[Environmental ranking of industries located at west of Tehran based on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of industrial wastewaters in 2011]

This is a descriptive and cross sectional study. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental ranking of industries located at west of Tehran based on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of industrial wastewaters in 2011. This study was conducted by site visit, questionnaire completion, database production and results analysis. The questionnaire was consisted of 30 questions about quantity, quality and management of industrial wastewater. Total number of industries with over than 50 personnel, was 287. Class-weighted sampling was used and the sample size was contained 50 industries. In this study, industries were scored from 1 to 10, based on the flow rate, BOD and COD, generation of wastewater per worker per day and then were ranked according to the total score. The average flow of wastewater generated by these 50 industries was 9422 m[3]/day. Wood and cellulose industries with 730 liters wastewater per worker per day was considered as the greatest wastewater generator. Minimum organic loading was related to non-metallic mineral industries with COD of 205 mg/ L and BOD of 85 mg / L. The maximum COD was related to paper industries with the rate of 8800 mg/ L and maximum BOD was related to food and drug industries with the rate of 1536 mg/ L. This environmental ranking was indicated that while paper industries contributed the most pollution load, non-metallic mineral industries had the least pollution load.

[Coliform bacteria removal from contaminated water using nanosilver]

Although silver can be used as an effective water disinfectant, it has some disadvantages such as its high costs and darkening of the skin and mucous membrane due to long-term exposure to high silver concentrations. Nanotechnology can solve such problems through reduction of silver content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanosilver on removing the coliform bacteria from contaminated water. This bench-scale experimental study was carried out in a batch system on artificially contaminated water samples prepared by adding 5 ml effluent to 60 liters of tap water. In each run, the nanosilver suspension [30-180 microgL-1] was added to 6 containers [500 ml] of contaminated water and then a sample was taken every 20 minutes for a 100-minute period and tested for coliform according to the standard methods book. Results revealed that the coliform bacteria removal significantly increased with increasing the contact time of nonosilver [P=0.001], but there was no significant correlation between the nanosilver concentrations and coliform removal [P=0.6]. The maximum coliform removal [92.41%] was achieved within 100 minutes contact time for 60 microgL-1 of silver. Although nanosilver treatment is effective in removing coliform from contaminated water, further researches are required to study the efficacy of drinking water disinfection

[ qualitative-quantitative analysis and the study of personnel's awareness of the management strategies of the wastes of medical diagnostic laboratories of Rasht, in 2009]

Waste produced by health and treatment centers [hospitals] including medical diagnostic laboratories is one of the sources of municipal waste production. Waste produced by medical diagnostic laboratories due to the existence of pathogens and infectious materials by high importance is one of the environmental issues. This survey has been done on the qualitative-quantitative analytical bases, and the investigation has focused on the management strategies of the waste material of medical diagnostic laboratories of Rasht, Iran in 2009. In this descriptive study, samples were collected from 19 medical diagnostic laboratories of Rasht in 3 consecutive days [Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday every week], after filling the questionnaire and interviewing with the managers. Then, the samples were separated manually, and divided into 46 different constituents and weighed. Next, the constituents were classified based on characteristics and potentiality of being hazardous. The total amount of annual waste production by the medical diagnostic laboratories of Rasht is 25785.143kg. In this study, the share of manufacturing conventional waste [domestic type wastes], especially infectious, chemical, pharmaceutical, and radioactive wastes were 1.16%, 95.34%, 1.42% and 2.08%, respectively. The highest and lowest amount of waste production relates to plastic materials and wood which are 48.37 and 0.43%, respectively. In this study sharp cutting things were calculated to be 10.52%. Furthermore, 84 percent of the managers of the medical diagnostic laboratories had not had enough information of the circulars and instructions on the enforceable management strategies of the medical wastes. Concerning the management of the medical waste production in the medical diagnostic laboratories, it is suggested that the managers and the personnel be trained on the separation, collection, and disinfection techniques and final disposal, and the wastes have to be treated per regulations and instructions

Photocatalytic degradation of linear alkyl benzene solfunate from aqueous solution by TIO[2] nanoparticles

