Environment
Alireza Yousefi Kebriya; Mehdi Nadi; Ebadat Ghanbari Parmehr
Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 28 December 2023
Abstract
Mazandaran province, due to its strategic geographical location and high influx of tourists during holidays, coupled with the presence of power plants and industrial complexes, is facing pollution challenges. This research, conducted in 2022, focuses on monitoring nitrogen dioxide and ozone pollutants ...
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Mazandaran province, due to its strategic geographical location and high influx of tourists during holidays, coupled with the presence of power plants and industrial complexes, is facing pollution challenges. This research, conducted in 2022, focuses on monitoring nitrogen dioxide and ozone pollutants in the province and investigating the role of tourists during certain multi-day holidays. Utilizing Sentinel 5 satellite imagery, including daily images from holidays and non-holidays, the study compensates for the lack of regular pollution data in Mazandaran's monitoring stations by validating the satellite data against Tehran stations. Linear regression equations determine the levels of nitrogen dioxide and ozone pollutants, leading to the creation of an Air Quality Index map for Mazandaran during holidays. The results highlight a strong correlation (0.3-0.7) between satellite and ground data, with ozone pollutants exhibiting a higher correlation. The skew error is consistently zero, and the mean square error varies between 1.9-6.2 PPb for nitrogen dioxide and 1.1-5.1 PPb for ozone. Pollution estimates for different points in Mazandaran during holidays and non-holidays indicate higher ozone pollution compared to nitrogen dioxide. Ozone pollution is particularly unhealthy and very unhealthy during holiday periods, especially along the coastal areas, while non-holiday days show cleaner and healthier air quality. The pollution index map illustrates higher ozone pollution in coastal cities during holidays compared to other regions, emphasizing the impact of tourists. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of Sentinel 5 satellite in monitoring air pollution and underscores the significant influence of tourists and transportation on Mazandaran province's air quality.
Environment
O. F. Anjorin; L. C. Imoh; C. Uhunmwangho
Abstract
Since actual metal emissions can be assessed using Particulate matter (PM) as a proxy, monitoring and controlling metal compounds in biomass emissions is essential for determining their quantities and potential health effects. Using a low volume respirable dust sampler, indoor ambient metal-bearing particles ...
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Since actual metal emissions can be assessed using Particulate matter (PM) as a proxy, monitoring and controlling metal compounds in biomass emissions is essential for determining their quantities and potential health effects. Using a low volume respirable dust sampler, indoor ambient metal-bearing particles were quantified in-situ and collected from nine (9) randomly selected public kitchens of boarding secondary schools in Jos, Plateau State. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to determine the amounts of specific heavy metals in these collected samples. Additionally, 114 responders' blood samples underwent a biochemical lead assay study. The mean concentrations of the samples taken for Mn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Co were 0.097, 0.015, 0.254, 0.314, 1.027, 0.000, 0.076, 0.106, and 0.169 µg/m3, respectively. The results of the blood lead assay analysis showed that 54% of the subjects had B-Pb levels above 80 µg/dL, 33% had B-Pb levels between 40 µg/dL and 80 µg/dL, 8% between 25 µg/dL and 40 µg/dL, 4% between 10 µg/dL and 25 µg/dL, 4% below 10 µg/dL, and 15% below 10 µg/dL. In general, elevated levels of metal-bearing particles in the indoor environment public kitchens expose kitchen staff to several occupational hazards.
Environment
O. O. Obiukwu; M. N. Nwigwe; T. O. Uchechukwu; J. Azubuike; D. A. Ekpechi
Abstract
Various fiber-matrix combinations were used to create biodegradable composites using sugar cane bagasse (SCB) fiber and a polyester resin (PES) matrix. SEM, FTIR, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the method of soil burial were employed to assess the effects of the fiber content ...
