مجله محیط زیست و توسعه فرابخشی
پیاپی 77 (پاییز 1401)

One of the most important invasive plant species in Iran is the American mesquite tree (Prosopis juliflora) which has taken the control of a large area of ​​south and southeast Iran. The invasive effect of this species is profound such that it is the dominant species in some areas and the only tree species in most coastal ecosystems of southern Iran. Regardless of draining underground water as the only source of drinking water for local communities and destroying livestock feed, simplifying the ecosystem to only one tree species is a serious alarm of losing the ecosystem balance and causing serious economic and social effects. Considering the importance of the management of American mesquite trees in the south of Iran, this research investigated the spread of American mesquite trees using satellite image processing.

Among the 45 identified species of the genus Proposis, few of them, especially the American mesquite, are known as invasive species. This plant is known as the most threatening invasive plant in Europe. In the red list of the International Union for Environmental Protection, American mesquite is mentioned as one of the world’s 100 invasive species threatening. In this study, an area of ​​1850 km2 between the two cities of Sirik and old Jask was investigated. Pixel-based processing of Landsat 8 satellite images (OLI sensor) was used to extract the tree cover map of the area. The land units (areas covered with similar soil and vegetation characteristics) were produced using the object-oriented processing of Landsat 8 satellite images. Finally, the dominance of American mesquite compared to other trees was calculated in each unit and their canopy density changes were investigated and analyzed using the MODIS vegetation index in a 20-year period. 

According to the results, 13417 ha of the study area is covered by various trees. The American mesquite tree class was the second largest tree class (3991 ha, 29% of the total tree cover) with a heterogeneous distribution and is often located in areas with light and salty soils along the streams. Areas with a strong predominance of mesquite (more than 60%) accounted for 11% of the area which was mostly located in the central parts of the region. 

The results of the image classification showed that the American mesquite heavily occupied areas are mostly located along the main rivers and channels, extending from the eastern highlands towards the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Thus, proximity to rivers and waterways can be considered as one of the most important environmental factors affecting the spread of these trees. In areas with a strong dominance of American mesquite trees, it was expected that the plant biomass will increase significantly as observed by their high NDVI values. However, the noteworthy point is the increasing rate of the average values ​​of the NDVI index during the last 20 years in the most dominant units, which is now increasing at a high rate with an average NDVI exceeding 0.5 since 2017. This indicates the increasing spread of the American mesquite in the region and even in the areas that have hosted this invasive species for decades.

The oil industry is an important, job-creating, and feeder industry whose products are used as raw materials for other industries. One of the important environmental problems related to this industry is that oil can leak into the environment during extraction, transfer, refining, and processing. Environmental oil pollution poses a major threat to the ecosystem and human health. Therefore, the elimination of oil contaminants entering the environment, especially soil, is essential for environmental health. The current study aims to provide general information about phytoremediation and review the latest research on the use of different plants to remove oil pollutants from the environment. Additionally, several plant species with the ability to remove oil pollutants have been introduced.

To conduct this study, the electronic libraries of Elsevier, Springer, and Science Information Center (SID) were searched using the keywords Phytoremediation, Oil Contamination, Plant Remediation, Oil Pollution, and Oil Pollutant. The sources were analyzed after extraction and subject classification.

By exploring the sources of scientific information, 10 review articles were extracted as the core and a total of 99 references were extracted and analyzed. Based on the findings, the use of plants to remove all kinds of pollutants has been introduced as one of the cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods. Among the advantages of phytoremediation, the following were mentioned: The need for small financial investment, the possibility of removing pollutants on site, proper aesthetics, preventing soil erosion, preventing the release of toxic substances, and the possibility of using this method in areas with low pollutant concentrations. According to studies, plants utilize various mechanisms, including phytoextraction, phytovolatilization, phytostabilization, phytodegradation, rhizodegradation, or rhizofiltration to remove pollutants from environments. In this study, 12 plants effective in removing heavy metals and 30 plants capable of phytoremediation of oil and related toxic compounds, i.e. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, were introduced. 

Phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly method that is based on solar energy. It is economically reasonable and its commercialization is possible. Currently, phytoremediation technology is in its early stages and there are many technical problems to be overcome for its development. Among plants, herbaceous plants because of their high root surface area are efficient in the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Currently, especially in our country, there is an urgent need to discover new plant species with the ability to tolerate and remove environmental pollutants such as oil pollution. It is also necessary to carry out research to optimize plant treatment processes, understand plant–environment interactions, and microbial interactions and finding appropriate equipment to do it. In addition, the use of molecular techniques and the development of transgenic plants to increase the efficiency of the plant to remove toxic materials are expanding. Therefore, genetic engineering is expected to play an important role in increasing the application of plant breeding technologies. Studies on these strategies will be very useful in developing simpler and cost-effective tools for phytoremediation.

The concept “social capital” was proposed by experts after the topic of “sustainable development” was raised in the last decades of the 20th century. The central concept of social capital is that social interactions create social networks, strengthen trust, form values, support norms and culture, and create community. Social capital and its components influence many people's views, attitudes and behaviors of environmental protection. Environmental protection behavior is also called pro-environmental behavior. The purpose of this research is to measure the amount of social capital of farmers and its effect on their Pro-Environmental Behavioral Tendencies (PEBT). The purpose of this research is to measure the extent of social capital of farmers and its effect on their PEBT.

This research was done with a quantitative paradigm and survey method. The statistical population included all farmers of Urmia, 184 of them were selected by random sampling. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by 4 related faculty members of Urmia University and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.75 to 0.83). Data were collected by interview technique and analyzed with SPSS version 26 software and by using one-sample and two-sample t tests, regression modeling and path analysis.

The findings showed that in overall, the extent of social capital among farmers is lower than average. The results of the components of social capital also showed that internal social capital includeing, trust in the internal society, social cohesion, participation and interaction with the internal society (internal relations network) were significantly higher than the average, but external social capital including, trust in the external society, trust in public, civil, and private institutions, and the interaction of the villagers with the external society (external relations network) is significantly lower than the average. Overwhelming majority (95%) of farmers had destructive environmental behavioral tendencies. The variables of trust in social institutions, external relations network, the educational levels of farmers and their children (ELFCH), and using extension publications and the Internet have a significant positive relationship, and the variables of age and number of children have a significant negative relationship with PEBT. In addition, the level of PEBT among urban farmers with non-agricultural occupations is higher than rural farmers with agricultural occupations. The variables of the external relations network and ELFCH, explain more than 15% of the changes in farmers' PEBT, and the two variables of ELFCH play a moderating role.

Based on the results, it is suggested that the agricultural governmental and non-govermental organizations put transparency and accountability and fight against corruption in their work priorities in order to strengthen trust and social capital. By making policies, creating a suitable market for organic products and formulating suitable mechanisms, the agricultural governmental organization should drive the behavior of farmers towards pro-environmental behavior. At the same time, using extension channels, agricultural extension officiers should try to provide more information and training, especially for the elderly farmers, and do not forget this group because most of these farmers are subsistence, small-scale and traditional farmers, and extension training should be a priority for this group. Finally, the development of human resources in rural areas should continue at a faster pace so that by improving the education level of farmers, their behaviors will be directed towards environmentally friendly behaviors.

The emergence of the industrial revolution today has put the world on the verge of facing environmental crises, which is one of the most fundamental global problems, and facing it as a collective effort requires creating an environmental attitude in society. One of the areas that are heavily influenced by social media is the environment. The existence of virtual media acts as a catalyst that promotes environmental goals and social network users, especially an increasing number of them are young generations, and online activities are part of their daily lives. As the main custodians of environmental protection, it has entered this cycle.The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of information and social participation of social media on environmental learning and environmental awareness.

This study was conducted with a descriptive method of correlation and relying on the structural equation model. Also, this study was applied in terms of purpose. The statistical population of this study included all users active in social networks related to environmental issues, and according to the random sampling method, 230 people were selected as a statistical sample. The tool for data collection was a researcher-made questionnaire including social media capabilities and dimensions of information and social participation and learning and environmental awareness, which was used after confirming construct validity and reliability through Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The analysis, test of the presented model and study hypotheses were done using the structural equation method.

The findings of this study showed the positive effects of information and social participation of social media tools on learning environmental issues and environmental awareness among social network users. Also, in this study, the role of environmental learning on raising awareness of environmental issues was also confirmed.

According to the results of this study, organizations and institutions active in preserving the environment should pay attention to the role of social media in order to educate and promote environmental culture.