The possibility of linear alkyl benzene solfunate [LAS] photocatalytic degradation through application of TIO[2] nanoparticles was investigated. 10[mg/L] of LAS has been affected by either UV or TIO[2] and simultaneous use of both of them in separated experiments. Moreover, the effect of initial concentrations of LAS and TIO[2], pH, present various anions and different UV power was studied to determine the optimal operating conditions for LAS degradation in water. The amount of mineralization of LAS was reported by measuring the primary and final COD of the solution that was irradiated under optimized conditions. Maximum degradation was obtained at acidic pH, 50 mg/L of TIO[2] and 30 minute irradiation time. It was also shown that 99.5% of LAS was degraded in optimal conditions. Kinetic analysis indicated that photo catalytic degradation rates of LAS can be approximated by pseudo-first order model. Measuring the initial and final COD of illuminated solution under optimized conditions, indicated that almost complete mineralization of LAS was occurred. Based on the results, UV/TIO[2] process may be effectively applied in LAS removal in low concentrations but this process is not economically efficient in high concentrations

Investigation of indoor and outdoor air bacterial density in Tehran subway system

The wide use of subway system by citizens underlines the importance of hygienic issues including indoor air pollution in these public places especially in metro stations. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial contamination in indoor and outdoor air of two metro stations [Imam Khomeini and Sadeghiyeh stations] in Tehran subway system. In this cross sectional study, three sampling locations were selected in each station. Also, sampling was conducted in indoor air of two types [old and new] of trains. The range of bacterial colony count was 35-1501 CFU/m[3]. Maximum and minimum bacterial contamination levels in Imam Khomeini and Sadeghiyeh platform stations were averagely 1073 CFU/m[3] and 242 CFU/m[3], respectively. 14 bacterial species and genera were isolated; among them the dominant species were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus spp. Results showed that bacterial concentrations in indoor air were higher than the outdoor air; also the bacterial counts correlated significantly with number of the passengers [p<0.001] and air temperature [p<0.001]

Investigation of management status on medical wastes in public hospitals of Arak city

Not paying attention to management and control of medical wastes in different stages of production, keeping, gathering, transporting and finally eliminating them all have been creating various setbacks such that the environment and human's health are in danger with the relevant consequences. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in Vali-e Asr, Amir Kabir, Taleghani, Amir Al-Momenin and Imam Khomeini hospitals of Arak city in 2009. In this research the current condition of gathering, maintaining, transportation and final elimination of hospital wastes of Arak city was investigated .Eventually an appropriate model was introduced. Solid wastes were separated, weighed and registered in two sequential intervals. In order to get acquaintance with the management procedure of medical solid w;astes in the hospitals studied, a questionnaire approved by W.H.O was used. The questions were then replied by the Managers and Hygiene Experts worked at hospitals and their responses were recorded. The investigations conducted in 5 hospitals reveal that the average per annual was2.9 Kg in 24 hours per active bed and 4.6 Kg for each patient. This volume consists of 60% for semi-home solid wastes, 39% for infectious solid wastes, 0.34% for sharp wastes, 0.28% for the pathologic and 0.38% for medicinal and chemical solid wastes. According to the results obtained in this study, in order to reduce pollution create in the hospitals, action should be taken to deal with pollutants at their source of generation. The staff members involved in waste collection and transportation should practice all the personal protection measures.finaly it also should be considered that, success in medical waste management wouldn't be achievable unless all groups of medical staff involved cooperate and participle

[Removal of reactive blue 29 dye from water by single-wall carbon nanotubes]

Anthraquinone dyes such as reactive blue29 in water resources and industrial wastewater effluents are one of the most environmental setbacks in many countries. Various methods have been considered to remove these dyes One of which is adsorption. All adsorption experiments were conducted in different pHs and various concentrations of adsorbents. The initial concentration of reactive blue 29 chosen in this study was 30mg/L.Adsorption isotherms were determined and correlated with Longmuir, Freundlich and BET models. The maximum adsorption capacity of reactive blue 29 onto single wall carbon nanotubes was 496mg/g.Results showed that the best pH for adsorption was 5 followed by pH3 and 8. Kinetic study showed that the equilibrium time for adsorption of RB 29 to SWCNT is 4 hr. According to the results obtained BET isotherm fitted well the experiment. It shows the adsorption of reactive blue 29 onto single wall carbon nanotubes is multilayers and the mechanism of SWCNTs adsorption toward RB29 is based on weak van der waals forces

