فهرست مطالب حمیدرضا عظیم زاده

In the last 30 years, many forests have been destroyed in the Zagros region of Iran. Afforestation is necessary to reduce the pressure on the natural forests. Forest plantation and protection should be at the center of conservation efforts, significantly since plantations can offset the negative impact of climate change and be effective in absorbing atmospheric pollutants and helping to improve air quality. This research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the success of afforestation with the mountain almond (Amygdalus scoparia Spach.) in Arjan (Amygdalus elaeagnifolia Spach.) habitats of Jamal Beyg, Fars province and its effect on the understory vegetation, especially herbal species and soil. Comparing Arjan with mountain almond can provide additional information, to know the conditions of the native species in the region and the planted species, and it is a kind of comparative mode. In fact, evaluating the success and quantifying the ecological effects of the afforestation carried out by the executive organizations, which has been done at great expense, can guide managers for better decision-making. As no study has been done in this area yet, this research is the first one that quantifies the results of almond plantations in the Jamal Beyg region.

In order to check the percentage of survival and according to the budget and facilities, since the plantation rows were very long, three rows of planted shrubs in the Jamal Beyg region of Euclid in Fars province were randomly selected and the number of empty planting holes was counted. There are naturally but rarely shrubs such as Arjan (Amygdalus elaeagnifolia Spach.). In order to evaluate the existing vegetation, after initial sampling and based on the adequacy of the sample, 30 circular sample plots of 1000 square meters were taken in the form of a random-regular grid with dimensions of 100×100 meters. In the sample plots, the density of shrubs, their crow width, and survival, as well as the frequency of regeneration were measured. In order to check the number of species present in the plantation and control areas, at the end of May and the beginning of June 2021, all the plant species in the sample plots were identified or after they were collected and transferred to the herbarium, with the help of photos taken in the field, were identified. The life form and biological form of plant species were determined using the Raunkiaer system. Some physical and chemical characteristics of the soil such as texture, percentage of organic matter, phosphorus, EC, and pH amount were also measured and compared with the control area in the vicinity of the range which has similar topographical characteristics without afforestation operation. Due to the non-normality of the data distribution and the failure of various transformations, the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare two species of Arjan and mountain almond in terms of density, regeneration frequency, and crown area.

The survival rate of the plantation was 95 %, and the plantation area had a density of 342 trees per hectare, which created a canopy cover of five percent. The regeneration density of mountain almond and Arjan species was estimated to be 90 individuals and 4.5 individuals per ha, respectively. Afforestation with the mountain almond species in this area has increased the number of herbaceous species in such a way that there were 18 plant species belonging to 13 families in the afforestation area while 12 plant species belonging to eight families in the control area (without plantation area). In terms of canopy area, there was no significant difference between the two species of mountain almond and Arjan. In terms of regeneration density, there was a significant difference between the mountain almond and Arjan, and the regeneration density of the mountain almond was significantly higher than Arjan. The amount of organic matter (1.62), nitrogen (3.89), and phosphorus (11.02) of the soil in the afforestation area was higher than control area, and the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N) in the afforestation area (0.46) was lower than control area.

The results of this research indicate the significant success of mountain almond afforestation in the Jamal Beyg region, Fars province. Afforestation in this area has increased organic matter and also the number of herbal species. The existence of a significant natural regeneration of the mountain almond indicates that the stand is on the true way of its succession. In order to control the grass cover and prevent fires, it is better to do light grazing in the spring season in the stands. Also, if there is a history of the presence of Pistacia atlantica in the area, planting its seeds or seedlings under the shelter of existing shrubs will help the stability of the stand. It is suggested that sufficient research be carried out to determine the appropriate method for determining the age of shrubs in such a way that natural regeneration can be separated from planted shrubs. The main goal of initializing a seed garden is to produce the modified seeds of the desired forest species in abundance, cheap, continuous, and easily accessible, far from the reach of unwanted pollen and with better genetic quality and quantity. To select suitable genotypes of a species in terms of traits such as resistance to drought stress, the genomic selection method can be used. Jamal Beyg aforestation is a valuable seed garden for future plantation. Considering the significant survival of mountain almonds and the possibility of natural reproduction, it is suggested to use this nurse species in the restoration of similar fields in the study area. Considering the effect of mountain almond afforestation in improving the soil properties of the region, it is suggested to give more importance to bioengineering operations and stabilization of slopes with this shrub in the Fars Province watersheds. As this afforestation has supported herbal species richness, it is suggested that the results of afforestation be explained to rural communities so that they are encouraged to preserve and protect forest plantations.

located in the dry belt of the earth, Iran has more than 164 million hectares of drylands. As the rate of wind erosion has significantly increased in recent years, applying sand dunes' stabilization methods seems essential. Therefore, this study sought to identify the soil bacteria affecting the microbial-induced carbonate precipitation and evaluate different amounts of potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) as a cheap solution for stabilizing sand dunes.

