نشریه علوم و تکنولوژی محیط زیست
سال بیستم شماره 3 (پیاپی 78، پاییز 1397)

Considering the water crisis, especially in the last decades, investigation of groundwater quality and identification of the factors contributing to the decline of water quality in this resources are important. The information on available sources of groundwater in Ardebil show that, in the absence of excess surface water, much of the water consumed in the study area comes from groundwater sources. The most significant processes of geomorphologic study of groundwater are alluvial fans and terraces waters. Therefore, in this study it has been attempted to establish a relationship between the shapes and surface morphology of Ardebil plain and its groundwater resources tin order to estimate the groundwater resources based on what has been observed in the nature. In this study, to assess the quality of the groundwater samples, the quality data from wells was received from the Regional Water Company of Ardebil. Also the Arc GIS software was used to draw the maps. Findings: EC of groundwater in the Ardebil plain has been changed from 267 to 6580 μs/cm (with an average of about 1284 μs/cm) during the years 1994, 1998 and 2013. Discussion and Conclusions: The results show that the chemical properties of geologic formations are the most influential factors in the quality of groundwater resources in the region.

Nowadays pesticides are extensively used to protect food security worldwide. Due to their undesirable effects, they are considered as important environmental pollutants. Methods for pest biological control are enumerated as an alternative for chemical pesticide. This study was performed to isolate and identify the antifungal-compound-producing Actinobacteria againstAspergillus nigerfungi (stored product pest)and Bipolaris sp.(responsible for root and crown rot disease) from wheat farms of Hajiabad region, Hormozgan province. Three farming sites were sampled in this study. Actinobacteria were isolated by soil extract agar and starch casein agar media. Antifungal activities were evaluated by well diffusion agar method. Potent isolates were identified through morphological, physiological, biochemical, and genetic analysis. Findings: Approximately a total number of 207 Actinobacteria isolates were isolated. From two isolation media, the soil extract agar yielded 125 isolates and exhibited more efficacy. Results of physical treatments showed that heat treatment could isolate 85 colonies and followed by desiccation and UV treatments by 57 and 46 colonies respectively. Evaluation of the antifungal activities of 100 morphologically distinct isolates revealed that only two isolates exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Bipolaris sp. Identification of potent isolates according to morphological, biochemical and physiological properties showed that these isolates belong to Streptomyces genus. Genetically, identification and phylogenetic analysis based on16srRNA gene revealed a high similarity between Streptomyces sp.MG-11and Streptomyces albus (similarity: 99%) and between Streptomyces sp.MG-21 and Streptomyces griseus (similarity: 99%). Discussion and Conclusions: Results of this study suggest that Streptomyces sp. MG-11 and Streptomyces sp.MG-21can be considered as appropriate candidates for biological control studies against the selected fungal diseases in wheat farms.

Considering the adverse environmental effects and irreparable damages of the chemicals in petroleum compounds, e.g. benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, to living organisms, the efficient removal of these pollutants have received much more attention to be improved through innovative methods for enhancing the efficiency and impact of removal processes. In this study, the removal of xylene from aqueous solution by modified zinc oxide nanoparticles was investigated. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and modified by a four-stage method. The removal of xylene as a toxic petroleum hydrocarbon from aqueous solution by nanoparticles was evaluated. Batch experiments were conducted at room temperature to evaluate the optimum conditions such as the effect of pH, contact time and zinc oxide concentration. Findings: It was found that the optimum adsorption condition can be achieved at pH=6 and contact time of 25 min. Moreover, the percentage of xylene adsorption increased with the increase in concentration of modified zinc oxide nanoparticles. Discussion and conclusion: This study showed that the modified zinc oxide nanoparticles could be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of xylene from aqueous solution.

Application of microbial fuel cells (MFC) is a new method for wastewater treatment and environmentally friendly energy production. This technology converts the chemical energy derived from metabolic activity of living organisms into electrical energy. A sample of raw wastewater was prepared as a source of microbial fuel cell substrate from the refinery of Yazd city. This study was carried out using a two-compartment bioreactor with wastewater as substrate and microbial flora. The containers were made of glass with a volume of 550 cc. In the anode chamber, under the anaerobic conditions, the wastewater was catalyzed by microbial flora. In the cathode chamber, potassium phosphate buffer was used to maintain the pH of the solution. The positive ions transferring from anode to cathode was done by positive salt bridge system. Findings: The findings showed that the maximum voltage of 1 V was produced during the early days in this reactor. Then gradually the amount of voltage was reduced and wastewater samples were refined to some extent. The highest rate of produced flow was 248 μA, and then the flow rate was decreased. Therefore, the dual role of the reactor in electricity production and wastewater treatment can be explained. Discussion and Conclusion: In this study, wastewater treatment and also electricity production could be performed using a microbial fuel cell based on salt bridge.

