a look at implementation of this concept in international environmental law. At the end, in fourth chapter collecting data, conclusion and suggestions are performed to attain a better realization of this concept implementation in international environmental law.

Background and Objective: Great cormorant is dependent on aquatic ecosystems. The breeding success and daily survival rate of the Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sienensis (early April until late of July) was studied in 2009 in a colony at Amirkelayeh international wetland, south of the Caspian Sea, Iran.Method: In this study, Mayfield method was use to estimated nest survival during incubation and nestling and post- nestling stages.Findings: The mean of clutch size was 2.88±0.8 eggs in each nest Based on this method, daily survival rate nests in incubation period was 98.3%, in nestling and post-nestling were 99.4%and 100% respectively. The overall breeding success was 56.4%.Discussion and Conclusion: Results of this study showed there were higher stages of chick rearing than the incubation period and no losses occurred in fledged chicks. Some climatic factors such as high wind and prolonged rain had more impacts and losses in incubation period (30.7%).In other hand, chicks are more sensitive in nestling stage. Results suggest that Amirkelayeh colony site needs more improvement mitigation for better conservation of the cormorant colony in breeding period.

Background and Objective: Understory treatment and reaction are due to crown opening, which light condition to be change intensity after gap forming.Method: In this research parcel No 18 of forestry plan jamand series was selected. By dealt with a 100 percent survey and an entire field on all natural gaps in it, was surveyed about the effect of these gaps on forest natural regeneration. The trees in the margin of the gaps surveyed according to kinds of tree species. In this research gap size was studied in 4 classifications: 50-200, 200-400, 400-600 & 600-800 square meter and analysis was done on them.Findig: According to the conclusion, averages of large and small diagonals of the gaps in its various types have significant difference at 5% level. With the increasing in the gap size diagonals of the gaps increases, too. The most of the seedling mortality were seen in the microplot which measured in the 4th class (6-8 are) and it has significant difference at 5% level. Most of the Carpinus betulus L. trees were seen in the margin of the gaps lesser than 2 are and with increasing the gap surface Carpinus betulus L. tree decreases. Regeneration establishment and its variety didn’t have significant difference at 5% level in the surveyed groups.Conclusion: Generally in this research with increasing in the gap surface, light and temperature stress increases, too, and it causes seedling mortality.