To investigate the possibility of sand dunes' stabilization via industrial wastewater and soil microorganisms, two experiments were designed and performed in 2019 at Yazd University. The first experiment was performed to screen the soil bacteria in those Iran's desert areas with the highest ability to hydrolyze urea. The tested bacteria included four bacterial isolates from the Eshtehard desert, six bacterial isolates from Iran's central desert, and Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria. The second test was performed to evaluate the stabilization of sand dunes as a two-factor factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor included the use of mulch at 0.5, 1, 2 and, 1/3 soil saturation (SP) levels. The second factor was the mulch type that was examined in eight levels: no bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Sporosarcina pasteurii, Phormidium tenue, Oscillatoria tenuis, b4, distilled water, and potash wastewater (SSR400 solution). Data analysis and statistical calculations were performed using SASV9 and EXCEL software. Also, the mean comparison was performed by the protected LSD test at a 5% probability level.

The results of the urea hydrolysis ability test showed that the bacteria in urea hydrolysis had a significant difference in the level of one percent probability. Comparison of the mean results suggested that Sporosarcina pasteurii with an average of 3223.3 μs/min of electrical conductivity (EC) had the highest ability to hydrolyze urea. In the next rank, the bacteria isolated from the Eshtehard desert's soil (b2) with 2421.3 μs/min of electrical conductivity and the bacteria (b4) with 2072.3 micro Siemens per minute belonged to Iranian central deserts' soil. Moreover, the results of comparing b2 bacterium's 16S rRNA sequence with other bacteria in the NCBI gene bank's database indicated that the ribosomal RNA sequence of the 16S b2 isolate was 99% similar to the sequences of Pseudomonas fluorescens. On the other hand, the analysis of the variance of the second experiment's data showed that the type and amount of mulch application and the interaction of the two had a significant effect at the level of 1% probability on compressive strength and tuber diameter, making the particle's percentage greater than 0.84 mm. Following the application of Sporosarcina pasteurii at the rate of 1/3 soil saturation, the highest compressive strength and the highest percentage of particles larger than 0.84mm were observed to be 4.4 kg/cm2 and 97.5%, respectively. Moreover, the compressive strength of potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) and Pseudomonas fluorescens after applying 1/3 soil saturation was 3.88 and 3.85 kg/cm2, respectively. The highest tuber's diameter at a rate of 5.5 cm was obtained with the application of potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) at a rate of 1/3 of soil saturation. Also, the tube's diameter after applying potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) at the rate of 2 and 1 Lit/m2 was found to be 4.99 and 4.11 cm, respectively. Also, applying Pseudomonas fluorescens and potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) in 1/3 soil saturation led to the creation of 96.4% and 94.4% of particles larger than 0.84 mm, respectively.

The study's results showed that those bacteria with a high ability to hydrolyze urea and deposit calcium carbonate could play an influential role in increasing soil firmness. It was also found that the properties of the calcium, magnesium chloride and calcium nitrate in the potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) increased the adhesion of soil' particles and the soil's stabilization. These solutions increased the surface tension of the soil and strengthened the bond between the soil's particles. Moreover, the calcium ion in potash wastewater (SSR400 solution) effectively softened soil's colloids and reduced erosion.Generally, the qualitative urea hydrolysis test results indicated that while Sporosarcina pasteurii had a high ability in the hydrolysis of urea and the sand dunes' biological stabilization-related traits, Pseudomonas fluorescens was less able in these regards. Moreover, as a mineral mulch, wastewater (SSR400 solution) showed an excellent ability to stabilize sand dunes. However, it should be noted that the very high salinity of this solution can cause many problems in desert lands. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the solution's salinity before recommending it as mulch. Also, as the application of 1/3 soil saturation increased stabilization in all mulch types, it could be argued that increasing the volume of mulch application per square meter can improve the stabilization of sand dunes. However, due to the limitations of using mulch in desert lands, including water shortages and the difficulty of transporting such solutions to desert areas, applying less amount of the selected mulch may improve soil erosion.

Background & objectives:

Air pollution is considered as an ultrastructural element in urban transportation systems and as an important indicator of human health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the PM10 pollution range of two main highways of Ardakan city and determine the contribution of these highways in health risk of their surrounding residents due to exposure to these pollutants by modeling methods.

This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted on two highways of Meybod Ardakan and Ardakan Nain. IVE and AERMOD models were used for estimation of emission rate of PM10 in four seasons of the year, and also dispersion and exposure rates to PM10.The information required to run the models was collected by observational statistics, information from the police research center and the meteorological research center of Yazd province. By identifying six PM10 exposure groups in the pollution range of these two highways, health risk assessment was performed using the proposed USEPA relationships.

