Potentially toxic metal concentration,spatial distribution,and health risk assessment in drinking groundwater resources of southeast Iran

In this study, the concentration and spatial distribution of potentially toxic metals(PTMs), including arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd), chromium(Cr), lead(Pb), copper(Cu), iron(Fe), manganese(Mn), and magnesium(Mg) in 23 wells and drinking groundwater distribution networks of Rafsanjan, located in southeast Iran were evaluated. Moreover, the assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks was estimated by Monte Carlo simulation(MCS). The results showed that the concentrations of As and Pb in more than 99% and 23.46% of the study area, respectively, were higher than the maximum concentration level(10 μg/L). The mean concentration of other metals, including Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Mn in all drinking water resources was within the WHO standard level. The mean hazard quotient(HQ) for As in the age group of children was 9.246 and adults 2.972, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As in the study area. The lifetime cancer risk(LTCR) of As was 1.36 E-3 for adults and 1.52 E-2 for children, indicating high non-carcinogenic risk of As. The level of HQ and LTCR for Pb in both age groups was in the acceptable range. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the most effective variables were pollutant concentration and body weight(BW), respectively. Finally, it can be concluded that exposure to PTMs, especially As through drinking water in the study area can have significant effects on people’s health living in the area;therefore, it is necessary to treat and remove As from groundwater resources before drinking or using for domestic purpose.

Mothers’ Knowledge of Health Caring for Premature Infants after Discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.

Spatial analysis of animal bites in Iran(2015-2020):A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the distribution pattern of animal bites in Mirjaveh,Iran from 2015 to 2020.Methods:The data on animal bites were collected from the Department of Infectious Diseases,the provincial health center.Monthly climatic data on precipitation and temperature during the study period were also collected.The correlation between incidence and temperature,precipitation rate,land type,and altitude was also analyzed.Results:The results showed that men were more affected by animal bites than women(76.4%,P<0.001),and the highest incidence rate occurred in the age group of 5-19 years.The incidence rate of animal bites was found to be correlated with temperature and altitude.An increase in temperature was associated with a rise in the incidence rate of animal bites.The number of animal bites increased until 2019,possibly due to an increase in the number of dogs in the area.Conclusions:Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce the incidence of animal bites,particularly among children,housewives,and students.Improving access to appropriate treatments,increasing public awareness of the hazards of animal bites,and increasing the number of vaccinated dogs in the area are essential strategies to be considered.

Application of dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) plasma packed with glass and ceramic pellets for SO_2 removal at ambient temperature: optimization and modeling using response surface methodology

Air pollution is a major health problem in developing countries and has adverse effects on human health and the environment. Non-thermal plasma is an effective air pollution treatment technology. In this research, the performance of a dielectric barrier discharge(DBD) plasma reactor packed with glass and ceramic pellets was evaluated in the removal of SO_2 as a major air pollutant from air in ambient temperature. The response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of three key parameters(concentration of gas, gas flow rate, and voltage) as well as their simultaneous effects and interactions on the SO2 removal process. Reduced cubic models were derived to predict the SO_2 removal efficiency(RE) and energy yield(EY). Analysis of variance results showed that the packed-bed reactors(PBRs) studied were more energy efficient and had a high SO2 RE which was at least four times more than that of the non-packed reactor. Moreover, the results showed that the performance of ceramic pellets was better than that of glass pellets in PBRs. This may be due to the porous surface of ceramic pellets which allows the formation of microdischarges in the fine cavities of a porous surface when placed in a plasma discharge zone. The maximum SO_2 RE and EY were obtained at 94% and 0.81 g kWh^(-1),respectively under the optimal conditions of a concentration of gas of 750 ppm, a gas flow rate of 2lmin^(-1), and a voltage of 18 kV, which were achieved by the DBD plasma packed with ceramic pellets. Finally, the results of the model's predictions and the experiments showed good agreement.

