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Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of wearing N95 and surgical masks on carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations during various activity levels, to understand the implications for mask use in different settings, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Study design: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, retrieving 6798 articles from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Twenty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Mask types were categorized into N95 and surgical masks, while activities were classified as low, medium, and high. Results: The meta-analysis revealed CO2 concentrations (mmHg) for different scenarios: No mask (37.91, 95 % CI: 36.46, 39.35), N95-low (36.83, 95 % CI: 33.57, 40.10), N95-moderate (37.85, 95 % CI: 36.51, 39.20), N95-high (39.51, 95 % CI: 38.00, 41.02), N95 with exhalation valve (35.82, 95 % CI: 32.89, 38.75), N95 without exhalation valve (38.45, 95 % CI: 37.10, 39.81), surgical mask-low (38.31, 95 % CI: 34.48, 42.14), surgical mask-moderate (35.05, 95 % CI: 31.12, 38.97), surgical mask-high (36.07, 95 % CI: 34.18, 37.96). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that N95 masks lead to higher CO2 accumulation during various activities compared to surgical masks. Moreover, surgical masks exhibit higher CO2 concentrations during low activity compared to moderate and high activities. Notably, CO2 concentrations are higher in N95 masks without an exhalation valve compared to those with a valve. No significant difference was observed between not wearing a mask and wearing either N95 or surgical masks in terms of CO2 accumulation. These results provide important insights for mask selection and usage recommendations in different scenarios.

Background: In recent years, new findings on the relationship between human health and air pollutants have emerged, underscoring the necessity for appropriate site selection of air monitoring stations. Methods: This analytical-cross-sectional study aimed to compare the concentration levels of PM10 and PM2.5, as measured by weight method, with data collected from an air quality monitoring station (AQMS) in Tehran. Initially, data were collected from the Tarbiat Modares AQMS. The accuracy of this data was then evaluated using a high-volume sampler and Grimm dust monitor situated approximately 200 meters away from the Tarbiat Modares station. The study period was between June 2017 and October 2017, and the frequency of sampling was every six days according to the instructions. Results: The results revealed that the average concentration levels of PM10, as measured during the sampling period by the high-volume sampler, the Grimm device, and the air quality measurement station, were 143.54 ± 33.84, 70.95 ± 7.06, and 110.06 ± 27.08 μg.m-3, respectively. The highest daily concentration of PM10 was recorded by the high-volume sampler device at 197.12 μg.m-3. Conclusion: This study found a weak correlation between the aerosol concentration data obtained from the monitoring station and those obtained from the Grimm device and the high-volume sampler. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the quality control and assurance of data collected from monitoring stations for accurate decision-making and planning.

Abstract We estimated mortality and economic loss attributable to PM2·5 air pollution exposure in 429 counties of Iran in 2018. Ambient PM2.5-related deaths were estimated using the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM). According to the ground-monitored and satellite-based PM2.5 data, the annual mean population-weighted PM2·5 concentrations for Iran were 30.1 and 38.6 μg m−3, respectively. We estimated that long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 contributed to 49,303 (95% confidence interval (CI) 40,914–57,379) deaths in adults ≥ 25 yr. from all-natural causes based on ground monitored data and 58,873 (95% CI 49,024–68,287) deaths using satellite-based models for PM2.5. The crude death rate and the age-standardized death rate per 100,000 population for age group ≥ 25 year due to ground-monitored PM2.5 data versus satellite-based exposure estimates was 97 (95% CI 81–113) versus 116 (95% CI 97–135) and 125 (95% CI 104–145) versus 149 (95% CI 124–173), respectively. For ground-monitored and satellite-based PM2.5 data, the economic loss attributable to ambient PM2.5-total mortality was approximately 10,713 (95% CI 8890–12,467) and 12,792.1 (95% CI 10,652.0–14,837.6) million USD, equivalent to nearly 3.7% (95% CI 3.06–4.29) and 4.3% (95% CI 3.6–4.5.0) of the total gross domestic product in Iran in 2018.

Objectives: National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) are critical tools for controlling air pollution and protecting public health. We designed this study to 1) gather the NAAQS for six classical air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries, 2) compare those with the updated World Health Organizations Air Quality Guidelines (WHO AQGs 2021), 3) estimate the potential health benefits of achieving annual PM2.5 NAAQS and WHO AQGs per country, and 4) gather the information on air quality policies and action plans in the EMR countries.Methods: To gather information on the NAAQS, we searched several bibliographic databases, hand-searched the relevant papers and reports, and analysed unpublished data on NAAQS in the EMR countries reported from these countries to the WHO/Regional office of the Eastern Mediterranean/Climate Change, Health and Environment Unit (WHO/EMR/CHE). To estimate the potential health benefits of reaching the NAAQS and AQG levels for PM2.5, we used the average of ambient PM2.5 exposures in the 22 EMR countries in 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset and AirQ+ software.Results: Almost all of the EMR countries have national ambient air quality standards for the critical air pollutants except Djibouti, Somalia, and Yemen. However, the current standards for PM2.5 are up to 10 times higher than the current health-based WHO AQGs. The standards for other considered pollutants exceed AQGs as well. We estimated that the reduction of annual mean PM2.5 exposure level to the AQG level (5 μg m−3) would be associated with a decrease of all natural-cause mortality in adults (age 30+) by 16.9%–42.1% in various EMR countries. All countries would even benefit from the achievement of the Interim Target-2 (25 μg m−3) for annual mean PM2.5: it would reduce all-cause mortality by 3%–37.5%. Less than half of the countries in the Region reported having policies relevant to air quality management, in particular addressing pollution related to sand and desert storms (SDS) such as enhancing the implementation of sustainable land management practices, taking measures to prevent and control the main factors of SDS, and developing early warning systems as tools to combat SDS. Few countries conduct studies on the health effects of air pollution or on a contribution of SDS to pollution levels. Information from air quality monitoring is available for 13 out of the 22 EMR countries.Conclusion: Improvement of air quality management, including international collaboration and prioritization of SDS, supported by an update (or establishment) of NAAQSs and enhanced air quality monitoring are essential elements for reduction of air pollution and its health effects in the EMR.

Introduction: Air pollution is one of the most important environmental risks to human health. The particulate matter tend to be carcinogenic for humans and can pose a greater hazard to children due to their immaturity and lack of development of the immune system. The current study is aimed to investigate the difference in the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the ambient air in the breathing height of children and adults. Materials and methods: Particulate matter were measured cross-sectionally in sidewalks, streets, alleys, squares, and parks of Tehran simultaneously at two heights of 160 cm and 70 cm from the ground. As well as, other variables such as vegetation, buildings and meteorological data were also measured in each location. Results: There was a difference between the concentration of PM2.5 at the breathing height of children, with the average concentration of 52.0 μg/m3, and the concentration of PM2.5 at the breathing height of adults with the average concentration of 51.6 μg/m3, with p-value of 0.013. Even though the difference is significant, it does not seem to have a significant impact on health. No significant difference was observed between the PM10 concentration at the breathing height of children and adults; however, there was significant difference between the concentrations of PM2.5 with the clean air standard of Iran and data from monitoring stations. Conclusion: The amount of PM2.5 and PM10 is almost the same in children and adults based on the difference in breathing height.