In four seasons of the year, the mean and maximum concentration of PM10 of Meybod Ardakan highway were predicted more than Ardakan Nain highway. Although the minimum dispersion concentration of PM10 of Ardakan Nain Highway was lower than that of Meybod Ardakan, the pollutant limit of this highway (1, 24 hours and annually) was more predicted. Among the six groups exposed to PM10 in all time intervals, the highest exposure rate was belonged to Ardakan Nain road police station and the least to residents of Torkabad Village (1 hour) and Shahid Paydar Park (8, 24 hours and annually). Cancer and non-cancerous risk exposure to PM10 was estimated in acceptable range in all age groups and categories.

With the modeling method used, the contribution of the two investigated highways in predicting the health risk of surrounding residents was within the acceptable range.

Dust is one of the phenomena of atmospheric and natural disasters that poses adverse environmental effects and impacts. Due to the wide distribution of dust, this phenomenon can also change the soil and its biology trends. Typically, dust particles have a diameter of less than 100 microns, which can be transmitted horizontally or vertically to the ground after miles. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of dust falling and heavy metals lead and cadmium concentrations in dust samples to evaluate these elements is the urban pollution.

In this study, samples were collected using mild sediment trap for six months. A total of 180 samples were collected. Samples were weighed accurately using a scale of 0.001 g. The analysis of samples was performed using ISO11466. The samples were extracted by the Institute of Water and Soil Research, and the concentration of heavy metals was measured by the atomic absorption spectrometry of the Analyti jena-951 model.

The results showed that in the winter of March and in the spring of June, the highest rate of dust was observed. The mean lead concentration in winter was 97.32 ± 5.40 mg.kg and 90.16 ± 5.93 mg.kg in spring. Also, the average cadmium concentration in winter was 37.19 ± 3.60 mg.kg and 29.62 ± 2.42 mg.kg in the spring. According to the pollution index (PI), the level of contamination of lead is high in the floor, however, according to this index, cadmium contamination in both seasons is more than the level of contamination of lead and is higher than the limit, which is the risk index The ecology of cadmium, with an average of 1673.98 and 1333.03, also confirms this and is in the hazardous area of contamination. Also, the ecological risk of lead metal in winter was 18.14 ± 1.01 and in the spring with a mean of 16.91 ± 1.11 in the low pollution class. According to the values obtained for the pollution load index (PLI), this contamination rate is Cdwinte r˃Cdspring˃Pbwinter˃Pbsprin, and both of these elements are highly polluted in the classroom.

The results of statistical calculations and contamination levels indicate that the amount of dust pollution to lead and cadmium is higher than most of the calculated indices in the classes with high to high contamination.Therefore, these elements have been brought into the environment as a result of human activities and have less natural origin.

Urban traffic, while affecting human health, causes physiological and biochemical changes in plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioaccumulation potential of Pb and Cd and assess air pollution tolerance index for a number of plants grown high traffic areas of Yazd.

This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was performed in both control and high traffic areas of Yazd city by random sampling of trees, shrub and herb species. After transferring the samples to laboratory, relative water content, pH of leaf extract, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid content (the factors for calculating APTI) in plants were measured using standard methods. Furtheremore, Pb and Cd concentrations were measured to find their relation with APTI index in plants. All statistical analysis, including Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, ANOVA, Duncan test and Pearson correlation coefficient between the studied parameters, were performed in SPSS software version 22.

The highest relative water content (84.73%) and ascorbic acid (5.98 mg/g) were measured in contaminated area for Canna indica and Rosa damascena, respectively. Also, the highest acidity (7.01) and total chlorophyll (1.48 mg/g) in the control area were measured for Verbena hybrida and Ligustrum vulgar, respectively. The highest air pollution tolerance values were recorded in Rosa damascena and Ligustrum vulgar. Moreover, the results obtained showed that APTI index was positively and significantly correlated to Pb, ascorbic acid and relative water content.

According to the classification of air pollution tolerance index, two species of Rosa damascena and Ligustrum vulgar exhibited moderately tolerant to traffic pollutant. Therefore, based on ecological requirements of these two species, they can be used to develop green spaces in high-traffic areas of Yazd.  This study showed that Pb increased physiological response of the studied plants, while the plants did not exhibit a significant physiological response to the Cd element. The results also showed that the relative water content and ascorbic acid were more important in the air pollution tolerance index than other factors.

Heavy metals in falling dust are known pathogens for humans. The aim of this study was to identify potential sources, availability assessment, and degree of contamination of heavy metals in falling dust using SDM, CF, ER, and PERI indices.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in autumn by installing 35 samplers of artificial grass to collect falling dust around Khak-e-chini, ceramic tile, sand and gravel, and Ardakan Glass industries. Heavy metals concentration in dust was measured using ICP-MS. All statistical analyses and calculations of indices were performed in SPSS 22 and Excel 2016.

