Determination of Element Concentration of Brewed Tea Consumed in Iran Using ICP-OES: A Risk Assessment Study.

Tea is a popular drink enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is important to note that impurities and contaminants in tea can potentially threaten human health when consumed. The main objective of this research is to assess the concentration of 16 trace elements (As, Fe, Al, Co, B, Li, Cd, Ba, Pb, Cr, Zn, Hg, Ni, Mn, Sb, and Sn) present in different types brewed of tea by using the ICP-OES (the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer) device, and the human health risks related to its use were evaluated. In this study, manganese (Mn) indicated the highest mean concentration in black (917.64 µg/kg) and green tea (912.89 µg/kg), respectively. Our study showed that the highest mean concentration of element boron (B) was (44.36 µg/kg) in Stachys lavandulifolia brewed tea. Among different packaging, tea bag samples had the highest concentration of Mn (1025.65 µg/kg) and aluminum (Al) (396.63 µg/kg). However, those unpacked posed the lowest content of Mn (188.13 µg/kg) and Al (100.47 µg/kg). The lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in all samples were lower than the maximum limit of the Iranian standard and the WHO. In general, the amount of tea metal in Iranian samples was higher than in imported samples. Also, increasing the brewing time (10 min) can be effective in the solubility and extraction of metals such as B, Hg, cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and lithium (Li). Further, the correlation between the amount of metals and type in tea samples was evaluated with principal component analysis. Based on the conducted non-carcinogenic risk assessment by the Monte Carlo simulation, the hazard index (HI), due to ingestion of heavy metals via tea in the 5-min brewing of tea, was 7.39E - 03 and 2.09E - 03, and in the 10-min brewing of tea, it was 3.20E - 02 and 9.07E - 03 for children and adults, respectively. Therefore, there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk from tea consumption.

Exposure assessment of nitrate and phenol derivatives in Tehran's water distribution system.

The presence of organic and inorganic contaminants in drinking water is a global concern. Nitrate and phenol derivatives are examples of pollutants that could be of anthropogenic origin. They are associated with numerous health risks, underscoring the importance of monitoring their presence in drinking water. This study aimed to measure nitrate and phenol derivatives, including 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), Pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP), 2-Chlorophenol (2-CP), 4-Chlorophenol (4-CP), and phenol, in Tehran's water distribution system (WDS). The pollutants in Tehran's WDS were significantly and positively correlated with precipitation. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) of the detected pollutants were estimated. The results showed that the regional mean of nitrate and PCP in Tehran's WDS were 35.58±8.71mg L-1 and 76.14±16.93 ng L-1 lower than the guideline values of 50 mg L-1 and 1000 ng L-1, respectively. Some districts exhibited nitrate concentration exceeding the allowable limit by a factor of 1.2 to 2.3. Consequently, the nitrate intake in some districts constituted approximately 50% of the reference dose. While PCP as a phenol derivative with more health concerns was identified in Tehran's WDS, the likelihood of its health effects was determined to be negligible.

Lactational Exposure of Human Infants to Metal (loid)s: A Comparison of Industrial and Urban Inhabitants in North of the Persian Gulf.

In this study, postnatal metal (loid)s (MLs) exposure was compared between the petrochemical and gas area of Asaluyeh (PGA) and urban area of Kaki (UA) in Bushehr province, Iran. Two hundred human breast milk (BM) samples from the industrial and urban areas were analyzed for MLs using Inductivity Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) were found at the highest levels in both study areas. Adjusted multiple linear regression models revealed that the mean concentration of total MLs in BM samples collected from the PGA was statistically significantly greater than that of the UA (655.85 vs. 338.17 µg/L). Also, the mean concentrations of all detected MLs in BM samples collected from the PGA were statistically significantly higher than those collected from the UA. The hazard index (HI) of combined MLs in the PGA and UA illustrated non-cancer risk for infants. Lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in the PGA and Cr in the UA showed the risk of cancer. So it can be concluded that nursing infants from an industrial area are most at risk for MLs exposure during entire lactation course than those from an urban area.

4-Chlorophenol adsorption from water solutions by activated carbon functionalized with amine groups: response surface method and artificial neural networks.

