Elmira Shaeri; Hamed Ramyar; Shima Minaee
Abstract
Background and Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the groundwater quality of Mashhad by examining the effects of land-use types and geographical location on physicochemical parameters, inorganic pollutants, and organic contamination indices. The research emphasizes the importance ...
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Background and Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the groundwater quality of Mashhad by examining the effects of land-use types and geographical location on physicochemical parameters, inorganic pollutants, and organic contamination indices. The research emphasizes the importance of sustainable planning and the protection of water resources.Materials and Methods: This research was conducted during autumn 2024 across different areas of Mashhad. The experiment was designed as a factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design with three replications, including two factors: land-use type (urban–residential, industrial, agricultural, and mixed [a combination of multiple land uses]) and spatial location (north, south, east, and west of Mashhad).Results: In this study, the physicochemical characteristics and pollution indicators of Mashhad’s groundwater were evaluated based on land-use type and geographical position. In northern Mashhad, industrial areas exhibited the highest pH (8.2) and electrical conductivity (1.2 dS/m), whereas agricultural areas showed the lowest pH (6.82) and the highest bicarbonate (248 mg/L) and nitrate concentrations (44.8 mg/L). In the south, agricultural land-use had the highest pH (7.6), electrical conductivity (1.91 dS/m), and sulfate (156 mg/L); nitrate peaked in mixed land-use (45 mg/L), and phosphate reached its highest level in agricultural areas (1.37 mg/L). In the west, industrial areas recorded the highest electrical conductivity (1.74 dS/m) and phosphate levels (2.15 mg/L), while the greatest bicarbonate (235 mg/L) and nitrite (0.88 mg/L) concentrations were observed in urban and mixed land-uses. In the east, mixed land-use showed the highest pH (8.45) and electrical conductivity (1.89 dS/m), and the highest nitrate (44.2 mg/L) and ammonium (2.90 mg/L) values were detected in mixed and agricultural areas.Conclusion: Overall, groundwater quality in Mashhad varies depending on land-use type (agricultural, industrial, urban, and mixed). Industrial zones generally exhibit higher acidity levels and heavy-metal concentrations, while agricultural and mixed areas tend to show elevated nutrient levels and non-metal contaminants. 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/
Ebrahim Yazdani; Sakine Shekoohiyan; Gholamreza Moussavi
Abstract
Background and Objective: Cigarette filters are hazardous municipal solid waste. This study investigated hydrothermal carbonization to produce hydrochar with maximum higher heating value and mass yield from this waste. Materials and Methods: The process was conducted in a batch reactor using response ...
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Background and Objective: Cigarette filters are hazardous municipal solid waste. This study investigated hydrothermal carbonization to produce hydrochar with maximum higher heating value and mass yield from this waste. Materials and Methods: The process was conducted in a batch reactor using response surface methodology on cigarette filters. The effects of temperature (180-300 °C), time (30-360 min), and liquid-to-solid ratio (1:1-10:1) on higher heating value and mass yield were evaluated. Hydrochar was characterized via CHNSO, BET, SEM, and FTIR analyses.Results: A quadratic model fitted the data well, with R² values of 0.9911 and 0.9893 for heating value and mass yield, respectively. Analysis of variance confirmed the significance of independent variables and some interactions. Optimal conditions for maximum heating value (28.75 MJ/kg) and mass yield (74.91%) were 232 °C, 97 min, and a 3:1 liquid-to-solid ratio. Hydrochar surface area (10.11 m²/g) decreased compared to the feedstock (18.64 m²/g). FTIR revealed intensified hydroxyl (O-H) bands (3700-3200 cm⁻¹) and stable carbonyl (C=O) and alkyl (C-H) groups. Atomic H/C and O/C ratios changed from 2.23 to 1.13 and 0.57 to 0.41, respectively, indicating higher carbon maturity on the Van Krevelen diagram.Conclusion: Hydrothermal carbonization can effectively convert cigarette filter waste into hydrochar with suitable fuel quality. 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/
Khoshnaz Payanadeh; Mehdi Forouzanfar; Mohammad Velayatzadeh
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heavy metals are one of the dangerous pollutants present in soil that can cause problems for agricultural products. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals in the soils of agricultural fields in Hamidieh city in the northwest of Ahvaz metropolis in 2024.Materials and Methods: ...