The order of mean concentration of elements in the dust was manganese> vanadium> chromium> nickel> copper> arsenic> cobalt. Comparison of the concentration of dust elements with the background concentration and the results of principal component analysis and correlation tests showed that the concentration of all metals in the dust is probably influenced by two man-made sources in the area. The highest and lowest saturation degrees obtained were for manganese and cobalt, respectively. Based on the CF index, the manganese, cobalt, and vanadium were in low, medium, and high levels of pollution, respectively. Also, Arsenic, chromium, and nickel were classified in medium to high and copper in low to high classes. According to ERP and PERI indices, all heavy metals were classified in low pollution class.

The investigated industries in this study have an important role in increasing the concentration and mobility of heavy metals in falling dust.

Application of air quality models in Health Risk Assessment system has been defined as an effective tool in assess the human population exposure to environmental harmful factors. The present study was conducted to aim of health risk assessment of respiratory exposure to PM10 Emitted from Depos of primary materials and waste a number of Non-metallic minerals industries by Modeling method.

In this descriptive study, first to Field visits and laboratory measurements was obtained the information needed for SWEEP model to estimate PM10 emission rate from depos of Tile and Ceramic, Khak-e-chini and glass industries. Then, with the introduction of meteorological information to AERMET, the digital elevation model to AERMAP, the emission rate and the geometric dimensions of the pollutant sources to AERMOD, simulated the values of exposure to PM10 in the affected population. The chemical composition of the depos was determined using ICP-MS. Subsequently, using the EPA suggested relationships was estimated the risk of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic exposure to PM10.

According to the simulation results of SWEEP model, the highest PM10 emission was estimated for the Tile and Ceramic depo. The highest concentration maximum of 1, 8, and 24 h of PM10 simulated were 8840, 1967, and 1272 µg/m3, respectively. The highest average respiratory exposure of 1 (52.53), 8 (11.64), 24 (5.85 µg/m3) hour to PM10 was estimated for Sand and Gravel processing plant staff. The highest percentage of chemical compounds in depos was for silica. Accordingly, the carcinogenicity risk (ILCR) of exposure to PM10 was predicted less than 10-4 and non- carcinogenicity risk (HQ) less than one.

Although numerical values of risk were predicted in the permissible limit, but to creating Surface rock on the depo industries can reduce the emission of PM10.

Feathers as an excellent way to monitor trace metals in the environment from the 1960s have already been used. The aim of this study is using feather of laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) as an indicator of urban environmental pollution.

The concentration of Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Zinc were evaluated from 58 laughing dove's feather samples from 19 different locations within the city of Yazd. Chemical digestion and atomic absorption spectrometer was used for measuring the concentration of trace metal. Weighing method by 0.001 g accuracy digital scale were used to study the index of two wing asymmetry.

Mean concentration of Lead, Cadmium, Copper and Zinc were 20.13 ± 1.27 μg g-1, 0.85± 0.04 μg g-1, 15.56 ± 0.28 μg g-1 and 209.72 ± 8.77 μg g-1. Due to heterogeneity of human activity and structure in urban environment the concentration of trace metals (lead, cadmium and zinc) showed significant differences in different local scale regions. In this study correlation was observed between Lead and Cadmium with Zinc.

Correlation pattern could simply result from correlated concentrations of these metals in the environment and could be a kind of positive feedback protection against Lead and Cadmium pollution. The results showed considerable trace metals absorption by laughing dove's feather that caused by human activity and efficiency of laughing dove's feather as an indicators of trace metal pollution in urban environment.

Diversification of used species in sand stabilization and desertification can help sustain these ecosystems. Most species used in sand stabilization require initial support to adapt to new conditions over time. One of the most important of these supports is irrigation in the early years of planting. In this study, the yield and water use efficiency of (Ammodendron persicum) in lysimetric conditions under the influence of different levels of irrigation were considered. Different irrigation levels consisted of 75, 50, and 25 percent irrigation and field capacity (control), applied in a completely randomized design with four replications. Evapotranspiration rates in control, 75, 50, and 25% under-irrigation treatments were 60, 47, 37, and 26 liters, respectively. By calculating water use efficiency based on the amount of dry matter produced per liter of transpiration water, it was found that there was a significant difference between different treatments. The highest water use efficiency with 2.07 g of dry matter for per liter of transpiration was related to 50% irrigation treatment. As the water consumption decreased, the root to aerial part ratio increased, so that it showed a significant difference in different treatments. The root to aerial part ratio in the control was 0.84 and in the 75% under-irrigation treatment was 1.51. The results of this study showed that Ammodendron persicum in the early stages of establishment due to low growth rate had low water requirements and improved its water use efficiency through various mechanisms such as root development. Due to the low growth, water loss through evaporation in early stages of establishment was high, and to improve irrigation efficiency, appropriate methods to reduce evaporation and maintain soil moisture are recommended.

Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), as a criterion for assessing plants' resistance to air pollution, is one of the important tools for managing air quality around industrial complex buildings. The aim of this study was to determine air quality and the APTI of native plants grown around the Industrial Complex of Glass, Khak-e-chini, Tile and Ceramics and Glass in Ardakan, Iran.