Phenol Removal from Aqueous Solutions by Electrocoagulation Technology Using Iron Electrodes:Effect of Some Variables

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of electrocoagulation technology using iron electrodes on phenol removal in aqueous solutions. The removal of phenol was investigated in terms of various parameters, namely, current density, phenol and NaCl concentration, pH, and alginic acid concentration. The results showed that the removal efficiency of phenol increased with increasing the current density, pH and NaCl concentration, whereas it was inversely associated with initial concentration of phenol and alginic acid concentration. According to the results, electrocoagulation is a promising process for treatment of wastewater containing high concentration of phenol.

Comparison of Using an Electronic System and Conventional Monitoring Method for Monitoring the Quality of Drinking Water and Defects Discovery in Rural Area Water Distribution Network of Abarkouh, Iran

The used water for human consumption must be free of microorganisms and chemicals that cause risk in the human health. In this study, water quality of 18 rural area of Abarkouh was determined and compared the conventional monitoring method (According to ISIR (Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran), 1053 and 4208) and use of electronic system method (Patent in industrial property general office of Iran, 77815). Free chlorine monitoring and pH test done by health workers in the conventional method and the results will be sent to the Health Network monthly. Sampling for microbiological testing is done monthly based on population (According to ISIR, 4208). On the electronic system, the procedure is also done by health workers, but the result will be sent to the receiver device by using a cell phone. According to the chlorine test results if the free chlorine residual reported zero, microbiological sampling was done by a health expert. Finally, the number of chlorine test and microbiological sampling and the results of these experiments collected in the both methods and recorded in SPSS 22 then were analyzed by using chi-square test and Fisher exact test. The result of microbiological experiments shows that the sampling rate decreased 29% in using of electronic system method in comparison to the conventional monitoring method while the number of microbial defect detection increased 19% in drinking water networks monitoring by electronic system. Using of electronic system monitoring can reduce the rate and cost of microbiological sampling and its experiments and increase accuracy of these tests, in this way it will increase the quality and safety of drinking water in distribution network in small and dispersed rural communities.

Enhanced removal of benzene in nonthermal plasma with ozonation, flow recycling, and flow recirculation

A double stage AC/DC sequential high voltage reactor has been developed to study the decomposition of benzene in the air stream at atmospheric pressure. The removal efficiency was measured as a function of ozonation, flow recycling, and flow recirculation. Ozonation in the inlet, and recycling of the exhaust stream increased the removal of benzene, also with increasing of specific input energy(J l^-1) the effect of inlet flow ozonation on benzene decomposition was enhanced. The highest removal efficiency was obtained up to >99% in recirculation six times,while CO2 selectivity reached 99.9% and energy efficiency was 0.59 g kWh^-1. O3 production/decomposition > production of OH radicals > electronic and ionic collisions were indicated as the main mechanisms influencing benzene abatement in this research.

The occurrence,fate,and distribution of natural and synthetic hormones in different types of wastewater treatment plants in Iran

Over the past few years, the presence of steroid estrogens in the environment has become a major concern. In this study, the concentrations of estrone （El）, 17β-estradinl （E2）, and 17α-ethinyl estradiol （EE2） were measured in some wastewater treatment plants （WWTPs） in lran. These samples were collected from the municipal, rural, livestock, commercial, and hospital WWTPs, extracted by dispersive liquid-liquid micro extraction （DLLME） technique, derivatized, and detected by GC/MS. In these treatment plants, various processes including conven- tional activated sludge （CAS）, aerated lagoon （AL）, moving bed biofilm reactor （MBBR）, and activated sludge with wetland （AS ＋ WL） are used. The highest concentration of hormones was observed in the influents and effluents of livestock, municipal, commercial, and hospital WWTPs, respectively. The maximum elimination rate was obtained in MBBR followed by AS ＋ WL CAS and AL The biodegradation and adsorption rates along with adsorption coefficients of 1g kd and 1g koc were measured for all target compounds.