Satisfying indoor air quality in public environments has become essential in cities. In the present study, indoor PM2.5, CO2, NO2, SO2, nicotine, and BTEX have been assessed in 12 categories of public places. The highest average concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were observed in waterpipe cafés (233, 29.6, and 5.1 µg/m3), whereas the lowest concentrations were found in health clubs and hospitals, respectively. Moreover, indoor BTEX concentration varied from 69.5 µg/m3 (passenger terminals) to 1739.2 µg/m3 (elderly care centers). Given nicotine, the highest concentrations were found in waterpipe cafés, ranging from approximately 11.0 to 50 µg/m3. The mean hazard quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were calculated in all types of public environments, and results showed that the amount of HQ and HI in none of the places was more than 1. Furthermore, the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) exceeded the guideline threshold in hospitals, restaurants, elderly care centers, passenger terminals, movie theaters, and beauty salons. The findings of our study indicate that the indoor air quality in most public settings within Tehran city is not acceptable and necessitates appropriate management. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring indoor air quality and implementing effective strategies to mitigate exposure to air pollutants.

Abstract Inflammatory biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) are measured to estimate the effects of air pollution on humans. The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between particulate matter and inflammatory biomarkers in blood plasma and exhaled air in young adults. The obtained results were compared in two periods; i.e., winter and summer. GRIMM Dust Monitors were used to measure PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 in indoor and outdoor air. A total of 40 healthy young adults exhaling air condensate were collected. Then, biomarkers of interleukin-6 (IL-6), Nitrosothiols (RS-NOs), and Tumor necrosis factor-soluble receptor-II (sTNFRII) were measured by 96 wells method ELISA and commercial kits (HS600B R&D Kit and ALX-850–037-KI01) in EBC while interleukin-6 (IL-6), sTNFRII and White Blood Cell (WBC) were measured in blood plasma in two periods of February 2013 (winter) and May 2013 (summer). Significant association was found between particulate matter and the white blood cell count (p

Abstract Background Ensuring public health is crucial in any policy debate on climate change. Paris Agreement on climate change is a global contract, through which countries have committed themselves to a public health treaty. The agreement has laid the foundation for mitigation and adaptation. This study was conducted to provide an evidence-based framework for policy-making in the health system of Iran in order to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on public health and to increase the adaptation of the health system as a result. Methods This is a qualitative study. We first used Delphi method to extract the components of Paris Agreement on climate change that were related to the functions and policymaking of health system in Iran. Twenty-three experts in health and climate change were identified purposefully and through snowball sampling as participants in Delphi. Data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. We used SPSS software version 25 for data analysis based on the descriptive indices including the mean, the percentage of consensus above 75%, and the Kendall coordination coefficient. Results Seventy-nine components classified within nine categories were extracted. The most important examples of the implementation of Paris Agreement on climate change in the health system of Iran were: participation in the formulation of strategies for mitigation and adaptation, identifying vulnerable groups, assessing vulnerability, increasing the capacity of health services delivery during extreme events, using early warning systems, using new technologies to increase the adaptation, evaluation of interventions, financial support, increasing the number of researches, increasing the knowledge and skills of staff, and finally public awareness. Conclusions Evidence-based policy-making is pivotal to develop effective programs to control the health effects of climate change. This research provided policy translation and customization of micro and macro provisions of Paris Agreement on climate change, in line with the political context of health system in Iran. Our finding will pave the ground, we envisage, for further steps towards capacity building and enhancement of resiliency of the health system, adaptation interventions, and evaluation, identification of barriers and facilitators for adaptation and decreasing the adverse health effects caused by the climate change, in Iran and perhaps beyond.

Background and Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess Iran’s position and trends for environmental health status among the countries of “Iran’s perspective document in 1404” according to the indicators used in Environmental Performance Index (EPI) report in 2018. Materials and Methods: The score of indicators in environmental health area; air quality (including household solid fuels, exposure to PM2.5, and PM2.5 exceedance), water and sanitation (including drinking water and sanitation) and heavy metals (including lead) were extracted for all studied countries as well as for the last and baseline (generally ten years prior to last report) years from EPI 2018 database. According to EPI scores, the performance of the studied countries in each indicator was ranked. The percent change in the score of each indicator from baseline to current year was calculated and compared with the mean percent change for all studied countries. Results: Iran ranked 7th regarding air quality in 2016. Also, it ranked 6th, 8th, and 9th in terms of household solid fuels, exposure to PM2.5, and PM2.5 exceedance, respectively. The EPI score for Iran regarding water and sanitation was 54.4 in 2005 and 58.74 in 2016 (percent change=7.98%). Iran ranked 21st in 2005 regarding lead exposure index. Although this index showed a growth of 100% in 2016, which is very desirable compared to the average growth of all countries (34.47%), but only leads to one step up in the ranking of Iran and was ranked 20th in comparison with other countries. Conclusion: Totally, according to EPI 2018, Iran ranked 6th in the field of environmental health issues among 23 countries of “Iran’s perspective document in 1404”. However, there is uncertainty in the accuracy of the EPI raw data used for calculating index scores. Hence, caution should be exercised in their interpretation.

Air pollutants are capable to enter bloodstream through the nose, mouth, skin and the digestive tract. Hemolysis is the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) membranes. This can affect metabolism of RBCs and reduce cell life. Each of these adverse effects could lead to anemia, jaundice and other pathological conditions. Hemolysis can induce by the mineral components adsorbed on the particles. The aim of this study was to evaluate hemolysis of RBCs treated by airborne PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μm) in vitro. Study had two main stages including sampling and preparation of PM10 suspension, and hemolysis test. Particle samples were collected by means of a high-volume sampler on fiberglass filters. The PM10 was extracted through dry ultrasonic method. Blood sample was incubated by PM10 at concentrations 50–300 μg/mL for 3 h. Hemolysis percent was assessed through measurement of Hemoglobin concentration in test samples and total blood hemoglobin (TBH) sample by the cyanmethemoglobin method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test were applied to compare mean values of hemolysis percent between different PM concentrations.Method used in current study is suggested for investigation of toxic effects of airborne particle matter (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) on human RBCs. Method name: Effect of airborne particulate matter on hemolysis in vitro, Keywords: Cyanmethemoglobin, Hemoglobine, Hemolysis percent, Air pollution, Dry extraction, In vitro test, ASTM standard E2524-08, Hemolytic samples

Background: Air pollution is one of the major public health challenges in many parts of the world possibly has an association with breast cancer. However, the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to find an association between exposure to six criteria ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO) and mammographic breast density (MBD), as one of the strongest predictors for developing breast cancer, in women living in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Participants were selected from women attending two university hospitals for screening mammography from 2019 to 2021. Breast density was rated by two expert radiologists. Individual exposures to 3-year ambient air pollution levels at the residence were estimated. Results: The final analysis in 791 eligible women showed that low and high breast density was detected in 34.8 and 62.2 of participants, respectively. Logistic regression analysis after considering all possible confounding factors represented that an increase in each unit of NO2 (ppb) exposure was associated with an increased risk of breast density with an OR equal to 1.04 (95CI: 1.01 to 1.07). Furthermore, CO level was associated with a decreasing breast density (OR = 0.40, 95CI = 0.19 to 0.86). None of the other pollutants were associated with breast density. Conclusion: Higher MBD was associated with an increased level of NO2, as a marker of traffic-related air pollution. Furthermore, CO concentration was associated with a lower MBD, while other criteria air pollutants were not related to MBD. Further studies are needed to evaluate the association between ambient air pollutants with MBD.