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Various fiber-matrix combinations were used to create biodegradable composites using sugar cane bagasse (SCB) fiber and a polyester resin (PES) matrix. SEM, FTIR, mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the method of soil burial were employed to assess the effects of the fiber content (9-54 wt%), PLA (1-5.5 wt%), starch (1-5.5 wt%), and fiber treatment on the morphology of the surface, flexural, thermal, tensile as well as biodegradable qualities of polyester/sugar cane bagasse fiber biocomposites. The outcomes demonstrated that the optimal tensile strength of biocomposites, impact, and Flexural capabilities were attained by the 37 wt% treated sugar cane bagasse fibers. Tensile, flexural, and impact strength measurements for the 9, 18, 27, 37, 45, and 54 wt% biocomposites, respectively, ranged from 10.21 to 18.00, 21.33 to 28.12, and 12.21 to 15.67 Mpa. The results show that sugarcane bagasse-polyester composites demonstrated acceptable mechanical and multifunctional properties. This portrays the effectiveness of Sugarcane bagasse as reinforcement for Polyester matrix and its potential for eco-friendly fabrication of components.
Environment
A. Yousefi Kebriya; M. Nadi
Abstract
The Air Quality Index is a numerical tool used to quantify air pollution levels and classify pollution severity. It plays a vital role in ensuring healthcare system stability by understanding air pollution's dynamic behavior and shifts in pollution intensity. To analyze the probabilistic transition between ...
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The Air Quality Index is a numerical tool used to quantify air pollution levels and classify pollution severity. It plays a vital role in ensuring healthcare system stability by understanding air pollution's dynamic behavior and shifts in pollution intensity. To analyze the probabilistic transition between pollution severity levels, a Markov Chain model was utilized. This study examined six air pollution states (Clean, Healthy, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, Hazardous) across 12 stations in Tehran's northern, southern, eastern, western, and central regions from 2018 to 2022. Results revealed that the western and southern areas exhibited the highest pollution levels, with over 44% and 34% of instances corresponding to unhealthy indices, respectively. In contrast, northern Tehran consistently maintained cleaner air quality. Probability transition matrices highlighted the greatest stability continuity in healthy air quality across all regions. Transitioning between clean/healthy air to very unhealthy/hazardous air was minimal, with hazardous air quality almost absent in most stations, except for the west and south (25% stability). The probability of continued unhealthy air quality in these areas reached 60%, indicating heightened pollution. The findings of transition probability matrices indicated that the western and southern regions had the highest likelihood of sustained pollution, while the northern region consistently maintained cleaner air. The probability of continuous clean air in the west was below 30%, while transitioning from very unhealthy/hazardous air to unhealthy air reached 50%. Conversely, the northern Tehran region exhibited over 40% stability for unhealthy air quality and over 50% for clean and healthy air.
Environment
M. Heydari; T. Tabatabaie; F. Amiri; S. E. Hashemi
Abstract
Large volumes of contaminated industrial wastewater have caused growing concern among researchers and environmentalists. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) cyclic hydrocarbons in industrial effluents are often completely stable to biodegradation and must be treated before disposal. ...
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Large volumes of contaminated industrial wastewater have caused growing concern among researchers and environmentalists. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) cyclic hydrocarbons in industrial effluents are often completely stable to biodegradation and must be treated before disposal. In this context, using adsorption processes is a potential alternative for treating a wide range of organic pollutants, especially aromatic compounds in industrial wastewater. This study investigated the preparation of MCM-41 from silica; extracted from rice husk ash; MCM-41 was green synthesized to evaluate the effect of mesoporous used in BTEXS removal of an aqueous medium using the Taguchi method. The aqueous solution contains cyclic hydrocarbons was synthetically prepred based on real industrial effluent in concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 mg/l using MCM-41 catalysts, in doses of 0.1, 0.5, and 1g, at different pH values. In the present study, the optimum results obtained by Taguchi method analysis were pH =11, for duration of 60 minutes, the concentration of cyclic hydrocarbon solution BTEXS 100 mg/l, and nanoparticle dose of 0.5 g. The maximum BTEXS removal of 77.36% was achieved by the use of hydrogen peroxide.