4-Chlorophenol pollution is a significant environmental concern. In this study, powdered activated carbon modified with amine groups is synthesized and investigated its efficiency in removing 4-chlorophenols from aqueous environments. Response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) were used to investigate the effect of different parameters, including pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial 4-chlorophenol concentration, on 4-chlorophenol removal efficiency. The RSM-CCD approach was implemented in R software to design and analyze the experiments. The statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to describe the roles of effecting parameters on response. Isotherm and kinetic studies were done with three Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models and four pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle kinetic models in both linear and non-linear forms. The synthesized adsorbent was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The results showed that the synthesized modified activated carbon had a maximum adsorption capacity of 316.1 mg/g and exhibited high efficiency in removing 4-chlorophenols. The optimal conditions for the highest removal efficiency were an adsorbent dosage of 0.55 g/L, contact time of 35 min, initial concentration of 4-chlorophenol of 110 mg/L, and pH of 3. The thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorption process was exothermic and spontaneous. The synthesized adsorbent also showed excellent reusability even after five successive cycles. These findings demonstrate the potential of modified activated carbon as an effective method for removing 4-chlorophenols from aqueous environments and contributing to developing sustainable and efficient water treatment technologies.

Potential toxic elements (PTEs) concentration in wheat and flour products in Iran: A probabilistic risk assessment.

The aim of This study was to assess the concentration of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in wheat, flour of Sangak, and Lavash bread samples and the possible effect of the milling process due to a depreciation of the device. Levels of PTEs in tested samples (n = 270) from 10 factories in Iran were determined by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). In addition, the associated human health risk due to consumption of wheat, Sangak and Lavash bread flours in adults and children was estimated. In this approach, percentile 95% hazard quotient (HQ), Hazard index (HI), and Total Hazard Index (THI) was used as a symptom for endangering the consumer people health. A significant difference was detected in Ni concentration between wheat and two brands of flours i.e., Sangak and Lavash samples. The PTEs concentration order in the wheat and flour samples was Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, respectively. Consistent with findings, the concentration of PTEs in all samples was less than the permitted limit set by the European Commission and JECFA committee. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risk assessment (HRA) was calculated. Bread consumption per capita is 0.45 kg for adults and 0.27 kg for children per day. The results showed that both adults and children groups are not at remarkable health risk for PTEs at mean HQ, HI, THI <1 and ELCR <10E-4, but for HRA at the percentile 95% showed there is HRA of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic disease for children group (HQ, HI, THI >1 and ELCR >10E-4).

Characterization of persistent materials of deposited PM2.5 in the human lung.

Clearance of deposited urban air particulates (PMs) from the lung is vital for the protection of the lung tissue. Several studies have investigated the behavior of immune cells against these particulates in vitro and in vivo. However, the fate of particulates in the lung is yet unclear. Here, we report the results of our investigations on the clearance of particulates from the lung. Twelve normal lung tissue samples were taken from nonsmoking and non-occupationally exposed patients who needed lung lobectomy or segmentectomy. The remaining particulates were isolated from the alveolar area and extracellular matrix (ECM), separately, and their chemical composition was determined using the FE-SEM EDAX and GC-MS. Moreover, urban air PM2.5 was collected in two forms dry and washed. These were characterized too. Our results showed that none of the metals in the deposited particulates structure is fully water-soluble. After contact with mucosal liquid, the alveolar particulates included Fe, Al, Si, Ti, and Ni. These elements were absent in the PMs isolated from ECM. The organics of alveolar and ECM particulates were the same and included tetra-decane, hexadecane, and octa-decane. None of the organics present in the urban air PM2.5, such as PAHs, were available in isolated particulates from the lung tissue. This study shows that the full clearance of inhaled particulates does not happen in the lung. The immune system's primary function is detoxification by removing all components identifiable by immune cells. After that, the remained PMs will be relocated and deposited into the ECM.

Exposure to ambient air pollution and socio-economic status on intelligence quotient among schoolchildren in a developing country.