Introduction: The occurrence of dust storms in recent years, has led to the use of data recorded in ground measurements stations to determine the sources and investigate the occurrence of these storms in the past; however, it is associated with the possibility of measurement errors or failures in some cases. Materials and methods: In this study, using the data records by synoptically stations, dust storms that occurred in Tehran during March 21, 2014 to March 20, 2015 were determined. To verify the detected cases of dust storms through the index, satellite imagery was collected and analyzed on the days. For remote sensing, Modis Level 1 images were processed using the ENVI 5.3. In order to show dust, NDDI, BTD (32-31), and BTD (20-31) indices were used. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of all two items were compared with the weather data announced on these days; using R software. Results: Results indicate, compared to actual observations, that the sensitivity of this method was 100% and its specificity was 98%. Conclusion: Because the index used in this study consisted of three parameters of wind speed, PM10 concentration, and horizontal visibility, it minimized the possibility of mistakes due to the simultaneous use of all three parameters to show dust storms.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has defined outdoor air pollution and PM as the human carcinogen (Group 1), which mainly cause an increased risk of lung cancer. Scientists have considered epigenetic modifications as a possible mechanism to deal with adverse effects of air pollution. This study aimed to compare the effect of airborne PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm) on in vitro global methylation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PM10 was sampled in metropolitan Tehran, the capital of Iran. PBMCs were extracted from whole blood of healthy males and treated with PM10 suspension at concentrations of 50–300 μg/mL for 4 h. Untreated cells were used as the negative control. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample using the DNA blood mini kit according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Moreover, 5-methylsytosine (%5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (%5-hmC) were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. %5-mC and %5-hmC in each sample was compared with negative control and reported as difference %5-mC and %5-hmC. Method name: Effect of airborne particulate matter on DNA methylation, Keywords: PM10 (PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm), Epigenetic, 5-Methylscytosine (5-mC), 5-Hydroxymethylscytosine (5-hmC), In vitro DNA methylation, Air pollution

Objective (s): Currently, about 70% of the Iranian population are living in cities. Considering the increase in population of the cities and outskirts, the need to improve health indicators in an equitable way in this complex environment is more crucial than ever. The aim of this study was to design a guideline for health ranking of Iranian cities. Methods: This study was a system design with qualitative approach. The data were collected from three sources: literature review, interviews with experts and stakeholders, and focus group discussions. Intentional sampling method was chosen. Based on a thematic analysis, the results were summarized into the guideline and a table of indicators for ranking. Results: A total of 12 interviews were conducted and a consensus was reached on three subjects in two group discussions: 1) the conceptual model and designing principles 2) the table of indicators for health ranking 3) the charter of accreditation and health ranking system for cities. Eventually 43 indicators were determined in three components including city, citizens and urban management. Conclusion: The results of this study were rectified in the fourteenth session of the Supreme Council for Health and Food Safety. By implementation of the results of this study, it can be expected that a positive movement occur among municipalities and urban councils, and the accountability of mayors and responsible authorities will be increase.

Background: This study aimed at assessing and economic analysis of the existing market of treatment devices of infectious waste in Iranian hospitals. Material and Methods: In the current descriptive- analytical study which was performed in 2013, the data resulting from national cross- sectional study in Center of Environmental and Occupation Health in 2012 and interview with relevant authorities in 14 Tehranchr('39')s hospital with at least three years experience using the facilities were utilized. Results: Until 2012, 883 hospitals have been active in nationwide that more than 64% of them owned by university of medical sciences and SBMU and TUMS with 114 and 45 centers have the highest number of hospitals respectively. Also hospital beds per 1000 population in the country were calculated 1.78. About 80% of hospitals utilized wet thermal and mostly based on autoclave machines for treatment which market share of domestic products is about 55% that Koosha Company, TEM and KAZU have the largest share with 39%, 23.5% and 12.9% respectively. Conclusion: Existence a large heterogeneity in the type and function of the studied devices has created possible of Cartel in an oligopoly atmosphere which with a targeted regulation and policy making toward protectionism, it can be observed price decreasing, enhancing effectiveness, quality and safety increasing of infectious waste treatment facilities

Background and aims: Recently contact with bioaerosols has been presented as an important problem which endangers human being’s health. The aim of this investigation is to compare potential of separation of fungal aerosols in the air around Tehran’s Milad hospital, blood transfusion organization and waste water treatment plant of Tehran’s Shahrake Ghods. methods: this cross-sectional investigation was done in Milad hospital, blood transfusion organization and Tehran’s Shahrake Ghods waste water treatment plant within for 4 months. The sampling was done passively for 1 hour and once in 6 days. The culture medium was Sabouraud dextrose agar. Results: comparing selected sampling stations the most fungal density was for 100 meters after the last unit of waste water treatment plant (67 CFU) and the least density was for Milad hospital (30 CFU). Dominant genera of fungal in waste water treatment plant and blood transfusion organization was related to Cladosporium (in order of 49% and 84%) and in air around Milad hospital was related to Alternaria (47%). Conclusion: according to the results processing and operating sections in waste water treatment plant can be effective in fungal density and separation of bioaerosols. Therefore it seems to be vital that the responsible organizations should do necessary actions to develop guidelines and standards related to bioaerosols. Also appropriate administration of environmental health in waste water treatment plant can be an important factor in reduction of aerosol separation.

Introduction: Airborne particles generate acute and chronic toxic effects on the human health. Cytotoxicity of air pollutants can be investigated through cytotoxicity assays. In this study, cytotoxicity of PM10 (particles ≤ 10 μm in diameter) from dust storm and inversion condition was compared through MTT assay on the human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. Materials and methods: PM10 was sampled in Tehran, Iran, 2016, in dust storm and inversion. PBMCs were isolated from the whole blood sample through Ficoll - Hypaque gradient method. Cells were treated with two suspensions of the PM10 from dust storm and inversion at different concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 µg / mL) for 24 h. Cell viability was assessed by MTT test and reported in respect to the viability in untreated cells as negative control. Results: During the sampling period, June 6 and 12 - 15 November, 2016, were selected as the dusty and inversion days, respectively. Daily average PM10 in dust storm and inversion conditions were found of 220 and 345 µg / m3, respectively. Mean of viability in the PBMCs treated by the samples from dust storm and inversion was found 85.79 ± 9.97 % and 81.58 ± 11.72%, respectively. The cell viability values were obtained between 78 - 96 % for PM10 related dust storm condition and 70 – 92 % for PM10 sampled in inversion days. Conclusion: The results showed that the PM10 from dust storm as well as from inversion had the cytotoxicity effects on PBMCs. The particles related to the inversion caused toxic effects more than those from dust storm at all concentrations.