[Photocatalytic degradation of phenol in aqueous solutions by Fe[III]-doped TiO2/UV process]

Phenol and phenolic compounds are widely used in industry and daily liFe, and are of high interest due to stability in the environment, dissolution ability in water and health problems. In this regard, phenol removal from water is of high importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of photodegradation process for removal of phenol from aqueous system by use of Fe-doped TiO[2] nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel method. Phenol concentrations of 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/L were prepared and exposed to UV and Fe-doped TiO[2], separately and simultaneously. Also the effect of initial phenol concentration, Fe-doped TiO[2] loading and pH were studied. Various doses of photocatalist investigated for Fe- doped TiO[2] were 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L. pH was studied at three ranges, acidic [pH=3], neutral [pH=7] and alkaline [pH=11]. Maximum degradation was obtained at acidic pH, 0.5 g/L of Fe-doped TiO[2] for all of phenol concentrations. With increasing initial concentration of phenol, photocatalytic degradation decreased. In comparison with Fe-doped TiO[2]/UV process, efficiency of UV radiation alone was low in phenol degradation [% 64.5 at 100 mg/l of phenol concentration]. Also the amount of phenol adsorbed on the Fe-doped TiO[2] was negligible at dark conditions. Results of this study showed that Fe[III]- doped TiO[2] nanoparticles had an important effect on photocatalytic degradation of high initial phenol concentration when Fe[III]-doped TiO[2]/ UV process applied

[Investigating the efficiency of UV/H[2]O[2] process for removal of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate [LAS] in aqueous solutions]

Surfactants are one of the largest pollutants which exist in urban and industrial wastewaters. Large quantities of surfactants have entered to the environment since last decade due to increased use of synthetic detergent in industrial and home consumptions.In this study, the efficiency of UV/H[2]O[2] process in removal of linear alkylbenzane sulfonate [LAS] from aqueous solutions was investigated. In this study methylene blue active substane[MBAS]method and spectrometery were used to determine anion and residual surfactant respectively. In this study important variables were H[2]O[2] concentration, initial concentration of surfactant, pH and duration of UV radiation. The effect of UV/H[2]O[2] process on the degradation of LAS was analyzed statistically by using Multiple Linear Regression test. The resulted showed that after 20 minute, ultraviolet radiation solely removed 38.44 percent of Anionic detergent, Hydrogen peroxide showed no significant removal of detergent solution in the time course study. The efficiency of UV/H[2]O[2] process in 10, 20 and 30 minute were to 86.2, 90 and 96.5%, respectively. The results showed that the efficiency of ultraviolet radiation and hydrogen peroxide process in anionic detergent was not significant thoogh it was considerable in combination process [UV/H[2]O[2]]

Optimization of operational parameters for decolorization and degradation of c l reactive blue 29 by ozone

Because conventional wastewater treatment of effluent containing anthraquinone dye causes notable environmental problems, it is important to find effective alternative methods for dye removal. This study evaluated the efficacy of ozonation for dye removal and Chemical Oxygen Demand reduction and identified optimal operational conditions for parameters such as pH, contact time and concentration of C.I. Reactive Blue 29 dye in a semi-batch reactor. Values of pH between 3 and 11 and contact times between 15 and 120 minutes were investigated. Dye concentrations were based on the American Dye Manufacture Institute standards and ranged from 1000 to 5000. Although results showed that Chemical Oxygen Demand removal by ozone alone was not very efficient [58%], ozonation proved to be an efficient method for decolorizing Reactive Blue 29 [96%]. pH was found to significantly influence the effectiveness of Chemical Oxygen Demand removal, and optimal pH conditions [95% confidence interval] were between 9 and 11. For decolorization, pH adjustment was not necessary. Degradation and decolorization of dye were found to be strongly influenced by the contact time, optimal conditions [95% confidence interval] for degradation and decolorization were 60 and 30 minutes, respectively. The optimal dye concentration was 1000 American Dye Manufacture Institute