Evidence suggests the association between ambient airborne particulate matters and children's IQ and psychological development in the early stages of life. However, data on the relationship between ambient air particulate matters and children's IQ are rare in developing countries and less privileged areas. In this study, the association between PM10 and PM2.5 and the IQ of children in different areas were investigated in terms of pollution levels. In 2019, 369 children between the ages of 6 and 8 years old were randomly selected in three regions of southern Iran after screening through a questionnaire. In this study, PM10 and PM2.5 were determined using a direct reading device. IQ was surveyed according to Raymond B. Cattell scale I-A. The confounder factors including age, gender, economic conditions, maternal education, and type of delivery were adjusted. The average PM10 in areas with low, medium, and high pollution levels were measured to be 59.14±25.24 µg/m3, 89.7±37.34 µg/m3, and 121.44±43.49 µg/m3, respectively, while PM2.5 were found to be 38.97±16.87 µg/m3, 58±23.94 µg/m3, and 84.18±31.32 µg/m3, respectively. The IQ of children in the area with a high pollution was 16.628 lower than that in the area with low pollution (ß= 16.628; [95% CI: 13.295 to 19.96]; P ≤ 0.0001). In addition, IQ in the area with high pollution level was found to be 7.48 lower than that in moderate pollution. ( ß= 7.489; [95% CI: 4.109 to 10.870]; P ≤ 0.0001). Exposure to increased PM10 and PM2.5 is associated with decreased IQ in children.

Effect of dilution factor on the isolation of Helicobacter pylori from municipal wastewater using culture technique.

Background and Objectives: Isolating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from wastewater and culturing it using a conventional method has always been a controversial issue because the bacterium converts into a coccoid form when exposed to an unfavourable environment like wastewater. To clarify the cultivability behaviour of the bacterium in fresh wastewater samples, the effect of municipal wastewater dilation on the cultivation of the bacterium using a conventional method was examined. Materials and Methods: Several dilutions of wastewater samples were inoculated with fresh H. pylori suspension (with McFarland's dilution 0.5) to examine the dilution effect of wastewater on the bacterium isolation. Results: The H. pylori growth was found to be possible for a dilution factor from 1/106 to 1/107 of raw wastewater. In higher dilution factors the growth of fungi was dominant and could prevent the isolation of the bacterium. Conclusion: The optimized technique could be applied in future studies for increasing the chance of H. pylori isolation from fresh wastewater environments.

Indoor radon measurement in buildings of a university campus in central Iran and estimation of its effective dose and health risk assessment.

Indoor radon is a serious health concern and contributes about 10% of deaths from lung cancer in the USA and Europe. In this study, radon and thoron levels of 20 multi-floor buildings on the campus of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were measured in cold and hot seasons of a year. SARAD- RTM1688 radon and thoron monitor was used for measurement. The annual effective dose of radon exposure was also estimated for residences on the campus. The results showed that radon concentration was below the WHO guideline (100 Bq m- 3) in most of the buildings. The ranges of radon were from 3 ± 10% to 322 ± 15% Bq m- 3 in winter and from below the detectable level to 145 ± 8% Bq m- 3 in summer. Mostly, the radon concentration in the basement or ground floors was higher than upper floors, however, exceptions were observed in some locations. For thoron, no special trends were observed, and in the majority of buildings, its concentration was below the detectable level. However, in a few locations besides radon, thoron was also measured at a high level during both seasons. The average annual effective dose via radon exposure was estimated to be 0.261 ± 0.339 mSv y- 1. The mean excess lung cancer risk (ELCR) was estimated to be 0.10%. It was concluded that indoor air ventilation, buildings' flooring and construction materials, along with the geological structure of the ground could be the factors influencing the radon concentration inside the buildings. Thus, some applicable radon prevention and mitigation techniques were suggested.

The preliminary survey on the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in salt samples collected from Tehran, Iran: a probabilistic health risk assessment.

The present study aimed to assess the potentially toxic elements (PTEs), including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in refined, rock, and sea salt samples collected (n=60) from Tehran's local market by the aid of an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Besides, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults were estimated with the aid of the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method. The rank order of PTEs in refined salt was Pb (13.378 µg/g) > Cu (6.448 µg/g) > Zn (0.363 µg/g) > As (0.184 µg/g) > Hg (0.049 µg/g); in sea salt was Pb (22.972 µg/g) > Cu (3.963 µg/g) > Zn (0.986 µg/g) > As (0.387 µg/g) > Hg (0.224 µg/g); and in rock salt was Cu (31.622 µg/g) > Pb (22.527 µg/g) > Zn (0.638 µg/g) > As (0.235 µg/g) > Hg (0.095 µg/g). It was concluded that the average concentration of some of the investigated PTEs was higher than the national standard limits and Codex's guidelines. A significant non-carcinogenic risk (TTHQ > 1), except for adult consumers, was noted based on the health risk assessment who consume refined salt. All consumers were also at the threshold carcinogenic risk of As (between 10-4 and 10-6). Given the considerable health risks due to consumption (refined, rock, and sea salt), approaching effective monitoring plans to control the PTEs concentrations in salt distributed in Tehran are recommended.