Introduction: Lakes and surface waters are sensitive areas that have potential to pollute with different pollutant sources. Pollutants can enter the sea through inlets, drainages and atmospheric deposits. Atmospheric deposits are one of the most critical factors in increasing the pollutants in a lake. Dust storms, through the movement of plankton on the coast, increase some of the nutrients which ultimately cause the eutrophication and create red waves on the coast. Materials and methods: Particle measurement method is described by Dust fall jar, a standard method for collecting and measuring depositional particles in the air, according to ASTM D1739-98, 2004 standards. In this method, containers with standard size and shape are used. These containers are already installed in the laboratory and finally opened and deployed on suitable sites; so particles can be deposited in it for 30 days and then the particles were weighed. Acid digestion was used to measure heavy metals, and the heavy metals were determined using the ICP device. Information about the area of the lake and the volume of water behind the dam were collected from the Iran Water Resources Management. Excel 2016 was used to perform calculations and plotting graphs. Results: The results showed that the average dust fall particles around the Seimare dam were 10.85 g/m2.Month. On average, monthly 306 tons particles enter the dam through the air which increased the concentration of water particles by 0.32 mg /L. These particles increased the Fe and Al concentration in water to140 μg /L, 47.32 μg /L respectively. Conclusion: Fe had the highest content among the metals and formed a bulk of particles. Then, Al, Ti, Mn, Sn, Mg, K, Cr, Ni, Ba, Ca, Zr, Pb, Sr, V, Cu, Co, Li, Zn, Y, Mo, Tl, La, Be and Cd with the lowest amount, respectively. The results showed that most of the metals had high enrichment factor (EF). This represents the anthropogenic origin of these metals.

Introduction: Most vehicles with over 20 years of age have low combustion efficiency by no catalytic converters. One of the most important ways to control and reduce emissions from vehicles is to conduct periodic technical inspection (PTI). According to the regulations of each country, the frequency of periodic technical inspection is different and is determined by the quality of air. Materials and methods: Data of light vehicles, which had been tested in 2010, was collected from Tehran vehicle technical inspection bureau. Collected information of data on vehicles manufactured from 2004 to 2008 including Pride, Peugeot 206, Peugeot 405, Peugeot Pars, Samand and Roa. About 248865 and 236084 vehicles were studied for HC and CO emissions, respectively. Results: According to results one vehicle among every 6 Roa, every 14 Pride, every 22 Peugeot 405, every 40 Peugeot 206, every 125 Samand and every 111 Peugeot Pars, which were referred to technical inspection centers for first time, two years after manufacture, had higher pollutants emission compared to the permitted standards. Conclusion: The results showed that if the periodic technical inspection intervals of vehicles increase from two years to more than two years, for example to five years, about 17.5 % of Peugeot 405 and 10.8 % of pride will be recorded for CO emissions higher than standard rate. Also, about 62 % of new vehicles will have higher levels of HC emissions, which can cause air pollution and an increase in the concentration of pollutants and eventually cause serious harm to public health.

Introduction Our study aims at identifying and quantifying the relationship between the cold and heat exposure and the risk of cardiovascular mortality through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Material and Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Peer-reviewed studies about the temperature and cardiovascular mortality were retrieved in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from January 2000 up to the end of 2015. The pooled effect sizes of short-term effect were calculated for the heat exposure and cold exposure separately. Also, we assessed the dose–response relationship of temperature-cardiovascular mortality by a change in units of latitudes, longitude, lag days and annual mean temperature by meta-regression. Result After screening the titles, abstracts and full texts, a total of 26 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of cardiovascular mortality increased by 5% (RR, 1.055; 95% CI [1.050–1.060]) for the cold exposure and 1.3% (RR, 1.013; 95% CI [1.011–1.015]) for the heat exposure. The short-term effects of cold and heat exposure on the risk of cardiovascular mortality in males were 3.8% (RR, 1.038; 95% CI [1.034–1.043]) and 1.1%( RR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.009–1.013]) respectively. Moreover, the effects of cold and heat exposure on risk of cardiovascular mortality in females were 4.1% (RR, 1.041; 95% CI [1.037–1.045]) and 1.4% (RR, 1.014; 95% CI [1.011–1.017]) respectively. In the elderly, it was at an 8.1% increase and a 6% increase in the heat and cold exposure, respectively. The greatest risk of cardiovascular mortality in cold temperature was in the 14 lag days (RR, 1.09; 95% CI [1.07–1.010]) and in hot temperatures in the seven lag days (RR, 1.14; 95% CI [1.09–1.17]). The significant dose–response relationship of latitude and longitude in cold exposure with cardiovascular mortality was found. The results showed that the risk of cardiovascular mortality increased with each degree increased significantly in latitude and longitude in cold exposure (0.2%, 95% CI [0.006–0.035]) and (0.07%, 95% CI [0.0003–0.014]) respectively. The risk of cardiovascular mortality increased with each degree increase in latitude in heat exposure (0.07%, 95% CI [0.0008–0.124]). Conclusion Our findings indicate that the increase and decrease in ambient temperature had a relationship with the cardiovascular mortality. To prevent the temperature- related mortality, persons with cardiovascular disease and the elderly should be targeted. The review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42016037673).

Introduction: Air pollution is a serious health concern worldwide, accounting for high premature morbidity and mortality annually. In this article, we explain the framework of a series of interrelated researches for studying particulate matter (PM10, PM

Background and objective: Perchloroethylene is a chlorinated hydrocarbon used as a solvent in many industries and services activities such as dry cleaning and auto industry as degreasing. We carried out a bioassay using Daphnia Magna in order to determine the ecological effects of wastewater treatment through applying advanced oxidation processes (ultrasonic, ultraviolet irradiation and hydrogen peroxide processes) for removal of perchloroethylene. Materials and Methods: Due to the sensitivity of Daphnia and reports indicating this species is the most sensitive aquatic invertebrate to a variety of organic compounds, toxicity of perchloroethylene and its intermediate degradation products during applying different processes was tested using Daphnia. Lethal concentration (LC50) and toxic units (TU) were determined. In to determine toxicity of perchloroethylene, its stock solution was prepared at a concentration of 100 mg/L. Then, nine samples each containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, and 100% by volume of the primary stock solution were prepared. To determine the toxicity of the intermediate products of perchloroethylene by ultrasonic, photolysis, photolysis with hydrogen peroxide and photosonic processes, an initial concentration of perchloroethylene for each reactor (100 mg/L) was taken. All experiments were carried out at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Results: It was found that the 24 h LC50 for perchloroethylene on Daphnia Magna was 35.51 mg /L. The 48 h, 72 h and 96 h LC50 of perchloroethylene were 28.058, 21.033, and 19.27 mg/L respectively. Toxicity of perchloroethylene was decreased after oxidation processes. Conclusion: The toxicity after hybrid processes was lower than the single processes. The toxicity reduction was the same during all time period. Hence, the hypothesis of reducing toxicity of the intermediate products of perchloroethylene degradation after the abovementioned processes is acceptable. It is noteworthy that although there are different intermediate compounds in the effluent of various chemical oxidation processes, , but they are less toxic compared with the original perchloroethylene; this may be due to the partially concentration of intermediate products that will decrease toxicity.