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study. First, the concentration of air pollutants in the industrial area was assessed. Then, APTI was determined as follows: measuring the pH of leaf extracts, relative water content, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid contents of leaves in samples of native plant leaves. In addition, the concentrations of lead, chromium and cadmium were measured in plants by atomic absorption using the dry digestion method. For statistical analysis of the data the SPSS software version 22 was used.

The mean plant concentrations of Co, O3, NO2, SO2 and PM10 in the industrial are were 2.06 ppm, 7.75 ppm, 3.28 ppm, 33.94 ppb and 70.55 µg/m3, respectively; these concentrations were all below the respective standards, as were those of lead, cadmium and chromium. The tolerance index of plants around the Industrial Complex was measured in the floor/parts sensitive to air pollution, proportional to low air quality pollutant and heavy metal concentrations in plants. Among the rangeland, tree and shrubs species, the following had the highest air pollution tolerance index, respectively:  Boiss.fortuynia (8.49), Punica granatum (16.80) and Albizia lebbeck (9.37).

Based on the Air Pollution Tolerance Index it is suggested that the nonproductive species Punica granatum be used as a more tolerant species and Artemisia species as a biomarker for the expansion of green space.

Striving for employment in developing countries, as industries develop, heavy metals are released to the environment continuously. The purpose of this study was to measure heavy metal concentrations and to evaluate dust pollution levels in a number of industries using ecological indices.

This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted in winter by installing 35 dust traps around the industrial Khak-e-chini, Tile and Ceramic, Sand and Gravel and Glass in Ardakan county. The concentration of heavy metals in dust was measured by ICP-MS. The level of dust pollution was assessed using Contamination Factor, Pollution Index, Threshold Pollution Index, New Pollution Index, Vector Modulus of Pollution Index, Weighted Average of Pollution Index, Enrichment Factor, Multi-Element Contamination, Mean Effects Range-Median Quotient, Exposure Factor and Integrated pollution indices and it was zoned in GIS version 10.5.

Mean heavy metal concentrations in dust were measured in the form of Zinc (3310.54 mg/kg)> Pb (137.28 mg/kg)> Copper (63.65 mg/kg)> Nickel (45.91 mg/kg)> Arsenic (35.12 mg/kg> cobalt (13.73 mg/kg)> molybdenum (4.40 mg/kg). In all sampling stations CF index of lead, arsenic and zinc elements was in very high pollution class and PI index in severe pollution class. Zinc metal showed very high enrichment at 30 stations. For environmental protection user, zinc element PIT index in all sampling stations was very severe in the pollution class. Also, all stations were in severe pollution class based on the IPI index. Based on MERMQ index the heavy metals at 32 stations had 76% toxicity and based on PIN index were in polluted class. Highest values of MEC (3.43) and PIvector (35.93) indices were obtained at S1 and S15 stations, PIwAvg (42.27) at S1 and S12 and ExF (117.11) at S1 stations.

Based on results of zoning a number of pollution indices, dominant downwind in region plays has important role in increase of concentration of heavy metals in downstream stations the industries.

Work-related illnesses account for a large number of social problems. According to occupational therapists, occupational diseases are considered as life-threatening factors for workers. The aim of this study was to measure air pollution to suspended particles and to assess the health risk of PM2.5 and PM10 exposure in the textile industry.

This analytical-cross-sectional research was carried out in the spinning, knitting, and printing workshops of a textile factory. Samples were taken by using the Particle Mass Counter Model TES 5200 to measure mass density and number of environmental particles. Health Risk Assessment of skin, digestive and inhalation exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was carried out according to EPA proposed method.

The results showed that the highest particle mass density was measured in the Spinning-Weaving hall and the highest number density was detected in the Stanter-Printed hall. In both halls, the average mass density of total particles was determined lower than the occupational exposure limit of total suspended particles. In addition, the results detected that with increasing the dust diameter, the mass density of particles increased and subsequently their number density decreased. The risk index for non-cancer risk exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was less than 1 and the cancer risk was less than 10-6.

  Although, the cancerous and non-cancerous exposures to PM2.5 and PM10 were considered acceptable in the production line halls, but these particles may have adverse health effects on the employees, due to their chemical nature.

Heavy metals are including destructive pollutants of environment which important due to adverse physiological effects on living organisms at low concentrations. Aims of performance this study was to measure the concentration of some heavy metals in industrial dust, as well as evaluate and Spatial Distribution the Toxicity Unit indices and Environmental Risk of metals using kriging geostatistical techniques.

This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out in winter of 2018 by installing 35 dust sampler stations around the some of industries in Ardakan county. To collect dust samples and measurement concentrations of cadmium, chromium, vanadium, manganese and aluminum by ICP-MS, Toxicity Unit and Environmental Risk indices of elements were evaluated. Considering the ratio of Nugget to Sill in spherical, Gaussian, stable and exponential semivariogram models and validation using criteria such as Root mean square, Root mean square standardized and Mean standardized, best method of Kriging was selected for preparing spatial distribution map of indices.