[Quantitative and qualitative investigation of industrial solid waste in industrial plants located between Tehran and Karaj]

Rapid population growth, industrial development, urbanization culture propagation and excessive material consumption are the most important factor which caused over increasing of municipal, industrial and agricultural waste in human society. Inappropriate disposal of generated waste in recent years created several environmental menace and crisis in human society. For investigation about existent situation of industrial waste generation questionnaire had been used. This questionnaire was catered by Iran environmental protection organization. Aforementioned questionnaire contained 45 questions about combination, quality and quantity of industrial waste. Total number of more than 50 personnel industry was 287. But sample contained 50 randomly selected industries. Gathered data have been analyzed with SPSS 18. Total generated industrial waste was 123451KG per day which had volume equal to 781 cubic meters per day. Generated waste capitation per every worker was 5.8 KG. Maximum frequency of industrial was related to machinery and equipment group which maximum generated waste was related to this industrial group too. Maximum hazardous waste was for inflammable waste with 34 weight percent. Major hazardous waste generating industrial was chemical and plastic making industry. Yielded result from this investigation has shown that significant relation existed between waste production rate and personnel number. The more personnel are, the more waste production increase

Survey on degradation rates of trichloroethylene in aqueous solutions by ultrasound

Sonochemical degradation of different compounds such as chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons is one of the recent advanced oxidation processes and it may be effective for removing low concentration organic pollutants from aqueous streams. Trichloroethylene [TCE] is one of these compounds that is mainly used as a degreaser. Important studies about TCE sonolysis have been focused at millimolar levels and natural pH, but in this study the ultrasonic degradation of TCE at different micromolar initial concentrations [30, 300 and 3000 micro g/L] and 4 different initial pH with a 35 kHz frequency was investigated. Furthermore, the degradation of TCE by ultrasound with different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide at pH= 7 was also performed. Gas chromatography with FID detector was used for analyses of TCE. Results showed that the degradation of TCE increased with decrease in the initial concentration of TCE from 3000 to 30 micro g/L at all initial pH. Initial pH of solution and different concentrations of H[2]O[2] did not affect significantly the TCE destruction

[Determination and emission factories of SO[2], CO[2], CO, NO, NO[]2, NO[x] gases in the fanavaran petrochemical]

Fanavaran petrochemical company is located on the shore of Persian Gulf on west south of Iran, Imam Khomeini Bandar, petrochemical special economic zone with of 25 hectares area. Two units of this company, methanol unit with production capacity 1000000 tons/ years andmonoxide carbon unit with 140000 tons/years were studied for determination and emission factories of SO[2], CO[2], CO, NO, NO[2], NO[x] Gases. With attention to project goals, for implementation of this project 14 months took into from April 2008 till June2009. For goals provide of mentioned research on this basis, 32 case sampling were done from 3 emission sources by using of direct reading device of gas concentration according to standard methods of United State Environmental Protection Agency Results of the study indicate that concentration of issued pollutant gases from these units is in the level lower than Iran department of environment standard level. The total amount of emission Factory of SO[2], CO[2], CO, NO, NO[2], NO[x] gases diffused from these units are11.7 X 10[-6], 81/8 X 10[-6], 0.14 X 10[-6], 431.5 X 10[-6], 19.2 X 10[-6], 681.2 X 10[-6] kg /tons million production in a year respectively. Parameters which optimization is performed in accordance with them, include of additional air percentage, exit air temperature from pre heater, and fuel type, in fact with regarding these 3 factor's. effects, the work is done in a manner that the amount of pollutants diffusion is near to minimum and the selected best fuel

[Evaluation of the relationship between global ultraviolet index in different regions of Iran and skin cancer in 1383]