Background & Objectives: Remaining crude oil in storage tanks lead to accumulation of oily sludge at the bottom of the tank, which should be treated and disposed of in a suitable manner. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of chemical oxidation using H2O2 and Fenton’s reagent in removal of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) from bottom sludge of crude oil storage tanks. Materials & methods: In this experimental study, hydrogen peroxide and Fenton’s reagent were added to the sludge in six concentrations including 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30% (w w-1) and TPH was measured for a period of 24 and 48 h of reaction time. The oxidants were added in a single and stepwise addition way, both to the pristine and saturated sludge. The elemental analysis of sludge and TPH measurement were carried out using ICP and TNRCC methods respectively. Results: The mean TPH removal of 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30% oxidant concentrations were 1.55, 9.03, 23.85, 33.97, 41.23, and 53.03%, respectively. The highest removal efficiency was achieved in stepwise addition to the saturated sludge. Increasing oxidation time from 24 to 48 h had a little effect on increase in TPH removal. Moreover, the removal efficiency of H2O2 and Fenton was nearly similar. Conclusions: Mere application of chemical oxidation is not capable of complete treatment of the sludge but it is an effective process as a pre-treatment step for decreasing toxicity and increasing its biodegradability.

Objective: To determine the levels of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominateddiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in serum of primiparous women at the third trimester of pregnancy and identify the main determinants of POPs levels such as socio-demographic, lifestyle, and diet in Tehran. Materials and methods: One- hundred eighty five serum samples from two simultaneous case-control studies were collected from September 2013 until August 2015.Ten most abundant PCB congeners (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) congeners 28, 52, 74, 99, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180 and 187) as well as eight PBDE congeners (IUPAC congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209)were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explain the relationship between total PCBs and total BPDEs and most detected congeners and some determinants, separately. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participating women was 27.82 ± 5.24 years. The geometric mean (SD) of total PCBs was 2.42 ± 2.26 and total PBDEs was 1.28 ± 1.41 ng/g lipid. Only the PCB 138, PCB 153 and PBDE 153 were detected in 100% of samples. We observed a significant relationship between the time of being indoors and total PBDEs (P = 0.03). Passive smoking was significantly associated with PCB 153 (P = 0.049). The results of the linear regression analysis showed the negative and weak association (P-value < 0.05) between diet (egg and fat and oil consumption) and POPs in this population. Conclusion: It seems the most common route of exposure to PBDEs in our population is indoor pollutants. Meanwhile inhalation of smoke from environment is a route of exposure to PCB 153. Further study is needed to evaluate the effects of socio-demographics and especially dietary intake on POPs level.

In this study, we used the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model to evaluate the sources of ambient coarse particulate matter (PM) and their temporal variations in two sampling sites, i.e., a school dormitory and a retirement home, located in central Tehran. 24-h ambient PM samples were collected using low-volume air samplers from May 2012 to June 2013. The collected filters were analyzed for their chemical components, including water-soluble ions, metals, and trace elements, which were used as the input to the PMF model. Our results indicated annual averages of 45.7 ± 3.8 µg/m3 and 36.2. ± 4.0 µg/m3 for coarse PM at the School dormitory and Tohid retirement home, respectively. Moreover, higher ambient coarse PM mass concentrations were observed in the warm season (53.3 ± 5.8 µg/m3 for school dormitory and 43.1 ± 6.1 µg/m3 for Tohid retirement home) as opposed to the cold season (41.4 ± 4.7 µg/m3 for school dormitory and 28.7 ± 4.6 µg/m3 for Tohid retirement home). Our PMF analysis also identified road dust, soil, and industry, and atmospherically processed coarse PM as the three sources of ambient coarse PM in central Tehran. Road dust, soil, and industry were the major sources of ambient coarse PM, contributing respectively to 74 ± 9% and 19 ± 2% of the total coarse PM mass concentration, while atmospherically aged aerosols had a rather minimal contribution of 7 ± 1% to total coarse PM mass concentration. The temporal trends of the resolved factors also revealed higher contributions of road dust to total ambient coarse PM during warm season as opposed to cold season, due to the increased resuspension rate from road surfaces as a result of higher wind speeds, and temperatures, combined with lower relative humidity. Similarly, higher resuspension rate of mechanically originated particulates resulted in higher warm-season time contributions of the soil factor. Results of this study clearly revealed the key role of road dust and non-tail pipe emissions on ambient coarse PM mass concentrations in crowded areas of central Tehran, and have important implications on the potential health impacts that can be caused by these difficult to mitigate sources of coarse PM.

Background and Objectives: On August 2012, two earthquakes measured 6 and 6.2 on the Richter scale took place in Eastern Azerbaijan province. Environmental Health Department is accounted as one of the main units for providing and supervising environmental sanitation services at the emergencies, therefore, the objective of this study was allocated to assess environmental health response performance in recent earthquake. Material and Methods: Through multi-stages stratified sampling, we selected 8 and 4 villages from the earthquake zones of Heris and Varzaghan respectively. The collecting data tools in this research were the WHO checklist in 7 categories, 14 subcategories, and 37 environmental health activities and also the minimum standards of Sphere Project checklist. The status of environmental health in each village was assessed using the mentioned checklists. This study was carried out with attendance of research team in earthquake zones 21 days after the occurrence of earthquake. Results: Among the 37 environmental health activities, 7 activities were the joint ones, which Environmental Health Department had to carry it out with the coordination of other related organizations. In other words, the environmental health has the supervising role in these activities. Totally, such activities had more nonconformities compared with the activities in which environmental health was administered as the main responder. The details of results have been expressed in the full text. Conclusion: Providing intra-sector coordination, prioritizing the needs of the affected population and considering the principles of community based management in the natural disaster are proposed as the recommendations of this study.

Abstract Background and Objectives: Soil pollution by oil compounds is a serious environmental and ground water problem throughout the world. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) are a combination of many distinctive compounds. Some of these compounds in exposure with human and animal can cause cancer, disorder central nervous system, liver and lungs affects. The objective of this research was to investigate gasoline removal (C10 – C 28) using Brij 35 and Tween 80 from polluted soil. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the efficiency of soil washing with nonionic surfactants (Brij 35, Tween 80) for remediation of gasoline polluted soils was studied. The effects of soil washing time, agitation, surfactant concentration, and pH on the removal efficiency were studied. Results: The results showed that gasoline removal efficiency increased with increasing agitation speed and washing time. In addition, it was found that removal efficiency of gasoline was decreased by increasing surfactant concentration. But, increasing pH did not have remarkable effect on removal efficiency of gasoline. The efficiencies of Tween 80 and Brij 35 for removal of gasoline under optimal condition were 70 -80 and 60- 65% respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that soil washing with non ionic surfactants was effective in removal of gasoline from polluted soil and it can be recommended for treating surface soil polluted.

Background: Environmental Health Indicators (EHIs) are the most im¬portant criteria for evaluation of effi¬ciency and effectiveness of the activi¬ties of the health sector. The operations and situation of the health sys¬tem can be analyzed through surveying the indicators and comparing them during different times. The present study aimed to study the EHIs of Ta¬briz, using the common environmental health processes and national EHIs of the Ministry of Health. Method: The required information for determination of EHIs was col¬lected from different sources, including mainly the Environmental Health De¬partment of the Health Center of East Azerbaijan Province, Iran and other organizations. Results: We found some important desirable and undesirable EHIs in Ta¬briz, including high percentage of households with access to safe and reliable drinking water, high safety in microbiological and chemical quality of drink¬ing water, acceptable level of BOD5 and COD in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants (WTP), lack of complete municipal wastewa¬ter collection and treatment, relatively poor sanitation and health of food markets and public places, undesirable collection, transportation and dis¬posal of munici¬pal solid waste, low EHIs of some school classrooms, un¬acceptable disposal of medical waste in some hospitals, and finally high level of noise pollution in the city.Conclusion: Considering the poor condition of some EHIs of Tabriz, im-plementing proper actions for pro¬motion of the indicators especially devel¬opment of municipal wastewater collection, improvement of solid waste management, environmental health of some schools and mosques, and fi¬nally the noise pollution level of the city is recommended.