Mean concentrations of aluminum, manganese, vanadium, chromium and cadmium were 51109.11, 248.02, 152.74, 59.54 and 2.07 mg/kg, respectively. Environmental Risk of industrial dust was determined in very high class. Toxicity Unit index of industrial dust was less than 4. Results of investigation of semivariogram parameters and validation of criteria showed, best method for spatial distribution of indices was simple kriging method with spherical semivariogram models for Environmental Risk index and stable for Toxicity Unit index.

In winter season, cadmium and chromium do not cause acute toxicity in dust. Results this study expressing impact of industrial in increasing environmental risk of heavy metals. Also, direction of local dominant wind has an important role in dispersion of heavy metals.

Implementation of industrial development programs, without considering environmental considerations has caused continuous entrance of pollutants to air. Therefore, the purpose of this study was assessing the ecological risk of some heavy metals in the dust of a number of non-metallic industries and determining the best indices in pollution assessment of Ardakan area.

This descriptive study was conducted in the summer season of 2018 by installing dust traps around a number of non-metallic industries. After collecting dust, concentrations of zinc, lead, arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, iron, beryllium and molybdenum were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry apparatus. Then, heavy metals pollution level was evaluated based on the number of single and integrated ecological indices. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests.

The mean concentrations of zinc, lead, arsenic, aluminum, cobalt, iron, beryllium and molybdenum in all samples were measured 961, 62.08, 19.19, 13.32, 36527.91, 1.42 and 2.22 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the single pollution index,  lead, zinc and arsenic elements in the class of severe pollution and based on the single index of contamination factor, two zinc and aluminum elements were in the very high pollution class. The pollution class of the integrated indices of contamination degree and modified degree of contamination varied from significant to very high and medium to high, respectively. Based on the integrated index of pollution load, all samples were in the contaminated class.

The single ecological indices are the best indices in assessing the severity of dust pollution of the area and among the studied elements, zinc metal was introduced as a critical metal.

Air quality in industrial workshops is affected by various harmful chemical agents. Purpose of this study was to compare work environment air quality in a number of industrial workshops based on the mass concentration and number of suspended particles in air and application of Kriging geostatistical method in industries.

This observational study was carried out in four workshops including cuprous waste separation works, rolling and cutting, casting and copper smelting, manufacturing aluminum products and double-glazed glass production. Using particle mass counter sampler of Tes 5200 model, mass concentration and number concentration of suspended particles in row of different diameters were measured. The spatial distribution map of PM2.5 and PM10 in each of workshops was prepared using Kriging geostatistic method in GIS environment Version 10.5.

The highest mass concentration (8.42 mg/m3) and number concentration (445058 Particle/lit in differential mode and 885446 Particle/lit in cumulative mode) were measured in the manufacturing aluminum products workshop. The highest mass concentration and number concentration of suspended particles were obtained for row diameters of 10 µm and 0.5 µm, respectively. Interpretation of Kriging maps showed that various areas of the industries such as radiation furnace, scrap press, aluminum smelter, sieve, diamond machine, glass furnace and ingot molds had the highest frequency of PM2.5 and PM10.

Engineering control actions such as installation of ventilation systems in halls and design and installation of a local hood in the entrance sections of the aluminum smelting furnace and sieve in manufacture of aluminum products workshop and copper ingot molds in casting and smelting workshop is essential for improved air quality.

Non-biodegradation in nature and creation of adverse health effects in humans is important features of heavy metals. The main objective of this study was to determine the level of contamination, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of falling dust containing heavy metals on residents around the industrial areas of Ardakan. Another objective was to identify potential sources of heavy metal release into the environment.

In this cross-sectional analytical study, the falling dust was collected in summer around Tile and Ceramic, Khak-e-chini, sand and gravel and glass industries by installing 35 Inverted Frisbee traps with artificial grass cover. The concentration of Cd, Ba, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn and V were measured by ICP-MS. Probable sources of the heavy metal of the dust were evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficient and cluster analysis. Ecological risk indices for determining the level of contamination and proposed relationships proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency were used to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks.

The highest and lowest mean concentrations of heavy metals were measured for Cd and Ba, respectively. The results of Pearson correlation analysis and cluster analysis revealed three anthropogenic and also natural sources for heavy metals of the falling dust. According to the Ecological Risk Potential Index, Cd in 45.10% of the samples was in a very high class and in 54.88% of the samples was a high class. Pollution class of the ecological risk index of all the heavy metals was medium to high. The carcinogenic risk of Cr and Ba in children and adults was estimated to be higher than 10–4. In both age groups, the Hazard index for each metal was less than 1 and its sum was measured as 1.29 for children and 0.16 for adults.