Skin cancer is the most frequent malignancy in Iran. Exposure to the excessive ultraviolet radiation is an important factor in creating skin tumors. The purpose of this study is to determine how the ultraviolet index has been distributed in all townships throughout the country, to determine different kinds of skin cancer and to evaluate a geographical distribution of skin cancers with regard to the UV geographical distribution. This study is ecologic, descriptive and analytical in nature. A total number of 6921 skin cancer cases registered at the Center for Disease Control of Iran in 2004 were thoroughly analyzed and UV data were collected from the world wide web. With the help of ArcGIS software and SPSS, the statistical analysis was done. The incidence rates were 10.13 for the total skin cancer, 7.53 for basal cell carcinoma, 1.79 for squamous cell carcinoma and 0.39 for malignant melanoma per 100000 population of Iran. The mean ultraviolet index differed from 9 in July to 3 in January. The correlation between the skin cancer incidence at the level of districts and ultraviolet index was not significantly observed. Skin cancer is a public health problem in Iran. Further research in this regard would lead to skin cancer registration improvement and more understanding of different climatic, cultural and behavioral factors in developing skin tumors. With this knowledge the possibility of more effective prevention of the most prevalent cancer in Iran can be created

Methyl tert-butyl ether adsorption on surfactant modified natural zeolites

Surfactant-modified clinoptilolite-rich tuff was used for the removal of methyl tert-butyl ether [MTBE] from aqueous solutions. Clinoptilolite zeolite from Miyaneh region of Iran was treated with sodium chloride and then modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride [HDTMA-Cl] and n-Cetylpyridinium bromide [CPB] to be used in different experimental conditions. The ability of raw or Non-Modified Zeolite [NMZ] and Surfactant-Modified Zeolites [SMZ] to remove MTBE from aqueous solutions was investigated as a function of contact time, pH and concentrations of adsorbent and adsorbate, by using a batch technique in aqueous system. The removal of MTBE from aqueous solutions by modified zeolites seemed to be more effective than non-modified samples. Also, HDTMA-modified zeolite had more effective performance than CPB-modified zeolite. The adsorption efficiency of MTBE onto SMZ[S] was found to increase by contact time and adsorbent concentrations, and by decreasing of pH and adsorbate concentrations. Empirical adsorption models of Langmuir and Freundlich were applied for the experimental data. Results showed that Langmuir isotherm was more suitable for this process. The experimental data fitted very well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. It was overally found that Surfactant-Modified Zeolites is an effective adsorbent for removal of methyl tert-butyl ether from contaminated solutions

[Density of airborne bacteria in a children's hospital in Tehran]

Atmospheric transport is a key mode of microbial dispersal and the transmission of airborne microbe can have significant impacts on human health. The main objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of airborne bacteria in a children's hospital. Three sampling points were selected. Airborne bacteria were collected with 6 days interval at each location using Quick take 30 sampler at an sampling rate of 28.3 l min-1 from November 2007 to March 2008. The results showed that the highest indoor density of bacteria was 429 CFU/m3 that founded in oncology ward. Bacteria identified were representative of normal flora of the skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Our analysis revealed that colony of bacteria in 14% in patient room exceeded available guideline value for indoor air quality. That 11% cases was found in the oncology ward

Wastewater characteristics and appropriate method for wastewater management in the hospitals

Hospitals generate relatively large quantities of wastewater that may contain various potentially hazardous materials; therefore the proper management of hospital wastewater is essential. In this cross-sectional study, the quality and quantity of wastewater in the hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS], Tehran, Iran, were studied and the suitable method for wastewater management in the hospitals was determined. Monitoring of pH, TSS, BOD5, COD and total coliforms indicated that the quality of wastewater in the hospitals was similar to domestic wastewater. The wastewater production in the hospitals was determined to be in the range of 398 to 1090 L/d/[occupied bed]. The study on wastewater treatment and disposal methods demonstrated that discharge to municipal wastewater collection system is the best alternative for wastewater management in the hospitals, but this approach is not applicable for all of the hospitals. Baharloo, Cancer Institute, Children, Farabi, Imam Khomeini, Razi, Roozbeh, Shariati and Valiasr hospitals can be connected to municipal wastewater collection system at present. It is recommended that these hospitals' wastewater be discharged to municipal wastewater collection system. Amir Alam, Bahrami, Mirza Koochak Khan and Sina hospitals will be able to discharge their wastewater into sewerage network at second phase of Tehran sewerage project [in 2010] and Arash Hospital will be able to discharge its wastewater into sewerage network at third phase of Tehran sewerage project [in 2015]. These hospitals have to select onsite separate wastewater treatment alternative