Determination of melamine contamination in chocolates containing powdered milk by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Melamine is widely being reported as a food adulterant. Although its toxicity is currently recognized, melamine adulterations of dairy products are ongoing to apparently increase the amount of protein. The study was conducted to investigate the determination of melamine amounts in chocolates containing powdered milk. In this study, 60 samples of chocolates containing powdered milk, both imported and domestic brands, were collected. The samples were prepared by solid phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). According to the results, melamine was found in about 94% of imported samples and about 77% of Iranian samples. Melamine concentration in imported samples ranged from 0.032 to 2.692 mg/kg, while in Iranian ones it ranged from 0.013 to 2.600 mg/kg. The mean melamine concentrations of foreign and Iranian samples were 0.685 ± 0.68 and 0.456 ± 0.73 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of melamine were 0.017 and 0.052 µg/ml, respectively. The recovery rate (R%) at fortified levels of 1-2 mg/kg was found to be 89.20-95.69% with an RSD (Relative Standard Deviation) of 1.8-2.7%. Based on the study results, melamine was present in 85% of all samples and the melamine level in one Iranian brand and one imported brand was higher than the Codex Organization standard. However, the consumption of chocolates containing these low levels of melamine does not constitute a health risk for consumers.

The analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment of acrylamide level in commercial nuggets samples marketed in Iran: effect of two different cooking methods.

The aim of current study was to evaluate the acrylamide level in chicken, meat and shrimp nugget samples cooked in both traditional and industrial methods using "Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe" QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography-flame-ionization detection (GC-FID). Results revealed the traditional frying method has significant effect on the increase of acrylamide compared to industrial frying method and it was also found that the different cooking temperatures and time have significant effect on increase of acrylamide formation (p < 0.05), but type of edible oils had no significant effect. The highest acrylamide level found in shrimp nuggets (27 ± 1.5 ng/g) which fried by colza oil and traditional cooking method (6 min at 220 °C), while the lowest content of acrylamide found in chicken nuggets (7.3 ± 0.1 ng/g) which fried by corn oil and industrial method (3 min at 180 °C). Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) results indicated that the trend of potential non-carcinogenic risks on THQ for children was chicken nugget (3.51E-3) > meat nugget (1.36E-3) > shrimp nugget (1.43E-4) and for adults was chicken nugget (3.49E-4) > meat nugget (1.35E-4) > shrimp nugget (1.38E-5). The health risk of acrylamide for adults and children, was considerably lower than the safe risk limits (HQ >1 and CR > 1E-4) for Iranian population.

Investigating the relationship between particulate matter and inflammatory biomarkers of exhaled breath condensate and blood in healthy young adults.

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 < 0.001), as well as plasma sTNFRII levels (p-value = 0.001). No significant relationship was found between particulate matter with RS-NOs (p = 0.128), EBC RSNOs (p-value = 0.128), and plasma IL-6 (p-value = 0.167). In addition, there was no significant relationship between interleukin-6 of exhaled air with interleukin-6 of plasma (p-value < 0.792 in the first period and < 0.890 in the second period). sTNFRII was not detected in EBC. Considering the direct effect between increasing some biomarkers in blood and EBC and particulate matter, it is concluded that air pollution causes this increasing.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in raw and treated wastewater in 3 cities of Iran: Tehran, Qom and Anzali during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.