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Background and Objective: Heavy metals are one of the dangerous pollutants present in soil that can cause problems for agricultural products. This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals in the soils of agricultural fields in Hamidieh city in the northwest of Ahvaz metropolis in 2024.Materials and Methods: Sampling was carried out in the fall from 4 agricultural fields with 20 replicates. In this study, the elements in the soil were measured using an atomic absorption-plasma ICP-AES model Varian 710-ES manufactured by Agilent Company, USA. Health risk assessment and two random forest models and support vector regression of soil heavy metals were performed.Results: The average concentrations of Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Zn and Cr were 0.58, 76, 1.46, 34.25, 174.42 and 68.95 mg kg-1, respectively. The average pollution factor, pollution degree, modified pollution degree, pollution load index, Nemro pollution index and biological hazard index of heavy metals were 1.12, 16.05, 2.67, 1.49, 3.34 and 130.99. The highest carcinogenic risk index and non-carcinogenic risk index for Cr for children were 2.72×10-5 and 2.39×10-1. Pb also had the highest non-carcinogenic risk index (2.77×10-1) for the gastrointestinal tract of children.Conclusion: The results of heavy metals in the soil of agricultural fields in Hamidiyeh city showed that these pollutants had a high impact on the soil and caused moderate to high pollution, because the pollution load index of the studied elements was higher than 1. The evaluation of the non-carcinogenic risk index and carcinogenic risk index showed that the elements cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper, zinc and chromium do not pose a problem for human health. 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/
Somayeh Rahimi Moghadam; Fatemeh Mehrafshan; Mohammad Nourmohamadi; Sanaz Rahimabadi
Abstract
Background and Objective: Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has attracted attention due to their potential health effects. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of exposure to static magnetic fields (SMFs) on workers’ sleep quality. Method and Material: A total of 185 participants ...
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Background and Objective: Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has attracted attention due to their potential health effects. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of exposure to static magnetic fields (SMFs) on workers’ sleep quality. Method and Material: A total of 185 participants were included in the study. Magnetic field exposure was measured using a specialized device, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).Results: The average static magnetic field was 22.65 millitesla (mT). Among participants, 46.48% reported poor sleep quality, while 53.52% reported good sleep quality. Results indicated that with each additional year of age, the likelihood of poor sleep quality increased by 0.32 units, and with each 1 millitesla increase in magnetic field exposure, the likelihood of poor sleep quality increased by 0.16 units. These findings suggest that even exposure to magnetic fields within permissible limits may lead to poor sleep quality, and as magnetic field exposure increases, the probability of poor sleep quality also rises. Conclution: This policy brief introduces and proposes policy options categorized into short-term, medium-term, and long-term priorities for managing occupational exposure to magnetic fields in the workplace. In the short term, emphasis is placed on educating and raising awareness among workers and managers, as well as continuous monitoring of magnetic field levels. At the medium-term level, expanding scientific research on the health effects of these fields and strengthening preventive measures such as consultation services and self-care practices are recommended. In the long term, collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations is emphasized to develop safety guidelines and improve working conditions. 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/
Hajeb Nahid; Talieh Abdolkhani Nejad; Ghafour Noorian
Abstract
Background and Objective: The polystyrene petrochemical industry is one of the energy-intensive sectors and a significant source of air pollutants and industrial wastewater. Due to the high sensitivity of pollutants generated during polystyrene production, real-time monitoring is essential for immediate ...
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Background and Objective: The polystyrene petrochemical industry is one of the energy-intensive sectors and a significant source of air pollutants and industrial wastewater. Due to the high sensitivity of pollutants generated during polystyrene production, real-time monitoring is essential for immediate and precise control. This study investigates the performance of the online pollutant monitoring system and its integration with the self-reporting mechanism in Polystyrene Petrochemical Company Entekhab.Materials and Methods: The required data were collected through sampling of stack emissions and compared with the outputs of the online monitoring system. Key pollution parameters, including carbon monoxide, oxygen, and flow rate, were evaluated in accordance with environmental standards (e.g., WHO and national environmental regulations).Results: The results confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the online monitoring system. Data analysis demonstrated the system’s capability to detect variations in combustion efficiency and pollutant levels. Furthermore, the system enabled effective monitoring under different operational conditions. Findings indicate that implementing and integrating the online monitoring system with the self-reporting process represents a key strategy for achieving effective environmental management, continuous process improvement, and progress toward sustainable development.Conclusion: The present study showed that the online pollutant monitoring system, when combined with the self-reporting mechanism, can serve as an effective hybrid approach for environmental management in petrochemical industries. The analysis revealed that this integration not only enhances accuracy and transparency in real-time pollutant monitoring but also provides opportunities for optimizing operational processes and reducing environmental costs. 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/
Afsaneh Esmaeili Nasrabadi; Ziaeddin Bonyadi
Abstract
Background and Objective: Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a concealed yet significant challenge to food security. These particles can enter the human food chain through salt, drinking water, processed foods, agricultural products, and aquatic organisms. ...