[Survey of relation between consumption of energy and environmental pollutants emission resulted of these consumptions in central main campus of Tehran University]

Today the crisis rising from over consumption energy and material and environmental pollution pose serious problems that challenges present resources of man. Sustainable development is probably an inevitable strategy for human being in such a way that the least possible damage be inflicted to the environment. In this way, the role played by universities in reaching the objectives of sustainable development is crucial. In this paper, we examine the present state of consumption energy resources [Electricity and natural gas] in the central main campus of Tehran University and so we calculate the extent of environmental pollutants resulted of these energy consumptions. For surveying of our objectives the first step is a survey of the current state of campus by way of reexamination of Gas and Electricity bills and distribution of a questionnaire. Second is an estimate of the entering pollutants to the environment with online software in site of http:/www.abraxasenergy.com/emissions. annual consumption of 16.5 million KWHS of electricity along with 4312392 m3 of natural gas leads to 0.0218 million tones Co2, 778 kg VOCS, 374.6 tones NOX, 2.41 tones CO, 65.341 tones So2, 93 kg Mercury compounds and 868 kg particles. It is shown that there is no objective effort and green management in this part of university officials. This project suggests that the implementation of green management in the framework of programs such as green university can be crucial in reaching the objectives

[Quantity and quality analysis and management of solid waste produced in dentistry laboratories and practical dentist offices in Hamedan, 1386]

Today, One of the most important environmental issues is solid waste Produced in Dentistry That because of the presence of hazardous, toxic and pathogen agents has special importance. In this survey, solid waste produced in Hamadan Dentistry laboratories and practical dentist offices is studied. In this descriptive study, from 24 Dentistry laboratories in Hamedan 5 offices and from 27 practical dentist offices 5 offices were selected in simple random way. From each offices 3 sample at the end of successive working day [Sunday, Monday and Tuesday] were analyzed. Samples were manually sorted into different 41 components and by means of laboratory scale were measured. Then, measured components were classified based on characteristic and hazardous potential. Total annual waste produced in Dentistry laboratories and practical dentist offices in Hamaden is 15921.79 and 8677.56 Kg respectively. Production percentages of domestic type, chemical and pharmaceutical waste, potentially infectious and toxic wastes in practical dentist offices were 91.14, 6.7, 2.14 and 0.02 respectively. Dentistry laboratories solid waste comprises of 94.47 percent domestic type and 5.53 percent chemical and pharmaceutical waste. Main components of produced analyzed wastes were 2 components that consist of more than 80 percents of total dental solid waste. So, waste reduction, separation and recycling plans in the offices must be concentrated on these main components. In order to waste suitable management, it is suggested that in addition to educate waste producer for waste reduction, separation and recycling in the offices, each section of dental waste [toxic, chemical and pharmaceutical, potentially infectious and domestic type wastes] separately and according to related criteria are managed

[Optimization of moving bed bioflim reactor using taguchi method]

In recent years, mobile bed biological reactors have been used progressively for municipal and industrial wastewaters treatment. Dissented experiment is a trial that significant changes will accrue for influent variables in the process, and generally used for identification of the effective factors and optimization of the process. The scope of this study was determination of the optimized conditions for the MBBR process by using of Taguchi method. Reactor start up was done by using of the recycled activated sludge from Ahwaz wastewater treatment plant. After that and passing the acclimation period, with hydraulic residence time equal to 9 hours matched for 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/1 based on COD respectively, for optimization determination of the acclimated microbial growth, the variables change [p[H], nitrogen source, chemical oxygen demand and salinity] were determined in 9 steps, and all of the results were analyzed by Qualitek -4 [w32b]. In this study, organic load removal based on COD was 97% and best optimized condition for MBBR were [inf. COD 1000 mg/1, pH= 8, salinity = 5% and the Nitrogen source= NH4CL]. Based on our finding, we may conclude that Taguchi method is on of the appropriate procedure in determination the optimized condition for increasing removal efficiency of MBBR