This study aimed to identifying the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in raw and treated wastewater during the COVID-19 outbreak in Tehran, Qom and Anzali cities (Iran). From three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), 28 treated and untreated wastewater composite samples were collected from April 4 to May 2, 2020. In this study, polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) was used through one-step real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for identification of RNA viruses. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was elicited from wastewater composite samples in all inlet samples taken from the three above mentioned cities. The results of outlet samples were as follows: 1) Results from Qom and East Anzali outlets showed no trace of SARS-CoV-2 RNA despite the difference in treatment disinfection method used (chlorine vs. ultraviolet (UV) disinfection). 2. In Tehran, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was not detected in any of the outlet samples taken from the modules disinfected by UV. Out of the four samples taken from the modules disinfected by chlorine, two were positive for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA which could have been caused by deficiencies in operation and maintenance. It can be concluded that meeting the standards of operation and maintenance (O&M) in WWTPs can considerably ensure that wastewater does not act as one of the roots of transmission for the disease.

Process modeling, characterization, optimization, and mechanisms of fluoride adsorption using magnetic agro-based adsorbent.

In this study, fluoride removal from polluted potable water using magnetic carbon-based adsorbents derived from agricultural biomass was thoroughly investigated. An experimental matrix is designed considering the interactive effects of independent process variables (pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and initial fluoride concentration) on the removal efficiency. Isotherms and kinetics studies, as well as anions interactions, were also investigated to understand the adsorption mechanisms further. The model parameters of isotherms and kinetics are estimated using nonlinear differential evolution optimization (DEO). Approaches like adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and response surface methodology (RSM) are implemented to predict the fluoride removal and identify the optimal process values. The optimum removal efficiency of GAC-Fe3O4 (89.34%) was found to be higher than that of PAC-Fe3O4 (85.14%). Kinetics experiments indicated that they follow the intraparticle diffusion model, and adsorption isotherms indicated that they follow Langmuir and Freundlich models. Both PAC-Fe3O4 and GAC-Fe3O4 adsorbents have shown an adsorption capacity of 1.20 and 2.74 mg/g, respectively. The model predictions from ANFIS have a strong correlation with experimental results and superior to RSM predictions. The shape of the contours depicts the nonlinearity of the interactive effects and the mechanisms in the adsorption process.

The Concentration and Probabilistic Health Risk of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Edible Mushrooms (Wild and Cultivated) Samples Collected from Different Cities of Iran.

The present study was devoted to investigate the PTE concentrations including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper(Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), arsenic(As), and zinc (Zn) among six types of edible wild, 23 cultivated mushroom samples collected from Iran's market by the aid of an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Also, the related health risk assessment was established by the aid of the Monte Carlo simulation method (MSC). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were ranged 0.001-0.048 and 0.003-0.160 ppm, respectively. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined in the ranges of 0.003-11. 5, 0.0008-5.89, 0.32-26.32, 9.15-110.08, 15.25-751.17, 0.16-2.24, 2.1-60.47, 1.21-24.22, 0.16-8.92, and 37.13-268.11 mg kg-1, respectively. According to findings, highest mean concentration of Cr in both types of mushrooms (cultivated and wild) was lower than recommended level by Codex Alimentarius/Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (CODEX/FAO/WHO) while the corresponding values for Hg (0.87 mg kg-1), As (1.39 mg kg-1), Ni (10.08 mg kg-1), Cu (36.65 mg kg-1), Cr (10.44 mg kg-1), Cd (0.589 mg kg-1), Fe (201.04 mg kg-1), Mn (10.30 mg kg-1), Zn (2266.43 mg kg-1), and Pb (3.81 mg kg-1) were higher than related standard levels. According to the health risk assessment, no concern regarding the non-carcinogenic risk due to the ingestion of PTEs via the consumption of the edible mushrooms, except Hg in wild mushrooms for children, was noted.

Associations between short term exposure to ambient particulate matter from dust storm and anthropogenic sources and inflammatory biomarkers in healthy young adults.

This study examined the association between particulate matter from anthropogenic and natural sources and inflammatory biomarkers, including hs-CRP, IL-6, sTNF-RII, and WBCs, in two groups of healthy young subjects. We followed up subjects of two panels (16 to 22 years old), including 22 subjects selected from the urban area (Tehran city) with high-level pollution background and 22 subjects selected from the rural area (Ahmadabad) with low-level pollution background. In each group, we collected 4 times blood samples in various air pollution conditions, In the subjects of the urban group, there was a substantial difference (p < 0.05) between inversion days and cold season control days, and between dust storm days and warm season control days for concentrations of hs-CRP, IL-6, and WBCs biomarkers. In the subjects of the rural group, a significant difference could be detected in the concentration of hs-CRP, IL-6, and WBCs biomarkers (p < 0.05) between inversion days and cold season control days, and between dust storm and warm control days. We found that the difference in concentrations of hs-CRP, IL-6, and WBCs biomarkers between dust storm days and warm control conditions in the rural group were higher than the difference in inversion and cold control conditions, which can be attributed to low background air pollution in the rural area. In the urban area, the health effect of anthropogenic sources of PM is higher than the dust storm condition, which can be attributed to the stronger effect of anthropogenic pollution effect.