Environment
A. Alizadeh; H. Nowzari
Abstract
In the wildlife management, maintaining water quality and quantity, especially in areas that are faced with relative constraints of water resouces, are considered as one of the planning pillars. Natural springs and artificial troughs in the KooheHava and TangeKhoor Free Area are the only sources of water ...
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In the wildlife management, maintaining water quality and quantity, especially in areas that are faced with relative constraints of water resouces, are considered as one of the planning pillars. Natural springs and artificial troughs in the KooheHava and TangeKhoor Free Area are the only sources of water suppliers for wildlife of the area. The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial indices of water resources used by wildlife in this areas and to compare them with the Iranian national standard limit. In this study, 12 water sources including ten springs and two troughs were selected and sampling was carried out in two seasons of summer and autumn of 2020 and three samples from each water resources and a total of 72 samples were collected throughout the study period and the parameters of total coliform, fecal coliform, temperature, turbidity and pH were measured. The data were analyzed by One sample t-test, Paired sample t-test, Independent sample t-test, analysis of variance and Spearman correlation matrix. The results showed that the means of total coliform were higher than the standard limit in all samples with the exception of no. 4 and 12 springs and the means of fecal coliform were higher than the standard limit in all samples with the exception of no. 2, 4, 8, 10, 11 and 12 water resources both during summer and autumn. In summer, with increasing evaporation, the amount of pollution load of water resources was higher than autumn. However in autumn, the number of polluted water resources was higher which was due to the transmission of microbial contaminations caused by human and animal feces via rain. The results of correlation showed a decrease or an increase in turbidity, temperature or pH did not affect the amount of coliforms because despite the strong correlation between total coliform and fecal coliform, no correlation was found between them and physicochemical factors of water. Therefore, considering the temporal and spatial variability of fecal coliforms and their effect on disease, death and reduction of wildlife populations, optimizing and disinfection of water resources with chlorine and dredging them are recommended.
Environment
E. O. Dada; F. A. Oke; Y. O. Balogun
Abstract
Earthworms and crabs are known to influence the physicochemical state of their respective soil habitats through their bioturbation actions. While earthworm-bioturbated soils have been well documented to positively affect plant growth, not much is known about the effects of crab-bioturbated soil on plant ...
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Earthworms and crabs are known to influence the physicochemical state of their respective soil habitats through their bioturbation actions. While earthworm-bioturbated soils have been well documented to positively affect plant growth, not much is known about the effects of crab-bioturbated soil on plant growth. In this study, we compared the growth performance of four varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris (bean) seedlings in earthworm-bioturbated soil, crab-bioturbated soil, and unbioturbated soil collected within the same proximity of a wetland habitat. Seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris were planted in replicates in each soil type, and allowed to grow for 15 days. Physical growth was measured using a metre rule. Biochemical growth parameters were measured using standard procedures. The differences in stipule length of bean seedlings grown in all the soil types were generally not significant (p > 0.05). However, seedlings grown in earthworm-bioturbated soil and crab-boturbated soil recorded significantly higher (p < 0.05) stipule weight, relative to those grown in unbioturbated soil. Bean seedlings grown in earthworm-bioturbated soil recorded the highest and significant (p < 0.01) concentrations of chlorophyll, total sugar, starch, nitrogen, and crude protein, relative to those grown in crab-bioturbated and unbioturbated soils. This was followed by seedlings grown in crab-bioturbated soil which recorded significantly higher (p < 0.01) concentrations of these biochemical parameters, relative to those grown in unbioturbated soil. The significantly higher biochemical and marginally better physiological growth recorded for seedlings in bioturbated soils indicate that earthworms and crabs both contribute significantly to wetland productivity, through their bioturbatiion activities.
Environment
S. V. Mojtahed Sistani; H. Negahdar; F. F. Bamoharram; M. R. Shakeri
Abstract
Soil polluted with urban wastewater due to defect of wastewater disposal and leakage from wastewater channels is a common type of pollution in urban areas which in addition to environmental damage, has significant effects on soil engineering parameters. In present study, effects of municipal wastewater ...