Malachite, due to its features and low degradability, can be removed from aquatic environments with difficulty. Given the Nitric acid effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of scoria, this study was to evaluate the effect of sulfuric acid normality (1, 6 and 12) on the efficiency of scoria in Malachite removal from aquatic environments and to determine model, isotherms and reaction kinetics. Adsorption processes were carried out in vitro at different pH values, adsorbent dosages, contact times and constant concentrations of the dye. Residual concentrations of dye was measured as 665 nm by a spectrophotometer (Cary 50 Perkin Elmer Co). In order to understand the adsorption process, the obtained data were fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms, and pseudo-first and second-order kinetics. Findings: The results showed that the dye removal eas increased with the increase of acid normality, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The highest efficiency (100%) was obtained for the adsorbent modified with sulfuric acid 6 and 12 normalities in pH =11, adsorbent dose of 1.4 g/L and contact time of 75 minutes. Adsorption data proper followed both the Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich adsorption and pseudo-second-order kinetic. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that Malachite adsorption by scoria occurs in both multi-and mono-layerd forms and scoria treatment with Nitric acid, due to wide chemical changes (especially silica/alumina ratio) of adsorbent structure, increases the efficiency as compared to natural scoria.

Understanding chemical changes in groundwater and their mapping play a substantial role in optimal management of groundwater in an area. There are various methods for investigation and classification of groundwater chemical features, and selection of appropriate method depends on the purpose, conditions of the area and available information. Geostatistical methods and GIS can be useful tools in this regard. The aim of his study is to investigate the spatial variations of groundwater quality and select the best mapping method for the management of groundwater resources in Segsi plain. In this paper, the distribution of quality pollutants pH, TDS, Hco3, EC, Ca, Mg, TH, Na and So4 in groundwater of Segsi plain was investigated using inverse distance and geostatistical methods, distance and bearing functions, local, general and ordinary Kriging estimator software ARCGIS9.3. Accordingly, the sample from 445 groundwater wells, springs and canals were examined. After evaluating variograms and determining the spatiality of the changes in the studied parameters, interpolation of parameters was performed and the best evaluation model with lowest RMSE was selected through mutual evaluation technique and the root-mean-square error. Findings: The results showed that all parameters had the lowest RMSE using the ordinary Kriging method and it was used for mapping the spatial distribution of water quality parameters. Results from mapping indicated that Na, Ca, Mg, So4, Hco3 and pH had no limitation and EC, TH and TDS had limitations in terms of drinkability. According to the results, application of the ordinary Kriging method is recommended for more precision, less calculation and less data demand among various interpolation methods for the groundwater mapping.

Iran has access to open seas and plenty of sea transit around it has urged presence of merchant ships in the region. Fuel consumption has always been a matter of concern for ships. In this study, it is attempted to develop computer models for several container ship cargo configurations and discuss an optimum configuration at a constant speed front wind. The paper presents simulation results using ANSYS CFX commercial software for a Post-Panamax 9000 TEU container ship. The ship is modelled in a 1:4 scale, then using unstructured mesh the wind filed around it is solved. Drag force, drag coefficient, pressure contour and wind streamline velocity in ten different loading conditions are compared with each other. Finally, the optimized container configuration for loading on deck of the vessel is introduced. Findings: Simulation results demonstrate the influence of container configuration on wind load distribution. Also the numerical results are verified versus wind tunnel test data. Finally, the influence of container configurations on fuel consumption and reduction of pollutant emissions was calculated. Discussion and Conclusion: It is proposed to minimize empty spaces between the cargo containers and avoid unbalanced cargo distribution over deck in order to reduce the wind drag force and consequently reduce the fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Also, it is suggested to make cargo distribution on the forward and aftward deck areas more streamlined.