Evaluating the performance of coupled MFC-MEC with graphite felt/MWCNTs polyscale electrode in landfill leachate treatment, and bioelectricity and biogas production.

PURPOSE: A bioelectricity producing system was configured by connecting to a microbial electrolysis cell producing hydrogen, in which both systems were without mediator, to treatment the landfill leachate of the and generate bioelectricity and hydrogen. METHODS: The anode electrode was made with MWCNTs polyscale coating on graphite felt and the cathode electrode with activated carbon coating on carbon cloth. In the MFC-MEC coupled system, the electrodes were connected in series using copper wire. The system was set up in a fed-batch mode and the landfill synthetic leachate was injected into the anode MFC-MEC chamber as fuel. RESULTS: In MFC, the highest voltage, current density and power density were 1114 mV, 44.2A/m3 and 49.24 W/m3, respectively. The maximum of the coulombic efficiency system was 94.10%. The highest removed COD, NH4-N and P was 97.38%, 79.56% and 74.61%, respectively. In the MEC, the maximum of voltage input, current density and power density was 1106 mV, 43.88 A/m3and 48.54 W/m3, respectively. The maximum coulombic efficiency system was 125.54%. Also the highest removed COD, NH4-N and P was 97.46%, 78.81% and 76.25%, respectively. The highest biogas production rate and its yield were 39 mL/L.d, and 0.0118 L/g CODrem, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study found that the MFC-MEC coupled system had promising potential for strong wastewaters treatment, such as the leachate of landfill; and the in-site use of generated electricity and the production of useful fuels such as biogas.

The effects of ventilation and building characteristics on indoor air quality in waterpipe cafés.

To determine the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PMs), indoor air samples were collected from 60 waterpipe cafés in Ardabil city of Iran. Moreover, the influence of several structural, operational, and ventilation system were evaluated on the concentration of the selected pollutants. The results showed that the mean concentration of CO (12.0 ± 7.2 mg/m3) and PMs (PM1 = 171.5 ± 119.6 µg/m3, PM2.5 = 303.3 ± 201.9 µg/m3, PM10 = 440.3 ± 272.2 µg/m3) were notably higher than the guideline levels. According to the results, open face/café area was influenced by the natural ventilation rate and the mean air exchange rate was 3.1 ± 1.1 min-1. The natural ventilation has a functional role on air quality of the cafes, and fan-type mechanical ventilation was influencing factor on CO concentration when the natural ventilation was restricted. "Type of used charcoal" had the highest influence on the releasing of pollutants inside the cafés as the pollutant concentrations were lower for simple (raw) charcoal compared with the favored (aromatic) one. The results indicated that the building characteristics and natural ventilation considerably affect air quality of the cafes.

The acute effects of short term exposure to particulate matter from natural and anthropogenic sources on inflammation and coagulation markers in healthy young adults.

Airborne particulate matter is associated with increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between air pollution conditions and MDA, vWF, and fibrinogen markers in the blood of two panels of healthy young individuals in an urban area in Tehran city with a high air pollution background and another group was living in a rural area (Ahmad Abad Mostofi), with a low air pollution background. In each group, 4 blood samples were taken as follows: one in inversion days, the second in winter, but during the existence of normal condition in terms of air pollution, the third sample in the spring during the normal condition in terms of air pollution and the fourth sample during the dust storm conditions. In the urban and rural groups, there was a significant difference between the concentration of MDA, vWF, fibrinogen between inversion and cold season control conditions, and between dust storm conditions and warm season control conditions (p < 0.05). The results showed that the association of dust storm condition on the measured biomarkers was stronger than the inversion condition, which health consideration in the dust conditions be taken into account similar to the inversion conditions.