Background and Objectives: In recent years exposure to fine airborne particles has been identified as an important factor affecting human health. Epidemiological studies have showed that the aerosol laden air can be an agent for microorganisms’ dispersion. Ignoring internal sources, ambient air quality significantly affects indoor air quality. Since people spend most of their times in the indoor spaces and little data are available on the general understanding of the indoor air quality, therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the particulate matter concentrations in indoor and ambient air of Tehran Children Medical Center Hospital. Materials and Method: PM10/PM2.5 samples were collected in the indoor environment of the Tehran Children Medical Center Hospital and its adjacent outdoor environment by a portable GRIMM dust monitor model 1.108 from November 26 to March 10, 2007. The places of sampling for indoor and ambient air were in the patient room and the roof of the hospital respectively. Results: The results showed that indoor PM10 level was higher than WHO standards in 80% cases in patient room, whereas, for indoor PM2.5 level, this value was 42 and 64% more than the EPA standards and WHO standards respectively. The relationship between outdoor and indoor particulate matters was examined by linear regression analysis. The indoor particulate matter levels were correlated with the corresponding ambient air ones. Conclusion: Our analysis revealed that infiltration of ambient air could substantially increased indoor pollutants and thereby influences the indoor air quality.

The Anionic detergents are synthetic organic chemicals used in high volumes in household cleaning products. Alkyle benzene Solfunate (LAS) detergent is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants due to excellent cleaning properties. LAS can be toxic to aquatic organisms and bio-accumulated in some fish,and eventually spread through ecosystems using food chain. Thus it should be removed from wastewater before discharge direct to the environment. Photocatalyst degradation process is one the advanced technologies in removal of organic materials from water and wastewater.The aim of this study was the applicability of photodegradations of anionic detergent by use of TiO2 nanoparticles and their change in to the nontoxic materials such as H2O and CO2 in a slurry reactor. LAS solution (10mg/L) was prepared and in separated stages was exposed to UV and TiO2 and a combination of them. Also the effect of initial LAS concentration, TiO2 loading, pH and various type of UV irradiation on degradation rate were studied. Maximum degradation was obtained at acidic pH, 50 mg/l of TiO2 and 30 min irradiation time, It was also found 99.5% of LAS was degradated in optimal conditions. Kinetics analysis indicated that photocatalytic degradation rates of LAS can be approximated by pseudo-first order model. The mineralization of LAS was reported by measuring the initial and final COD of illuminated solution. Based on the results, UV/TiO2 process may be effectively applied in LAS removal in low concentration but for high concentration not recommended due to economic reasons.

Land use regression (LUR) models have been globally used to estimate long-term air pollution exposures. The present study aimed to analyze the association of different land use types and traffic measures with air pollutants in Tehran, Iran, as part of the future development of LUR models. Data of the particulate matter (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were extracted from 23 Tehran’s air quality monitors for 2010. The data of different land use types and traffic measures within the circular buffer radii 100 to 1000 meters and distances to them were calculated using Geographic Information System (GIS). Thereafter, the association of the mentioned air pollutants was evaluated with land use types and traffic measures. The annual average concentrations of PM10, SO2 and NO2 were 100.8 µg/m3, 38 parts per billion (ppb), and 53.2 ppb, respectively. The PM10 was associated with transportation area, other areas, and with distance to the other nearest land use (P < 0.05). The SO2 concentration was associated with official or commercial land use, and with other area land use (P < 0.05). Noteworthy, the NO2 concentration was associated with official or commercial land use, and with other areas (P < 0.05). The air pollutant concentrations was analyzed with different land use types and traffic measures as a preliminary work for development of LUR models in Tehran. It is hoped these analyses lead to successful development of LUR models in the near future.

Introduction: Maintenance of adequate hospital indoor air quality (HIAQ) in operating rooms (ORs) is critical to the Surgical Site Infection (SSI) in hospitalized patients. This study assessed the concentration of bacterial bioaerosols in various ORs in a hospital. Materials and methods: The concentration of bacterial bioaerosols was measured in the 8 ORs and 2 nurse stations. Active sampling method was used to monitor bacterial bioaerosols. Results: The mean concentrations of the total bacteria were 211-386 and 208-443 CFU/ m3 in the first and second floor, respectively. Gram-positive bacteria (e.g., Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp. and streptococcus spp.) were frequently observed in the assessed ORs and nurse stations. Conclusions: Bacterial bioaerosol monitoring is a useful tool for evaluation of the bio-contamination of ORs in order to improve indoor air quality of them.

Introduction: Dichloromethane (DCM) is an air pollutant emitted mainly through industrial application. In this study, removal of DCM from waste gas streams using a pilot-scale hybrid bubble column/biofilter (HBCB) bioreactor was studied in steady state. Materials and methods: The hybrid bioreactor had two compartments: bubble column bioreactor and biofilter.The experiments were carried out with relatively constant concentration of DCM (approximately 240 ppm) and variable empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 50, 100, 150 and 200 s in steady state. Results: The average DCM removal efficiency of the HBCB bioreactor at EBRT of 200 and 150 s were 79 and 71%, respectively, but further reduction of EBRT significantly decreased the DCM removal efficiency. DCM removal rate was determined to be in the range of 12.1 g/m3.h to 19.6 g/m3.h. The first order rate equation best described the kinetic data of biofiltration (R2>0.99) with kinetic constant of 0.0114 1/s. The mixed liquor characterization indicated that the daily adjustment of pH and EC was sufficient to prevent any limitation in the performance of the HBCB bioreactor. Conclusions: This study showed that the HBCB bioreactor could be an efficient, economical and flexible option for DCM removal from waste gas streams.

