Mahdi Asadi-Ghalhari; Mohammad Ebrahim Ghafari; Ali Salehi
Abstract
Background and Objective: Acrylamide, as one of the emerging contaminants in food and the environment, has become a global concern in the field of food safety and human health. It is primarily formed by the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and the asparagine under high temperatures. Additionally, ...
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Background and Objective: Acrylamide, as one of the emerging contaminants in food and the environment, has become a global concern in the field of food safety and human health. It is primarily formed by the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and the asparagine under high temperatures. Additionally, the widespread use of polyacrylamides (PAMs) in various industries, including water treatment, drilling, and agriculture, has led to increased environmental pollution. The aim of the present study is to narrative review of the presence of acrylamide in food, examine its possible risks to human health and the environment, and review the current and novel strategies for its detection, reduction, and control.Materials and Methods: In this review study, a comprehensive approach was adopted to examine the sources and mechanisms of acrylamide formation, environmental contamination pathways, health and environmental effects, and its detection methods (such as GC-MS and LC-MS). Moreover, relevant technologies and mitigation strategies such as the Acrylamide Toolbox and the ALARA principle were discussed.Results: Acrylamide possesses carcinogenic, neurotoxic, genotoxic, and reproductive toxicity potential, and its presence in the food supply and water sources poses a major threat to public health. The findings indicate that controlling this contaminant involves significant coordination among policymakers, the food industry, scientists, and regulatory agencies, along with the creation and enforcement of contemporary benchmarks and the application of cutting edge scientific innovations. Conclusion: Effective management of acrylamide requires an integrated collaborative approach involving scientific, industrial, and regulatory frameworks. Constructing proper frameworks of collaboration can greatly aid public health through reduced exposure if knowledge, international standards, and new technologies are properly applied. Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Maryam Keshaii Jahromi; Ehsan Houshyar
Abstract
Background and Objective: Iran is one of the countries with abundant palm groves, and we must look for appropriate solutions to use palm tree lignocellulosic waste. In this regard, the potential for biogas production from palm tree leaf waste is very important as an accessible and indigenous source in ...
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Background and Objective: Iran is one of the countries with abundant palm groves, and we must look for appropriate solutions to use palm tree lignocellulosic waste. In this regard, the potential for biogas production from palm tree leaf waste is very important as an accessible and indigenous source in the country.Materials and methods: The combined effects of sulfuric acid percentage were studied at four levels, and the pretreatment time at two levels. Also, the combined impact of ozonation time was studied at three levels, and the moisture content of palm tree leaves was studied at two levels. All experiments on the amount of biogas and methane produced were conducted based on a factorial design. The main and interaction effects of the factors were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and Duncan's test.Results: The maximum daily biogas production reached 540 ml/L with 1% acid concentration and 440 ml/L with 4 hours of ozonation. Based on the cumulative methane produced and the amount of volatile solids (VS) reduced, the best acid pretreatment can yield approximately 374 ml/gr VS of biogas and 173 ml/gr VS of pure methane. In comparison, the best ozone pretreatment can produce around 175 ml/gr VS of biogas and 64 ml/gr VS of pure methane. Conclusion: The lignocellulosic biomass of palm tree leaves can be effectively used for energy production with appropriate pretreatment. Further research is essential to evaluate alternative pretreatment methods to determine the best approach to maximize biogas yield from this affordable and readily available resource. Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Amir Hossein Manavi; Mehrdad Cheraghi; Ali Mahdinia; Bahareh Lorestani; Soheil Sobhan Ardakani
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals are among the most critical pollutants in industrial wastewater due to their toxicity, bioaccumulation, and persistence in the food chain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the Electro-Fenton process in removing heavy metals (Ni, V, Cd, and Pb) from ...
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Background and Objective: Heavy metals are among the most critical pollutants in industrial wastewater due to their toxicity, bioaccumulation, and persistence in the food chain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the Electro-Fenton process in removing heavy metals (Ni, V, Cd, and Pb) from petroleum wastewater of the Abadan refinery.Materials and Methods: Experiments were designed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Design-Expert software. The investigated variables included pH (4–6), reaction time (20–70 min), current density (20–60 mA/cm2), and electrode type (Fe-Fe and Al-Al). Final metal concentrations were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and regression modeling was applied to predict removal performance.Results: The findings revealed that the highest removal efficiencies were obtained under optimal conditions (pH = 6, reaction time = 30 min, current density = 60 mA/cm2, and aluminum electrodes). Under these conditions, removal efficiencies for nickel, vanadium, cadmium, and lead were 81%, 81.3%, 81.8%, and 86.7%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that pH, reaction time, and electrode type had the most significant effects on the process, and the RSM model accurately predicted the variations (R² ≈ 0.9).Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the Electro-Fenton process using aluminum electrodes under controlled conditions is an effective method for removing heavy metals from petroleum wastewater and can be applied as an efficient and eco-friendly technology for industrial wastewater treatment. Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Zahra Maarefvand; Masomeh NazerAli
Abstract
Background and Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the main issues related to Environmental health and safety in elementary schools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy educational environment for the physical and mental well-being of students. Recognizing these problems is ...