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Soil polluted with urban wastewater due to defect of wastewater disposal and leakage from wastewater channels is a common type of pollution in urban areas which in addition to environmental damage, has significant effects on soil engineering parameters. In present study, effects of municipal wastewater on mechanical behavior of soil and clay microstructure was studied, and then effects of iron oxide nanoparticles on remediation trend of contaminated soil was investigated. To achieve this, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), collapse and SEM analysis tests were performed on contaminated samples containing 20%, 60% and 100% wastewater at 1, 3 and 5 months and also on contaminated soil remidiated with 0.5-4% Iron nano oxide. Results showed that wastewater reduces shear strength of clay and this decreasing trend increases with increasing percentage and contamination duration. UCS of soil contaminated with 100% wastewater decreased by 49% after 5 months of contamination. Also, wastewater in the soil caused to soil collapse after 5 months . SEM images showed the clay structure became clotted after contamination and soil pores increased compared to natural soil. Improvement phase results showed that by addition of Iron nano oxide to contaminated soil, shear strength significantly increased, and optimal percentage of Iron nano oxide was 3% in which UCS increased by 105.2%. By increasing the percentage of Iron nanoxide, intensity of collapse index of contaminated soil decreases. Best case senario, final strain of soil decreases by 43.4% compared to contaminated soil. Therefore, utilizing Iron nanooxide is recommended to improve engineering behavior of contaminated clay.
Environment
O. F. Anjorin; L. C. Imoh; C. Uhunmwangho
Abstract
Biomass use in small unit combustion systems such as for space heating or cooking could lead to ineffective mixing and potential problems arising from emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants. We therefore conducted a study to measure pollution levels in public kitchens using biomass fuel for ...
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Biomass use in small unit combustion systems such as for space heating or cooking could lead to ineffective mixing and potential problems arising from emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants. We therefore conducted a study to measure pollution levels in public kitchens using biomass fuel for cooking and to ascertain their air quality indices. Markers of indoor air quality such as CO, SO2, H2S, PM2.5 and PM10 were measured in eleven (11) public kitchens of selected secondary schools over a period of four months by a set of active sampling devices. It is revealed that the mean average of CO, SO2, H2S, PM2.5 and PM10 sampled in the indoor microenvironments of the selected kitchens are 46.29 ppm, 0.36 ppm, 0.28 ppm, 74 µg/m3 and 138 µg/m3, respectively. The AQI assessed for CO for the kitchens was 36.36% very hazardous, 54.54 % hazardous and 9.09% very unhealthy while 63.64% and 36.36 % of very unhealthy and unhealthy categories, respectively for SO2. This shows that the indoor air pollution levels in selected kitchen are elevated and results in potential negative health consequences.
Environment
Z. Poormolaie; M. Mohammadi; M. Ghafoori; E. Khayyami
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the air quality index (AQI) and to investigate its relationship with meteorological parameters in Mashhad for 2014. In this study, moment concentrations of air pollutants in Mashhad for 2014 were prepared and the amount of AQI was calculated and air quality was ...
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The aim of this study was to determine the air quality index (AQI) and to investigate its relationship with meteorological parameters in Mashhad for 2014. In this study, moment concentrations of air pollutants in Mashhad for 2014 were prepared and the amount of AQI was calculated and air quality was determined. Then, data analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at a significant level of 5% in SPSSV.23 software. Finally, data related to meteorological parameters were prepared during 2014 and ARIMA time series model and R software (3.3.0) were used to investigate its relationship with air index pollutants in non-delayed and one day late modes. The results showed that air quality of Mashhad was in a very bad condition in terms of maintaining the health of community members, especially sensitive groups, as the concentration of pollutants in this city was higher than Iranian standard (100) in 245 days of the study period. The PM2.5 was the most important pollutant during the study. It was also found that among the climatic parameters, temperature and pressure have the greatest direct effect on the concentration of air pollutants. Moreover, results showed the immediate effect of temperature on the concentration of air pollutants, although other atmospheric elements are able to significantly affect the outcome over time and with a time delay (one day in this study). The results indicated that quality of model computation depends on changes in atmospheric parameters, so that a quantitative measurement for each pollutant can be achieved based on meteorological data.