The environmental pollution caused by oil waste is one of the main concerns in drilling industry. Contamination has increased with the expansion of exploration and production activities, which has imposed enormous environmental challenges to the drilling industry. This study has been carried out to determine the concentration of nickel and cadmium in a drilling cutting dump site in Azadegan plain in Khuzestan province. Soil samples were obtained from 13 sampling points in drill cutting dump site in Azadegan Plain, Khuzestan province to investigate soil pollution with nickel and cadmium. A-1 was selected as a background station. The rest of 12 stations were named as sample points (B2-M13) and 2 samples were obtained for each station in order to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in different depths. In this study, the Simple Random Cluster Sampling and Stratification Sampling methods were used in an area of 100*100 m2. After preparation, samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Findings: The results showed that the concentration of cadmium in the soil varied from trace amount to 3.1 mg/kg, which was below the standard limit. Moreover, the concentration of nickel varied from 0.08 to 200 mg/kg. According to the results, the concentrations of heavy metals were lower than the toxicity limits for heavy metals in natural soil. Also there was no significant deviation from EPA, WHO standards and Europe action level for soil. Nickel concentration is negligible in all surface samples. Cadmium concentrations in all samples were below the standard limits. Nickel concentration was found to be over the threshold only in two sample points in depth of 40 cm. Nickel concentrations in K-11 and H-8 were 172 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg respectively. Although there is no sever environmental concerns related to these heavy metals in dumping site, land spreading was suggested as the best alternative for managing the area. Discussion and Conclusions: After performing the experiments, no significant environmental concerns associated with heavy metals was seen. However, land spreading method was chosen as the best method for environmental management in the area.

One of the most important problems of human societies is greenhouse gas emissions which are increasing along with population and economic growths and development of countries. Environmental pollution damages people’s health and imposes costs on societies. Taxes are considered as pollution control and environmental protection tools which can influence people's incentives for the consumption of environment polluting goods and can control the pollution. The effect of tax pollution on households' demand for three environment polluting goods, including vehicles fuel, electricity and water commodity, was studied by estimating the Linear Expenditure System (LES). For this purpose, first the parameters of marginal propensity of expenses and households’ minimum income for living were obtained. Then, the linear expenditure system was estimated. Findings: The results from estimating the model show that i) the tax elasticity of demand for vehicles fuel, electricity and water are -0.364, -0.326 and -0.233, respectively, and pollution tax on fuel, electricity and water reduces the demand for these commodities and thereby reduces the environmental pollution; and ii) the effect of tax pollution on reducing vehicles fuel consumption is stronger than that of tax on reducing consumption of other goods. Discussion and Conclusion: The significant effect of tax on reducing pollution highlights the importance of using tax instruments for reducing pollution. This finding can be considered in the policy making system for future planning in the country.

The main components of landfill biogas are methane and carbon dioxide, both of which are greenhouse gases. Methane is a greenhouse gas with global warming potential of 21 times greater compared to CO2. In this paper, a new method is proposed for landfilling to reduce landfill gas emissions and to prevent entry of air into the landfill. This paper presents a new landfill design and system for air ingress prevention and landfill gas containment. In addition, in this paper Aspen Hysyssoftware was used for the dynamic simulation of separation of CO2 from landfill gas by adsorption process in the ethanolamine solution. Findings: The new system proffers more control over the biogas extraction and processes of anaerobic digestion than conventional landfills. In the new system, the landfill gas purification process becomes cheaper due to reduction of air ingress. The new system can be applied on tipycal landfills. Using this new system, biogas purification and exploitation will become economical in more landfills, and the increased use of biogas will result in greater use of renewable energy sources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Arasbaran protected area is located in East Azerbayjan in the northwest of Iran. This area is one of the nine reserves in Iran, and 66.5% of it is covered by forests. In this study, land capability evaluation of this area for forestry was carried out in Geographic Information System (GIS) surrounding. Both Boolean and weighted Linear Combination (WLC) methods along with analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used. First, the ecological characteristics of the study area including elevation, slope, soil texture, climate, value of vegetation type, soil depth and vegetation density were studied and then the calibrated model for forestry in Arasbaran area was created. Findings: In the first step, land capability assessment was done using Boolean method and results showed the presence of class capabilities of third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh, and lack of class capability of first and second for forestry. In the next step, the importance of criteria and sub-criteria was calculated using expert’s comments and AHP technique in Expert Choice 11. Then, land capability assessment was done using weighted linear combination. The results showed that all of the seven suitability classes for forestry were proper in the area. Discussion and Conclusion: Mc-Harg systemic model has been used to evaluate the ecologic capability evaluation for many years. The new process in ecologic capability evaluation is to use the mathematical models and to use the analytical hierarchy process for determining the weights and relative importance of the alternatives and for ecologic capability assessment by geographic information systems (GIS). In this study, to evaluate the forestry ecologic capability, both Boolean and WLC methods were used and the advantages and disadvantages of them were investigated.