Background and Objectives: Wind-induced particulate air pollution from iron ore piles can causes environmental and economic problems for steel industries. In this experimental study, the effectiveness of various additives in reducing particulate air pollution from iron ore piles was investigated in a laboratory wind tunnel.Materials and Methods: The experimental set up consisted of a prismatic pile and a wind tunnel. Four different wind speeds of 4.3, 5, 7 and 11 m/s was used in the study Municipal water, quick lime (2%), seawater, treated industrial wastewater and Polylatice (0.25%) were used as additives to stabilize the upper layer of the pile. Results: Emission factors for non-stabilized (without additive) piles at 4.3, 5, 7 and 11 m /s wind speeds were 46.7, 73.2, 1025.4 and 13768.7 g/m2, respectively. Stabilized piles with 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.7 and 2.8 percent additive (moisture content of the upper layer of the pile) for municipal water, Polylattice (0.25%), treated industrial wastewater, seawater and quick lime (2%) indicated a decrease of 99.4%, 100%, 99.3%, 99.5% and 99.5% particulate emission reduction, respectively. Conclusions: Proper selection and use of additives on iron piles has the potential for decreasing more than 99% of the wind-induced particulate emissions. Operational factors such as covered area, spray frequency, pile geometry, seasonal adjustments related to ambient temperature and humidity, wind speed and operator training need to be an integral part of the pollutant reduction program.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background and Objective: Dioxins and Furans are dangerous and highly toxic compounds entering to the environment from natural and manmade sources. Having high stability and half-life, these compounds remain for a long period in the medium and bring about severe effects on human beings and the environment. The aim of this study was to identify dioxins and furans emission sources in Iran and to estimate their contribution in emission rate. ‌Materials and Methods: First, we identified the emission sources of dioxins and furans and then necessary data was gathered by referring to the authorized organizations and filling the prepared UNEP questionnaires. We used Excel software to analyze the data collected.Results: According to the results obtained, total dioxins and furan emission in Iran in 2010, was 1957 g TEQ/yr; out of this amount, 705.8 g TEQ is emitted to the atmosphere and 643.2 g TEQ is residual ash. Therefore, dioxins and furans emission rate was 26.4 µg TEQ/capita in Iran. The most rates of emissions were associated with uncontrolled open burning (732.8 g TEQ/yr) and ferrous and nonferrous metal production (635.7 g TEQ/yr) such as cupper, iron, and steel.‌Conclusion: Our findings showed that the emission rate of Dioxins and Furans is much higher in Iran compared with other countries and appropriate management strategies are required to control these dangerous pollutants. st1":*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background and Objectives: Environmental pollution and health risks of dyestuffs extensively are caused by many industries. Nonbiodegradability of dyes is important so that different methods are studied for removing them. The use of white rot fungi is promising technique in this regard. Therefore, objective of this work is to investigate Rimazol Brilliant Blue Royal decolorization by immobilized Ganoderma sp. in sodium alginate from aqueous solution.Material and Methods: This is an experimental study. First, the nutritional, environmental, and operational conditions of decolorization process were optimized. Then, efficiency of immobilized fungal cells was investigated. Experimental designs were provided using fractional factorial methods and quadratic model was fitted on decolorization data by MiniTab software.Results: Our findings showed that type and concentration of carbon source, temperature, and pH were the most important factors affecting decolorization and statistically significant. Optimal conditions to 95.3 percent color removal were: glycerol as carbon source at 19.14 g/L; temperature, 27 oC and initial pH, 6.26. Moreover, decolorization efficiency increased from 75 percent up to 95 percent by improving process and fungal immobilization.Conclusion: Ganoderma fungus has suitable potential to decolorization. Besides, optimization and cell immobilization can improve its capability. Application of experimental design to research methodology is important because of decreasing in experiments and saving resources. It is suggested to use these potentials in environmental pollution control. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE AR-SA MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Background and Objectives: Irrigation of agricultural crops using wastewater will increase, in some cases, their growth by 40 to 60 percent. However, this has a high risks for human health because of the presence of higher number of pathogenic organisms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility use of Fenton and modified Fenton with copper for the disinfection of raw wastewater. Materials and Methods: After primarily laboratory physicochemical and biological analysis, the disinfection process was performed in three different phases in each process. First, the disinfectants were injected separately, then we performed disinfection using Fe++ and cu++ ions combined with hydrogen peroxide in order to determine synergistic effect of each catalyst. Direct method was used for fecal coliforms counting. Results: Hydrogen peroxide maximum efficiency for inactivation of fecal coliforms was only 0.66log inactivation. Fenton and modified Fenton with copper ions showed a remarkable effect on the bacterial inactivation so that Fenton and modified Fenton with 1 and 2 mg/l of Cu++ inactivated coliforms by 4.73, 3.28, and 4.88 log respectively. Conclusion: Application of HP alone for the disinfection of raw wastewater is not practicable due to low observed efficiency. However, its combination with ions such as Fe++ and Cu++ increases HP performance in disinfection and has a notable synergistic effect on HP disinfection power, where, in the presence of each catalyst, hydrogen peroxide can reduce the fecal coliforms of raw wastewater to meet the Iranian Environmental Protection Agency Standards. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Phenol is one of the most common compounds found in many industrial effluents such as petroleum refining and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, paint and dye industries, organic chemicals manufacturing, etc. The contamination of bodies of water with phenol is a serious problem in terms of environmental considerations due to its high toxicity. In this study, toxicity of phenol and its degradation mixtures by sonochemical, photochemical, and photosonochemical processes were investigated. Toxicity assay tests were carried out using Daphnia magna as a bio-indicator. The sonochemical and photochemical experiments were carried out using a bath sonicator (500 W) working at 35 and 130 kHz frequencies and with a 400 W medium pressure mercury lamp, respectively. Experiments were performed at initial concentrations of 100 mg L-1. Bioassay tests showed that phenol was toxic to D.magna and so resulted in quite low LC50 values. Comparison of toxicity units (TU) between phenol and effluent toxicity showed that TU value for photosonochemical effluent was lower than that obtained for phenol, photochemical effluent, and sonochemical effluent. It was found that the toxicity unit of photochemical effluent was lower than that obtained for sonochemical effluent. According to the D.magna acute toxicity test, it is concluded that photosonolysis and photolysis are capable of decreasing the toxicity of by-products formed during the degradation of phenol aqueous solutions. Photosonic and photolytic processes can, therefore, be recommended as a potential approach to the treatment of phenolic wastewater.

Application of attached growth systems (AGS) is associated with special limitations in wastewater treatment. One such limitation is the unavailability of cheap and appropriate media in Iran. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Luffa sponge as a natural media in treating synthetic wastewater. Luffa cylinders were used as the fixed media required for an aerated submerged fixed-film reactor (ASFFR) and the performance of the reactor in organic removal was studied. A Plexiglas column having a capacity of 8 liters was used as a reactor. The natural medium was coated by lacquer to protect it against biodegradation. Glucose was used as the carbon source for microorganisms. Organic loading rates of 0.6, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 kgCOD/m3.d were applied to obtain COD removal efficiencies of 82.8, 93.4, 89.5, and 81.3%, respectively. Results showed that Luffa sponge cylinders could be used as supporting media within ASFFR under low organic loading rates and limited time conditions. The maximum efficiency of COD removal (93.4%) was obtained for 1.2 kg COD/m3.d. Also, it was revealed that ASFFR with Luffa sponge medium was capable of withstanding organic loading shocks.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects women more than men. Environmental factors such as sunlight, through Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can have a pivotal role in MS prevalence. MS is more common in mid latitude temperate climatic areas, such as the northern United States, southern Canada and northern Europe. It has been shown that there is a low risk of MS in the hot, moist and extremely dry equatorial zone, and vice versa. Materials and methods: In this study, UV radiation data as UV index were collected from a geographic database provided by The Environmental Health Information System of Islamic Republic of Iran. The monthly average UV index during pregnancy leading to 15th of each month has been used to create GIS maps by using ArcGIS 9.3. Results: In this paper, It was focused on the potential effect of UV radiation on MS prevalence. It was found that there is a low maternal exposure to UV radiation in people born in April and May in all provinces of Iran and they can be more susceptible to MS. Conclusions: This study shows that Iranian high exposure to UV radiation can reduce the risk of MS. It was indicated that Iran is a low risk area for MS and people born in April and May are more susceptible to MS due to low exposure to UV radiation. Thus, birth months could be considered as an important factor in MS prevalence.