Environment
V. Montazeri; B. ZareNezhad; A. Ghazi
Abstract
The nanofluid-based gas hydrate formation process employing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles have been experimentally investigated in this work. Different concentrations of nanofluids are injected into the reactor at the operating condition of 29 bar, 274.15 K, and impeller speed of 100 rpm. It was observed ...
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The nanofluid-based gas hydrate formation process employing copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles have been experimentally investigated in this work. Different concentrations of nanofluids are injected into the reactor at the operating condition of 29 bar, 274.15 K, and impeller speed of 100 rpm. It was observed that the kinetics of the carbon dioxide hydrate formation process was greatly affected by the nanoparticles. The remarkable point was that at a very low concentration of 20 ppm, a considerable improvement on the carbon dioxide hydrate formation kinetic without using any surfactant was obtained. At the concentration of 20 ppm, the values of the initial rate of hydrate formation, growth time, and induction time were 0.0495, 194.5, and 4.4 min, respectively, which these results can be of great importance for the use of carbon dioxide hydrate in various industries. The results indicated that the kinetics of gas hydrate formation was also severely influenced by the impeller speed and initial gas pressure. The rate of CO2 captured in the hydrate crystalline lattice is also modeled by the first-order kinetic model. It was seen that this model can be used to predict the rate of hydrate formation with considerable accuracy.
Environment
R. Farhadi; M. Hadavifar; M. Moeinaddini; M. Amintoosi
Abstract
Today, air pollution in urban areas is a major issue that have been affecting human health and the environment. Over the years artificial neural network methods has been used for prediction of pollutants concentration in many metropolitans. In the present study data were obtained from department of environment ...
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Today, air pollution in urban areas is a major issue that have been affecting human health and the environment. Over the years artificial neural network methods has been used for prediction of pollutants concentration in many metropolitans. In the present study data were obtained from department of environment and air quality controlling stations in city of Tehran from March 2012 to October 2013. Prediction of CO and PM10 contaminations during cold and warm seasons under the influence of instability indices and meteorological parameters was done using the artificial neural network. Results of the modeling process showed that the highest correlation coefficient was obtained 0.84 for PM10 in warm season. On the contrary, the highest correlation coefficient of CO in cold season was 0.78. Also, the effect of instability indices on air pollution was investigated. The highest CO concentration occurred during cold seasons (R2= 0.81), while the lowest concentration was in warm season (R2= 0.72). In case of PM, the highest concentration occurred during warm seasons (R2= 0.84), while the lowest concentration was in cold season (R2=0.75).
Environment
T. Yahaya; O. Ologe; C. Yaro; L. Abdullahi; H. Abubakar; A. Gazal; J. Abubakar
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of water-borne diseases necessitates periodic monitoring of domestic and drinking water sources. The current study assessed the safety of well water in the four emirate zones (Gwandu, Yauri, Argungu, and Zuru) of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Using normal procedures, samples of well ...
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The increasing prevalence of water-borne diseases necessitates periodic monitoring of domestic and drinking water sources. The current study assessed the safety of well water in the four emirate zones (Gwandu, Yauri, Argungu, and Zuru) of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Using normal procedures, samples of well water were examined for heavy metals, physicochemical characteristics, and microorganisms, and the results were compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water criteria. The heavy metals’ chronic daily ingestion (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ) were also determined. The results showed that well water in the four emirate zones had normal temperature, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), and zinc (Zn). However, non-permissible concentrations of lead (Pb), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and pH (Gwandu and Argungu only) were detected in all the water samples. Except for Cd and Cr in children, the CDI and HQ of the heavy metals were normal. The microbiological examinations revealed that the water samples from the four zones had abnormal levels of Bacillus species (bacteria), Escherichia coli (bacteria), Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria), Aspergillus niger (fungi), Mucor racemosa (fungi), and Paecilomyces variotti (fungi). The results obtained suggest that well water in the four zones is not suitable for human consumption unless treated.