Cd increases the ecological risk of the falling dust in the area. Ther heavy metal carcinogenic risk results showed that the concentrations of Cr and Ba were higher than standard. Also, the non-carcinogenic risk was higher in children than in adults.

In this research, LAPSUS model is introduced as a suitable model to surface runoff rutting by Multiple Flow Direction (MFD) algorithms. Flow distribution algorithms grouped into two main types including Single Flow Direction (SFD) and MFD algorithms. LAPSUS model is a landscape evolution and a multi-module dynamic landscape evolution model. Studied processes included overland erosion, land sliding, tillage erosion and tectonics. Input data in LAPSUS model was DEM, rainfall, runoff coefficient and convergence factor. This model has written in C++. This model has been used for runoff rutting in Kakhk watershed of Gonabad, Iran, for the first time. For this purpose, surface runoff resulted from 34 rainfall events was simulated for multiple flow direction analysis between 2008 and 2018. Results showed that LAPSUS model can simulate total volumes of events with a high accuracy by MFD with the amount of nRMSE of 3.9 percent.

The respiratory system, as one of the most important organs of the human body, is affected by adverse health effects and consequences of particulate matter. this study was performed to purpose determine the occupational exposure of workers to crystalline silica of inhalable dust and determine its health risks.

In this analytical cross-sectional study, sampling was performed in a industrial unit production Khak-e-Chini based on standard methods and individual and environmental sampling methods. Then the obtained data analyzed were in SPSS software version 22 .The risk assessment of
Occupational exposure of workers to crystalline silica was carried out based on the proposed EPA model.

The average exposure of workers to inhalable dust and crystalline silica was measured 4.46 ±1.34 mg/m3 and 0.57±0.10 mg/m3, respectively. The mean environmental concentration of the inhalable particles was 6177.71 µg/m3 and the range of 4088.30- 8289.70 µg/m3. In all occupational groups the risk of cancer was obtained less than 10-6. HQ values ​​for operator one (5.34) and two (4.79) crusher machine, crusher machine loading operator (8.49), dryer operator (1.91), slurry operator (3.01) and filter press operator (1.78) was more than permissible limit.

The average concentration of inhalable dust and crystalline silica was more than permissible limit in this industry. According to the results of the risk assessment, the priority of serious control actions is necessary to reduce the risk of non-cancerous complications in the crushing, drilling, slurry and filter press occupational groups.

In developing countries, air pollution caused by industries constitutes a serious threat to public health. The present study was conducted to determine the dispersion patern and assess the health risks of PM10 emitted from the stacks of a ceramic and tile factory.

The present descriptive-cross sectional study was performed on a tile and ceramic industry in Ardakan, Yazd, Iran. The stacks emission information and meteorological and topographical data were first prepared to run the AERMOD model and draw the disperesion patern and evaluate exposure to PM10. The simulated concentrations were then compared to EPA and WHO standards, and carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of exposure to PM10 were calculated using the formulas proposed by EPA.

The results showed unifrom PM10 dispersion in all directions given the flat modeling area. The simulated maximum PM10 concentrations were found to be higher than the maxium thresholds stipulated in both the standards for a 24-hour period and higher than the WHO thresholds on an annual basis. In contrast, the average daily and annual concentrations were found to be below the standard limits. The results of assessing both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks were therefore estimated to be acceptable. 

Although the present study calculated the contribution of the study factory’s stacks to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks as acceptable, the cumulative effects of industries in Ardakan can increase these risks in the villages surrounding these industries.

The present study investigated some habitat characteristics and ecological of Ochradenus ochradeni Abdallah in Abarkouh Bahman area for possibility of restoration function. Geomorphology, climatic and phenology and biometrical characteristics of the population were investigated. Results showed the habitat had a middle to coarse soil texture with relatively high CaCo3 38.7± 26.07% and low CaSO4 2H2O, 0.19± 0.2% and pH equal of 7.1-8.5. The habitat of this species in some parts in bare pediment with low slope. Vegetation canopy of of the studied plant was low equal to 0.39%. Rainfall in all habitats was low and in Hossein Abad was 61.8 and in Bdaf was 47mm annually. The dry period of 10 months and monthly and annual distribution of rainfall was irregular. The highest number of accompany species equal to 52% belong to Chenopodiaceae. Growth season start at spring until mid-August and seeding stage is at summer until mid-August. Autumn and winter was equal to dormancy of this species. The highest germination percentage observed in KNO3 1% equal to 86.66% and KNO3 2% equal to 76.66% .Highest germination rate happened in KNO31% equal to 5.69 number per day. The lowest germination percentage and germination rate measured in moist chilling (in both 2 and 4 weekends) equal to 0.38%. Results showed this species grows from saline-sodium soils to non-saline-sodium soil. Therefore, it can be useful for rangeland restoration and saline soil improvement. This species are suitable for livestock feed and improving of vegetation through a scientific range management.