Introduction: Air pollution in closed environments like underground subway stations has many severe effects on human health. This study was performed to investigate the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in the air of platforms, office areas, and adjacent outdoor air of two stations in Tehran subway system. Materials and Methods: Sampling was conducted in April to September 2011 using a portable GRIMM dust monitor. Samples were taken from indoor air at each station from platform and ticket office area also from adjacent outdoor air of each station. Results: The concentrations of PM10 ranged from 33 μg/m3 at the office area of Imam Khomeini station to 160 μg/m3 at the outdoor air of Sadeghiye station. The PM2.5 concentrations varied from 10.9 to 97.7 μg/m3. Based on results of regression analysis the PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations at the platform of Sadegiye station are strongly associated with adjacent outdoor levels (R2 =0.77 and 0.67 respectively), while PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in the platform of Imam Khomeini are less influenced by adjacent outdoor levels (R2 =0.36 and 0.4 respectively). Spearman’s correlations were high for both platform PM2.5 and PM10, since the outdoor/indoor coefficient of PM2.5 was 0.58, whereas PM10outdoor/ PM10indoor coefficient was 0.62, indicating an important influence of outdoor particles introduced through the ventilation systems and by passengers. Conclusions: Results showed that there was a strong correlation between PM concentrations at platform of Sadegiye station (surface station) and outdoor air representing air quality in the platform of this station influenced by outdoor air.

The purpose of this study is to determine arsenic toxicity on rainbow trout. Acute toxicity of arsenic was determined by measuring the lethal effects on rainbow trout in static conditions. Five aquariums of 25×30×30 cm with five concentrations of 5,10,15,20 and 25 mg/L of arsenic were prepared and then ten fishes were added to each concentration. Also one aquarium with similar conditions was considered as a control with no arsenic solution. Hardness, temperature and dissolved oxygen of dilution water were determined by standard methods, and concentration of dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature of solution test in time periods of 2,4,6,8,24,48,72 and 96 hrs were measured. Water temperature of aquarium was regulated by circulation of water in refrigerator through indirect conduction with solution test. LC50 was measured at intervals of 24,48,72 and 96 hrs by SPSS software and respectively showed 28.13,21.77,15.78 and 12.72 mg/L.Probit curve was drawn by Harvard Chart XL software, and LC50 curve was drawn by Excel software.

Furfural with a chemical formula of C5H4O2 is a toxic compound which has several health problems for both humans and environment. It has a few exposure routes for entering the human body such as oral, dermal or nasal. In the present study, the efficacies of an integrated catalytic ozonation process (COP) and novel cyclic biological reactor (CBR) were explored for the removal of furfural from aqueous solutions. Activated carbon was purchased from Merck Company. It had a Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) specific surface area of 1100 m2/g, with an average micropore volume and size of 0.385 cm3/g and 595 µm, respectively. The results indicated that 30% pretreatment with COP could increase furfural and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency with CBR 5.56% and 27.01%, respectively. With 70% pretreatment by COP, 98.57% furfural and 95.34% COD removal efficiencies happen in CBR. Generally, batch and continuous experiments showed that the integrated COP/CBR could be efficient in eliminating furfural from wastewater and thus may be a promising technique for treating furfural-containing wastewater.

Aerated lagoon is a kind of the aerobic suspended growth process that can be used to treat domestic and industrial wastewater. Due to its considerable design flexibility, the aerated lagoon has gained wide applications in both developed and developing countries. This study aims to investigate the performance of aerated lagoons in the wastewater treatment plant in Bou-Ali industrial zone in Hamedan over a period of seven months from May to November 2004. Quality indexes such as pH, TSS, BOD5 ,COD, total coliform and fecal coliform, Cu, Pb, Zn, total Cr in plant influent and effluent were determined. The average values of pH, TSS, BOD5 ,COD, total coliform and fecal coliform, Cu, Pb, Zn, total Cr in plant effluent were measured to be 7.46, 84mg/l, 76mg/l, 176mg/l, 1.98´104MP N /100ml, 3.31´103MPN/100ml, 0.04mg/l, 0.13mg/l, 0.88mg/l, and 0.03mg/l, respectively. The removal efficiencies recorded for the contaminants studied were 73.56%, 91.58%, 89.95%, 99.968%, 99.713%, 62.24 %, 59.08%, 56.51%, 62.57%, respectively. Total and fecal coliform contents were greater than standard limits for irrigation recommended by Iranian Environmental Protection Organization while the rest were below the standard values. If the effluent from this plant should be reused for agriculture or landscape irrigation, reduction of microbial pollution to standard limits recommended by Iranian EPO or to guidelines set by WHO must be considered.

Background and aims: The current conventional effective elements on transporting or reducing of airborne aerosols and building indoor air quality are natural ventilation systems. Natural ventilation is supplying fresh air and cooling down by replacing ambient air which is one of the effective parameter on social hygiene and health aspect through controlling airborne pathogens and their related nosocomial infections in different part of life particularly in hospitals; and is known as one of the cost-effective solutions in this field. The aim of this study is investigation of natural ventilation potential in the different ward of Tehran University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, humidity, temperature, wind speed and room characteristics of 35 wards of 12 hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences which consisted a total of 269 rooms were investigated, and results were compared with related standards and guidelines. Investigated wards included infectious, blood, gastrointestinal and tuberculosis wards which have importance from airborne pathogens perspective. The correlation between ACH index and altitude, temperature and humidity along with wards classification to airborne and non-airborne sections, and evaluation of their ACH mean were conducted with Kruskal–Wallis and Fligner-Killeen test by R (version 3.2.0) and Excel 2013 software. Results: The minimum, maximum and average values of wind speed, humidity and temperature in airborn and non-airborn sections were measured as (0 and 2.9 m/s), (13.5% and 40%) and (24 and 30.7 ºC), respectively. Also, the means of ACH in airborne and non-airborne were 20.5 and 31, respectively. In addition, significant relations among the different parameters of study according to the Kruskal–Wallis test were observed (P-value

A systematic model for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal using the ANAMMOX (Anaerobic AMMonium OXidation) process was provided based on an experimental design. At first, the experimental data was collected from a combined biological aerobic/anaerobic reactor. For modelling and optimization of COD removal, the main parameters were considered, such as COD loading, ammonium, pH, and temperature. From the models, the optimum conditions were determined as COD 97.5 mg/L, ammonium concentration equal to 28.75 mg-N/L, pH 7.72, and temperature 31.3°C. Finally, the analysis of the optimum conditions, performed by the response surface method, predicted COD removal efficiency of 81.07% at the optimum condition.

Aims: In this study, the temporal variations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene and Xylene (BTEX) in the atmosphere of Tehran city was investigated. Materials and Methods: Two air quality monitoring stations, Aghdasieh and Ray, in different locations of the city were selected. Sampling was carried out hourly from Nov 23, 2007 to Dec 22, 2007 in Aghdasieh air monitoring station and from Dec 10, 2007 to Jan 9, 2008, in Ray′s air monitoring station by an online BTEX monitoring system. The correlations, repeated measures variance and regressions tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Results indicated that, concentrations of these compounds were sometimes higher than standard limits and were significantly different in selected stations. However, an approximately similar increasing and decreasing trend was seen among them. In most cases, equations for concentration variations were sinusoidal or fourth-order. Conclusion: According to the results, sinusoidal and fourth-order are most suitable equations for BTEX concentration variations in the ambient air of the city, and the trends of variations are similar in different places of the city.