Potentially Toxic Element Concentration in Fruits Collected from Markazi Province(Iran): A Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the concentration of potentially toxic elements(PTEs)such as arsenic(As),cadmium(Cd),mercury(Hg),and lead(Pb)in fruit samples collected from Markazi Province,Iran.A probabilistic health risk assessment due to ingestion of PTEs through the consumption of these fruits was also conducted.Methods The concentration of PTEs in 90 samples of five types of fruits(n=3)collected from six geographic regions in Markazi Province was measured.The potential health risk was evaluated using a Monte Carlo simulation model.Results A significant difference was observed in the concentration of PTEs between fruits as well as soil and water samples collected from different regions in Markazi Province.The order of PTE concentration in the soil and water samples was as follows:Pb>As>Hg>Cd.Furthermore,the highest level of transfer factor for Cd and Hg correlated with the grape.The estimated daily intake for adults and children was lower than the recommended tolerable daily intake.Conclusion The population in Markazi Province,Iran,is not at considerable noncarcinogenic or carcinogenic risk due to the ingestion of PTEs through the consumption of the examined fruits.

Improving the Sound Absorption Properties of Flexible Polyurethane (PU) Foam using Nanofibers and Nanoparticles

Polyurethane foam as the most well-known absorbent materials has a suitable absorption coefficient only within a limited frequency range.The aim of this study was to improve the sound absorption coefficient of flexible polyurethane(PU)foam within the range of various frequencies using clay nanoparticles,polyacrylonitrile nanofibers,and polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers.The response surface method was used to determine the effect of addition of nanofibers of PAN and PVDF,addition of clay nanoparticles,absorbent thickness,and air gap on the sound absorption coefficient of flexible polyurethane foam(PU)across different frequency ranges.The absorption coefficient of the samples was measured using Impedance Tubes device.Nano clay at low thicknesses as well as polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and polyvinyl fluoride nanofibers at higher thicknesses had a greater positive effect on absorption coefficient.The mean sound absorption coefficient in the composite with the highest absorption coefficient at middle and high frequencies was 0.798 and 0.75,respectively.In comparison with pure polyurethane foam with the same thickness and air gap,these values were 2.22 times at the middle frequencies and 1.47 times at high frequencies,respectively.Surface porosity rose with increasing nano clay,but decreased with increasing polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and polyvinyl fluoride nanofibers.The results indicated that the absorption coefficient was elevated with increasing the thickness and air gap.This study suggests that the use of a combination of nanoparticles and nanofibers can enhance the acoustic properties of flexible polyurethane foam.

Biodegradation of natural and synthetic estrogens in moving bed bioreactor

Estrogen hormones as a group of endocrine disruptive compounds （EDC） can interfere with endocrine system in humans and animals. The goal of this study was to investigate the elimination rate of Estrone （El）, 17β-estradiol （E2） and 17α-ethinyl estradiol （EE2） in Moving Bed Bioreactor （MBBR）. These analytes extracted by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction （DLLME） technique, followed by derivatization, and detected by GC/MS. Estrogen removal efficiency in MBBR improved at high solid retention times （SRTs）, which notion is owing to development ofnitrification. Estrogenspecificremovalratewasbetween 0,22-1.45μg.（gVSS） 1.d -1 for natural and synthetic hormones. The adsorption rate was 0.9%-3.2% 0-1.3%, and 0.7%-5.7% for E1, E2, and EE2, respectively. In addition, the biodegradation rates were more than 95% for these compounds. These results illustrated that in MBBR, the hiodegradation and the adsorption to biomass are considered as two significant routes for elimination of estrogenic compounds. As a whole, the deterioration rate of estrogens enhanced by MBBR compared to other biological wastewater treatment processes such as conventional activated sludge.

Evaluation of the effects of Alkyl Phenolic compounds on kinetic coefficients and biomass activity in MBBR by means of respirometric techniques