Groundwater quality evaluation is very necessary to provide drinking water. Groundwater excessive consumption can cause subsidence and penetration of saline groundwater into freshwater aquifers in Ajabshir Plain, on the Urmia lake margin. The main goal of the current project was to evaluate the groundwater quality by employing the qualitative indices of groundwater and GIS. Ten parameters of 15 wells including EC, TDS, total hardness as well as the concentration of Ca++, Na+, Mg++, K+, SO4--, HCO3- and Cl- were analyzed. At first, the maps of parameters concentration were prepared by the kiriging method. Then based on WHO drinking water standards, the maps were standardized and ranked for drawing the maps of quality indices. The results showed that quality index changes were in the range of moderate (61) to acceptable (81). Removing the single map method of sensitivity analysis detected the quality index was more sensitive to the K+ parameter. Finally, the quality index from the eastern north to the western south of Ajabshir Plain and the other areas was ranked in the acceptable and moderate classes, respectively.

Today, the contamination caused by rapid rate of developing industries has been drawing attention from scientific and environmental communities to itself. This study was conducted to investigate the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in topsoil of industrial area in Ardakan city. For this porous, sampling of topsoil (0-5 cm) was performed using 5 transects in an area of 20000 hectares. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mo, Pb, V and Zn were measured in 45 samples based on ICP-OES method. Then, Indices including: Contamination level of heavy metal ( ), Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals ( ) and Total Potential Ecological Risk (RI) were calculated. Also Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the relationship between heavy metal’s concentrations. Results indicated that mean value concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were repectivley 9.85, 0.31, 35.33, 1.001, 43.28, 18.51, 44.8 and 78.3 (mg/kg) in topsoil of studied area. Maximum concentrations of all heavy metals was found in samples collected from downwind and near the major industries except for Mo and Ni.  and RI indices also showed an increase downwind areas. Strongest correlations were found between Cr-Ni, Cd-Zn and As-Cr which indicates that these metals probably have the same source. Although the ecological risk of the whole area was low in the risk class, the increase in ecological risk in the surrounding and lower parts of factories such as steel and pelletizing, and tile and ceramic industries indicated the dominant role in the distribution and spread of pollution and the necessity of attention to the site selection studies of these industries. Also the results of the present study indicated the necessity of preventive measurements such as Phytoremediation in the lower parts of industrial area of this region.

The establishment of pelletizing and steel industries in Ardakan suburbs has increased the pollutants such as heavy metals into the environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contamination of the area soil by heavy elements around these industries using the pollution index (PI), comprehensive pollution index (NIPI), accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment index (EF). 57 soil samples were prepared by systematic-random sampling from 0 to 5 cm depth and levels of As, Cd, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were analyzed by ICP-OES. The highest and lowest mean of Igeo (0.49 and 0.36) and PI (2.16 and 1.17), were related to nickel, and the highest EF was calculated for Zn at about 25.1 and the lowest were detected for molybdenum approximately that was 17.1. The EF index of lead, vanadium and zinc, which was 15.8%, 5.3% and 1.8%, respectively, classified the study area in a medium enrichment class. Hot spots of lead, vanadium, nickel and zinc was at the nearest distance to these industries and downstream of wind direction. Indicators of Igeo and EF showed a low level of soil pollution. The PI and NIPI indices in most stations were classified in medium pollution class, and the highest of these indicators was related to the surface soil of station 30, which was located near the steel industry. Therefore, it can be concluded that the activities of these industries had affected the soil contamination of the study area.

Due to the limited resources of the water and the excessive growth of the population, the use of sewage in agriculture and green space irrigation is inevitable. In this regard, a research was carried out in city of Yazd to investigate the effect of irrigation with refined and untreated sewage on Rosmarinus officinalis, a species in the urban green space. This study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with five treatments (drinking water, refined wastewater, non-refined wastewater, refined wastewater + drinking water with a ratio of 1:1 and non-refined wastewater + drinking water with a ratio of 1:1) and 5 replicates. The results of chemical characterization of irrigation treatments showed that pH (7.2) and EC (1.27 ds/m) and the concentration of heavy metals, Pb and Zn in the effluent were in accordance with the FAO standard (0.5 and 0.24 mg/l, respectively) but cadmium concentration in both treatments was higher than the FAO standard level (0.02 and 0.04 mg/l). The results of morphological traits of Rosmarinus officinalis showed that there was no significant difference between different concentrations of sewage in terms of plant growth and root dry weight (p >0.05). The effect of irrigation with wastewater on dry weight of shoot and plant diameter was statistically significant (p <0.05). The highest dry weight and diameter were obtained with non-refined wastewater. The results of physiological traits such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, glucose and proline showed a significant difference between treatments (p <0.05). The highest amounts of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll were observed for the irrigation with refined wastewater, and the highest amount of glucose and proline was related to irrigation with non-refined wastewater.