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Background and Objective: Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a concealed yet significant challenge to food security. These particles can enter the human food chain through salt, drinking water, processed foods, agricultural products, and aquatic organisms. Beyond their physical presence, microplastics may act as carriers of hazardous contaminants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pharmaceutical residues. Long-term exposure has been associated with potential adverse health outcomes such as metabolic disturbances, chronic inflammation, and hepatic and renal impairment. Materials and Methods: This study was designed using an analytical and narrative review approach based on national and international scientific evidence. Data were collected from ISI-indexed publications and reports issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Pathways of microplastic entry into food products and their implications for human health were systematically examined.Results: The findings indicate that salt, seafood, dairy products, and beverages represent major sources of dietary exposure to microplastics. Reported concentrations reach more than 13,000 particles per kilogram in salt and up to 585 microplastic particles per gram in powdered milk samples analyzed in Iran.Conclusion: Based on these findings, key policy recommendations include stricter control and standardization of food packaging and processing equipment, establishment of national regulatory limits for microplastic contamination, continuous monitoring of the food supply chain, consumer education initiatives, and promotion of local and organic products. Implementation of these measures could substantially reduce human exposure, enhance public awareness, and strengthen food safety and population health protection. 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/
Mohaddeseh Zahmatkesh Anbarani; Ali Moodi; Ziaeddin Bonyadi
Abstract
Background and Objective: The intensification of urban air pollution as a result of traffic growth has led to an increase in pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Therefore, policy-making in the field of urban transportation has become one of the main axes for controlling and reducing ...
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Background and Objective: The intensification of urban air pollution as a result of traffic growth has led to an increase in pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. Therefore, policy-making in the field of urban transportation has become one of the main axes for controlling and reducing air pollutants. The aim of the present study is to review and analyze the policies and tools used to reduce air pollutants resulting from fuel consumption in urban transportation.Materials and Methods: Original research articles were selected from reputable databases. In total, 20 articles from studies published between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved, primarily from databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.Results: Economic policies, such as fuel price reform and congestion pricing, have primarily operated by reducing travel demand and fuel consumption, and in many cases have been associated with short-term reductions in traffic pollutants. Regulatory and enforcement policies, such as technical inspections and traffic restrictions, demonstrate higher effectiveness when monitoring and law enforcement are conducted continuously and strictly. Technological and fleet policies, such as electrification and fleet modernization, have the potential for more sustainable reduction of combustion pollutants, but their success depends on infrastructure readiness and the speed of fleet replacement. Behavioral and managerial policies, including promoting cycling and travel demand management, can achieve pollutant reduction through decreased traffic volume, provided they create a significant shift in travel duration.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that none of the policies are sufficient on their own, and success in reducing air pollution requires a combined policy package. Strengthening implementation prerequisites, such as continuous monitoring, strict law enforcement, and the development of necessary infrastructure, is a key and fundamental condition for the success of policies aimed at reducing air pollutants in cities. Policymakers must employ a combination of economic, regulatory, and technological tools, taking into account the local conditions of each city, to achieve environmental sustainability and reduce urban air pollution. 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/
Zeinab Rostami; Mehrana Koohi-Dehkordi
Abstract
Background and Objective: As one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, tea generates a significant volume of waste, often disposed of without proper utilization. With increasing global tea production, managing this waste has become a critical environmental challenge. The aim of this study is ...
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Background and Objective: As one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, tea generates a significant volume of waste, often disposed of without proper utilization. With increasing global tea production, managing this waste has become a critical environmental challenge. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of innovations in tea waste utilization and explore its value-added potentials in various fields.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review, examining published research on tea waste, focusing on processing technologies, conversion methods, and novel applications. These applications include the production of biochar, biofuels, biogas, bioplastics, supercapacitors, aerogels, hydrogels, and composite nanomaterials.Results: The findings indicate that tea waste has a high potential for producing value-added products of bioactive compounds, biosorbents, and receptive energy sources. Also, innovative applications in processing these wastes can play an effective role in reducing waste, improving resource management, and developing their applications in the plant, animal, and environmental sectors.Conclusion: Comprehensive and sustainable use of tea wastes, in regulating the principles of circular economy and non-consumption environment, can be used as a solution for environmental reduction, economic efficiency, and a suitable replacement for conventional biomass resources. By providing an integrated perspective, this study can help develop scientific and industrial research and decision-making in the field of sustainable utilization of tea wastes. 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/