The presence of Alkyl Phenols(APs) in aquatic systems is considered as one of the environmental concerns in recent decades which are generally used as surfactants. APs are endocrine disruptors and estrogen-mimicking,causing harmful effects such as feminization and carcinogenesis on aquatic environment and human health.The most commercially important APs are 4-Nonyl Phenol(4-NP) and 4-tert-OctylP henol(4-t-OP). Moving bed biofilm reactor(MBBR), which combined attached and suspended growth advantages, is an advanced biological treatment process for municipal and industrial wastewaters that has drawn considerable attention from many researchers to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater. The aim of this research was to evaluate Bacterial activities and kinetic coefficients in the presence of APs. This study was carried out using laboratory-scale MBBR fed with synthetic wastewater containing 4-NP and 4-t-OP. The reactor was operated at different loads of chemical oxygen demand(COD) and APs and different hydraulic retention time(HRT). The respirometric technique was applied to investigate the effect of APs on heterotrophic and autotrophic activity and kinetic coefficients in biomass obtained from MBBR. Respirometric technique demonstrates a reliable tool in order to assess the biofilm kinetic coefficients and biomass viability to insert in the mathematical models. The calculated kinetic parameters were in the range of conventional and extended aeration activated sludge processes. The results demonstrate that APs have significant inhibitory effects on activity and growth rate of heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria, heterotrophs have been less affected by the presence of 4-NP and 4-t-OP, and these compounds had greater inhibitory effects on autotrophic bacteria.

Investigation and evaluation of ultrasound reactor for reduction of fungi from sewage

The objective of the investigation was to study the application of ultrasound reactor technology (USRT) as a disin-fectant for reduction of fungi from sewage effluent. Fungi are carbon heterotrophs that require preformed organic compounds as carbon sources. USRT is an attractive means to improve water quality because of the system simplicity and no production of toxic by-products. An ultrasound reactor produces strong cavitation in aqueous solution causing shock waves and reactive free radicals by the violent collapse of the cavitation bubble. These effects should contribute to the physical disruption of microbial structures and inactivation of organisms. There was significant reduction in fungal growth, with decreased fungal growth with increasing USRT. In this study, ultrasound irradiation at a frequency of 42 kHz was used to expose suspensions of fungi to evaluate the disinfection efficacy of the ultrasound reactor. Also, this study showed that in this system more than 99% reduction of sewage fungi was achieved after 60 min.

Concerns, performance, and awareness of people when experiencing haze and dust storms in Kermanshah

This study investigated the concerns and awareness of people in Kermanshah when haze and dust storms occur and also discussed the people’s performance during occurring and diffusion of this phenomenon. This descriptive-analytic study was done by component questionnaire and its sustainability and validity have been verified. The sample size of the statistical population of Kermanshah was selected as 400 people while it was considered that the population of the city was approximately 1 million people. The results showed that 77% of the participants in the study suffered from respiratory problems when the haze occurred. A total of 85.5% of the respondents in the present study believed that the precipitation rate had a direct effect to reduce haze. Also, 85% of the people with heart disorder had health problems during the haze. 63.3% of all participants had to use medical services when the haze occurred. However, 77.3% of participants were unaware of the necessary actions of the authorities when the haze occurred. Most of the studied people acknowledged that they obtained information about the negative effects of dust storms and the methods of reducing the effects to their health through broadcasting.

Investigating the potential of using acoustic frequency on the degradation of linear alkylbenzen sulfonates from aqueous solution

The effectiveness of using acoustical （sonochemical） reactor for degradation of linear alkylbenzen sulfonate （LAS） from aqueous solution was investigated. LASs are anionic surfactants, found in relatively high amounts in domestic and industrial wastewaters. In this study, experiments on LAS solution were performed using methylene blue active substances （MBAS） method. The effectiveness of acoustical processor reactor for LAS degradation is evaluated with emphasis on the effect of treatment time and initial LAS concentration. Experiments were performed at initial concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 mg/L, acoustic frequency of 130 kHz, applied power of 500 W and temperature of 18℃-20℃. At the conditions involved, LAS degradation was found to increase with increasing sonochemical time. In addition, as the concentration increased, the LAS degradation rate decreased in the acoustical processor reactor.

Study of non-revenue water status and enforcement measures to reduce water loss:case study in villages of Kermanshah Province of Iran

In this study, the volume and the cash value of water loss, and reduction of water loss as a result of enforcement action during 2011-2013 in the drinking water network of villages in Kermanshah Province, tran, have been investigated. Date collected by referring to the different parts of rural water and waste water company of Kermanshah Province and checklist were completed. The study showed the volume of produced water and sold water has increased and the water loss percentage has decreased. High cost of water production compared to revenue of sold water and water loss resulted in significant detriments in terms of the water production costs. Water loss level decreased from 33% to 30% as result of measures taken to reduce water loss but, it is still 15% higher than the world average level. Also the reduction in number of water resources and increase in the number and volume of reservoirs indicates a lack of water and a growing need. As result of high water loss, waste of costs in the contrast of water production cost and also because physical water loss accounts for most of the water loss of villages, necessary measures can be effective in reducing loss and have economic justification.