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Background and Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the main issues related to Environmental health and safety in elementary schools, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy educational environment for the physical and mental well-being of students. Recognizing these problems is essential for developing effective strategies to improve school health conditions and enhance the overall health of students.Materials and Methods: The study was applied in terms of purpose and was conducted with a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method. The statistical population of the study included school health experts (including university professors, managers and experts from the health and wellness offices of education regions, caregivers and experienced school principals) who were selected as samples using non-random, criterion-based purposive sampling. The research tool was a semi-structured interview. The validity of the findings from the interviews was confirmed based on the Kappa index (0.72). Thematic analysis method was used to analyze the findings. Results: In order to determine the Environmental health and safety problems in elementary schools, 1 overarching theme (Environmental health and safety problems in elementary schools), 4 organizing themes (poor personal hygiene; poor environmental hygiene in schools; poor school health facilities; and poor school safety status), 8 basic themes, and 18 subcategories were extracted and identified from the analysis of the interviews. To identify solutions, 1 overarching theme (solutions to solve Environmental health and safety problems in elementary schools), 3 organizing themes (health education; improving school health facilities; and improving school safety), 8 basic themes, and 22 subcategories were obtained. Conclusion: The primary requirement for developing the safety, health, and well-being of elementary school students for the optimal efficiency of teachers' and educators' educational and training efforts relates to issues such as personal hygiene; environmental hygiene; and the safety status of schools, which always require serious monitoring and care. Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
naim kazemian; Mahmoud Shams; Mojtaba Davoudi; sajad rahimi
Abstract
Synthetic dyes, due to their high chemical stability and toxicity, are considered among the most significant pollutants in industrial wastewater, and their removal from aquatic environments is of particular importance. Among them, Malachite Green is a widely used cationic dye in the textile and aquaculture ...
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Synthetic dyes, due to their high chemical stability and toxicity, are considered among the most significant pollutants in industrial wastewater, and their removal from aquatic environments is of particular importance. Among them, Malachite Green is a widely used cationic dye in the textile and aquaculture industries, which poses a serious threat to the environment due to its toxic effects and bioaccumulation potential. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly ZIF-8, in the removal of Malachite Green from aqueous solutions. In this research, three types of MOFs, including Cu-doped ZIF-8 (Cu-ZIF-8), octahedral ZIF-8 (ZIF-8 Octa), and Leaf-like ZIF-8 (ZIF-8 Leaf), were synthesized, and their efficiencies under identical conditions were determined as 42%, 39%, and 50%, respectively. Further investigations were carried out on the ZIF-8 Leaf adsorbent. The effects of parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage were examined. The results showed that, under optimal conditions (pH = 6, dye concentration = 15 mg/L, adsorbent dosage = 0.5 g/L, and contact time = 60 min), the removal efficiency exceeded 99%. Kinetic studies revealed a better fit of the experimental data to the pseudo-second-order model, indicating the chemical nature of the adsorption process. Experiments on real wastewater samples demonstrated removal efficiencies ranging from 26% to 55%. In addition, the regeneration ability of the adsorbent was confirmed through two adsorption–desorption cycles, with the second cycle still showing 82% removal efficiency. Overall, the findings indicated that Leaf-like ZIF-8, due to its high adsorption capacity, stability, and reusability, can be considered an effective and sustainable option for the treatment of dye-containing wastewater.
Majid Bonyadimanesh; Ali Afkham
Abstract
Background and Objective: Water quality in dental units is crucial for the health of patients and staff, as unit waterlines can harbor microorganisms and biofilms. This study aimed to assess microbial contamination in dental unit water in Mashhad.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive ...