Considering the fast-growing destruction of natural resources and the existing threats ‎to bio-diversification the necessity of investigating and elevating the conservation level of such areas‎ has become a challenge. The forenamed research with purpose of Alvand No-Hunting Area of zoning, for the sake of access to conservation optimum pattern and development was performed. Using system analysis led to the creation 1434 was environmental unit which the Ecological Capability Evaluation of each unit respect to the appropriateness zoning were identified in the area. Finally, with Prioritization and zones Organizing, zoning map serve as sample planning was prepared. Findings: The results suggest that in the study area, zone 2(%62/33) was the first priority, respectively, zone 11 (%22/20), zone 6 (%8/22), zone 3-4 (%7/01) and zone 5 (%0/20) were the next priorities. Discussion and Conclusion: due to the high percentage of protected zones of Alvand region (%62/33), and also due to the corridor between the two protected areas and gorge of worthful Ovis orientalis species benefits the high conservation value respectively.

Shabil hot spring, located in Meshkin district of Ardabil province, has numerous attraction properties that give it a distinctive rank among the recreational areas of Ardabil. Estimating the outdoor recreational value of this area is more important and allows decision makers to better realize the environmental values and enables them to devise appropriate development programs for ecotourism. This study was carried out to survey the outdoor recreational value of Shabil hot spring. To achieve the objectives of the study, the contingent valuation method is applied. Moreover, Logit model with maximum likelihood was used to determine the variables that affect willingness to pay of individuals. The primary data was collected by 384 questionnaires which have been completed by visitors of Shabil hot spring. The offered amount of willingness to pay was designed by single bounded dichotomous choice. Findings: The per capita average of willingness to pay was estimated to be about 36,800 Rials and the outdoor recreational value of the spring was calculated as 10,303,748,000 Rials. Discussion and Conclusion: It is expected that increasing the income and providing the public welfare facilities are important factors to enhance willingness to pay based on the significance of income in the estimated model and the information acquired from the visitors.

In this study, the effect of education on increasing the individuals’ willingness for the conservation of Shirin Park in Kermanshah city has been investigated. The required data were collected using 200 questionnaires. Also, three different informative brochures about the ecosystem of Shirin Park and its crucial role in human life were handed to 100 people as an intervention group. The control group also included 100 people. Data were analyzed using the contingent valuation method (CVM) and Logit function. Findings: Results show a significant difference between the two groups in their willingness to pay (WTP) for conservation of Shirin Park environment. Estimation of the Logit model showed that educational intervention has a significant effect on individuals’ WTP for the conservation of this ecosystem. By adding to the brochures with new information, the probability of willingness to pay increases by 0.013 units. Monthly individuals’ WTPs for conservation of the environment in the control and intervention groups were estimated as 14453 and 23423 Rials, respectively. Annual WTPs for each household were estimated as 62870.55 and 122502.29 Rials in the mentioned groups. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, increase of people’s information about the importance of Shirin Park would lead to a considerable increase in the visitors’ WTP for conservation of this ecosystem.

Backgroundand Objective: Industrial activities have positive and negative impacts on urban system. This has led urban planning system in different countries, consider different policies to deal with these activities in urban scale. The purpose of this paper is to identify the approaches in urban planning system, dealing with urban industrial activities and also understanding the relationship between the two vast domains of "urban planning" and "industrial activities planning" in achieving sustainable development. The research method used in this paper is descriptive - analytic method based on the study of the documents of urban industrial planning experiences in different countries. Findings: The experiences of different countries in the field of urban industrial planning, represents the implementation of different policies in this field. The most common policies include pollution prevention, cleaner production, industrial zoning, revitalization of abandoned(inactive) industrial buildings through functional conversion, and finally revitalization of abandoned industrial sites, by using three policies: Special zoning and using incentives to keep and attract industrial activities in the city, Creation of mixed use for diversity and attractiveness of the site, and Clustering the industrial activities and emphasizing on integrated planning. In this paper, three main approaches are identified as the basis of policy making in urban industrial planning:(1) Stabilization of industrial activities in a location, (2) Relocating industrial activities, and (3) attracting the industrial activities to a location.