An Investigation of Radiation Protection Status in Radiology Centers of Kurdistan in 2014-2015

Using personal protective equipment (PPE) properly and following available rules and regulations in the field of ionizing radiation protection can significantly decrease these harms. If these equipment and facilities are not available in diagnostic radiation centers or are not used properly, radiographers’ and people’s health will be jeopardized. To date, no study has examined the protective condition against radiation in diagnostic radiation centers of Kurdistan province. The present study, therefore, was an attempt to address this gap. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014-2015 among 35 diagnostic radiation centers of Kurdistan. Data were collected through a checklist (which was developed based on the available radiation protection laws), a survey for patients and their caregivers, and insite observation and dosimetry. The radiation health expert of the province proceeded to each of the radiology centers personally. Upon arrival to each center, he informed health physics officials of the centers about the study and collected data through observation, interview, and the checklist. On the other hand, in order to examine radiation leakage in different modes of imaging session, dosimetry was conducted by the use of an environmental dosimeter (Fluke 451 manufactured in the United States). The collected data were analyzed through Excel. It was found that in 67.3% of the cases, there was personal protective equipment for patients and their caregivers (robes, thyroid strap, gonadal shield, glasses, and lead gloves). Furthermore, this equipment and other physical holders were used for patients and their caregivers in 75.7% of the cases. This rate was 87.6% for pregnant women. In addition, we found that around 94% of the personnel went through medical examinations every six or twelve months, a rate that was much higher than that found in Nohi’s study. When it comes to improving the indices of protection against radiation in radiation centers, it seems that adding the proposed items in this study to the present data collection form (form 110 used for urban areas) or designing a new form will change the attitude toward the concept of protection. This will highlight the importance of this topic and will result in decision makers’ more serious attempts to promote the protection condition.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)Contamination of High-touch Surfaces in Field Settings

The World Health Organization declared Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)a public health emergency of international concern(PHEIC)[1].Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2),the etiological agent of COVID-19,is an enveloped,single-stranded,positive-sense RNA coronavirus.Like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS)and Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS),the causative agent of COVID-19belongs to theβ-genus of the coronavirus family and has a genome sequence with an 82%similarity to that of SARS[1,2].Therefore,research on human coronaviruses,especially SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV,could be useful for predicting likely environmental fate and subsequent risks of SARS-CoV-2[1].

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Urban Litter

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the composition and quantity of municipal solid waste has become a serious environmental concern[1].For example,the change in the quantity of medical waste has been one of the definitive consequences of the pandemic.In the pre-pandemic period.

Environmental impact prediction using remote sensing images

Environmental impact prediction is an important step in many environmental studies. A wide variety of methods have been developed in this concern. During this study, remote sensing images were used for environmental impact prediction in Ro-batkarim area, Iran, during the years of 2005～2007. It was assumed that environmental impact could be predicted using time series satellite imageries. Natural vegetation cover was chosen as a main environmental element and a case study. Environmental impacts of the regional development on natural vegetation of the area were investigated considering the changes occurred on the extent of natural vegetation cover and the amount of biomass. Vegetation data, land use and land cover classes (as activity factors) within several years were prepared using satellite images. The amount of biomass was measured by Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on satellite images. The resulted biomass estimates were tested by the paired samples t-test method. No significant difference was observed between the average biomass of estimated and control samples at the 5% significance level. Finally, regression models were used for the environmental impacts prediction. All obtained regression models for prediction of impacts on natural vegetation cover show values over 0.9 for both correlation coefficient and R-squared. According to the resulted methodology, the prediction models of projects and plans impacts can also be developed for other environmental elements which may be derived using time series remote sensing images.