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Background and Objective: Water quality in dental units is crucial for the health of patients and staff, as unit waterlines can harbor microorganisms and biofilms. This study aimed to assess microbial contamination in dental unit water in Mashhad.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 23 dental units from 6 clinics were selected. Samples were collected from various unit components, including cup fillers, water spouts, and turbine heads, before and after flushing, over three weeks on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Each sample volume was 50 mL. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory using heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and multiple-tube fermentation methods for heterotrophic and coliform bacteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.Results: Of the 1242 samples, 78.6% (976 samples) showed bacterial contamination, and 62.4% (615 samples) exceeded the ADA standard of 200 CFU/mL. The mean total bacterial count was 257 ± 54 CFU/mL. Contamination varied across unit components, with the highest levels in the turbine head before flushing. Early-week samples showed higher contamination compared to other days.Conclusion: Microbial contamination in dental unit water was relatively high. Regular preventive measures such as flushing, use of appropriate filters, and periodic disinfection are essential to reduce the risk of infection transmission and improve the quality of dental care. Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ayda Ghanbari; Najmeh Vahed dehkordi; Ebrahim Rahimi
Abstract
Background and Objective: Today, mycotoxins are considered as critical contaminants and highlight the importance of food safety for human health. The invasion of toxic fungi and the production of mycotoxins are highly variable and depend on the climate, crop, and storage method. The aim of this study ...
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Background and Objective: Today, mycotoxins are considered as critical contaminants and highlight the importance of food safety for human health. The invasion of toxic fungi and the production of mycotoxins are highly variable and depend on the climate, crop, and storage method. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A in rice and corn supplied in Bandar Abbas City. Materials and Methods: First, 96 samples including 48 corn samples and 48 rice samples were sampled from the supply sites and transferred to the laboratory. Independent sample t.test, ANOVA, and Duncan test were used to compare means, and Chi-Square test was used to compare the frequency percentages. Results: The results showed that all corn and rice samples were contaminated with Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A; But none of the samples had contamination beyond the Iranian standard. The average contamination for corn and rice with aflatoxin B1 was 2.79 and 3.21 μg/kg, and the average contamination for corn and rice with ochratoxin A was 33.75 and 3.01 μg/kg, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that there was no statistical difference between the levels of contamination with aflatoxin and ochratoxin among different food samples. Conclusion: Exposure to mycotoxins in various foods is inevitable and concerns about their health effects are increasing. The results of the present study showed that the consumption of corn and rice supplied in Bandar Abbas city cannot pose any worrying risks to the health of consumers.
Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mehdi Tayebi; Maryam Velayatzadeh; Mahboobeh Cheraghi; Soolmaz Dashti; Roshna Behbash
Abstract
Background and Objective: Aquatic and terrestrial birds are biological indicators of environmental pollutants, and the organs of these organisms can be used to determine the pollution status. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the tail feathers of native ...
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Background and Objective: Aquatic and terrestrial birds are biological indicators of environmental pollutants, and the organs of these organisms can be used to determine the pollution status. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the tail feathers of native birds as indicators of environmental pollution of Aghajari Oil and Gas Exploitation Company.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 6 stations were selected, and water, soil, and bird tail samples were collected from the fifth station. Non-graphite atomic absorption spectrometry and Varian Spectr AA 220 device were used to measure heavy metals in bird tail feathers.
Results: The concentrations of nickel, lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and vanadium in the tail feathers of the wetland tern were 0.12, 1.92, 0.12, 0.12, 0.10 and 0.13 mg kg-1 respectively and in the tail feathers of the common tern were 0.15, 0.31, 0.1, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.12 mg kg-1 respectively. Chrysene, benzobifluoranthene, benzopyrene and indenopyrene were 10, 10, 12 and 10 ng g-1 respectively in the tail feathers of Circus aeruginosus and Buteo buteo. Acenaphthene and anthracene were also 10 and 12 ng g-1 in the feathers of the common tern. The concentrations of nickel, lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium and vanadium in water were 27.20, 20.31, 11.4, 22.40, 0.73 and 2038 mg l-1, and the concentrations of these metals in soil were 10.85, 14.90, 2.80, 102.50, 0.41 and 60.50 mg kg-1, respectively.
Conclusion: Investigation of bioaccumulation and bioconcentration indices of heavy metals in the tail feathers of two bird species, the Circus aeruginosus and Buteo buteo, indicates a significant level of heavy metal contamination and polycyclic aromatic compounds in water, soil samples, and Circus aeruginosus and Buteo buteo, in the Aghajari oil and gas region in Khuzestan Province, which indicates the impact of human activities on the environment of the studied area.
Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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