Over a long period of time, there can be a direct correlation between economic growth and environmental quality, a negative correlation, or a combination of the two. Many studies and research have been conducted on this topic (the relationship between economic growth and environmental quality). In the field of sustainability economics, one of the most significant debates involves the effects of economic growth on the environment. Currently, fossil fuels are being used more and more intensively due to the industrialization of our societies. The combustion of these fuels results in the emission of a wide range of toxic and hazardous substances. This has a detrimental effect on the environment, including global warming and climate change.  As a result of this study, three different forms of real GDP per capita have been examined: an inverted U shape, an N shape, and a combination of each of these three shapes. In terms of the volume of pollutants emitted from the industrial sector, the power of two and the power of three were calculated for 12 industrial provinces of the country during the period of 1376-1399 using the long-term panel econometric method of dynamic least squares. The results of the estimations are such that the environmental assumptions of Kuznets are valid for all three pollutants. In addition, an increase in real GDP per capita is associated with an increase in pollution. After reaching the maximum, the amount of pollution decreased. Finally, with a further increase in production, the rate of pollution decreased. According to the DOLS technique, the upward trend of increasing pollution continues, and the N-shaped curve has been confirmed by specifying the second and third-degree relationships of economic growth in 12 industrial provinces during the specified period by using the DOLS technique.

The first objective of this study is to investigate the mean of the variables using panel unit root tests. After that, with the Kao cointegration test, we determine whether or not there is a cointegration relationship between the variables. To conclude, the coefficients of variables have been estimated using the fully modified least squares method and dynamic least squares.

An inverted U and an N shape of GDP were examined in three different ways; at first glance, the power of two and the power of three affected pollution levels in the industry sector. Using long-term panel econometric methods of dynamic least squares, 12 industrial provinces between 1376 and 1399 will be examined for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and sulfur trioxide. In all three cases, the estimation results are such that Kuznets' assumptions about the environment are valid.

As a result of the estimation of the models using the DOLS method in the investigation of Kuznets' environmental curve, and by specifying economic growth relationships at the second and third degree in 12 industrial provinces in the country during the selected period, the N-shaped curve has been confirmed. The inclusion of the urbanization variable in the model has led to an increasing correlation between pollution and urbanization. The consumption of fossil fuels has increased as a result of urbanization, resulting in a rise in air pollution. In the ascending part of the Kuznets environmental curve, Iran is clearly in the first stage of pollution. Furthermore, it is at the beginning of the relationship between production and pollution. Additionally, we will witness long-term pollution accumulation in the environment as pollution in Iran continues to grow at a positive rate.

Air pollution is a crisis that many countries around the world are currently facing. The city of Tehran has been facing the problem of air pollution for a long time and its solution has become one of the important social demands and has found international dimensions. The phenomenon of air pollution in Tehran has been affecting Tehran for many years, and in the past several years, with the arrival of the cold and winter season, the residents of the capital face a serious problem, and despite all the measures taken to prevent pollution, we still see days when schools are closed and the plan of even and odd cars also continues; but pollution is strongly standing. The results of previous studies indicate the influence of various factors including geographical factors, natural features of the city, temperature inversion and industrial pollutants in air pollution.The purpose of this study is to provide a model for individuals with air pollution in Tehran.

The current research is applied in terms of the type and purpose of the research, and descriptive-analytical in terms of the data collection method. In this research, after identifying the factors affecting the air pollution of Tehran city, using the opinion of relevant experts, the researcher has used the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique to level and interpret the conceptual relationships of the mentioned indicators. By reviewing the research literature and taking the opinion of experts, the issue is identified in the form of six indicators (temperature inversion, geographical-climatic location, pollution of factories and refineries, low quality of vehicles and fuel consumption, low green space per capita, high population density of Tehran) Took; Then, a structured matrix questionnaire was developed to determine the interrelationships of these indicators. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using interpretive structural modeling and plotted on five levels in an interactive network.

The results of this research showed that both industrial factors and climatic factors can be effective on air pollution in Tehran. According to result of the modeling, "pollution of factories and refineries" index was at the highest level. Therefore, transferring factories in the city and preventing the construction of new factories in the city as a solution can help reduce air pollution in Tehran.

When a temperature inversion occurs, the air becomes stable and particles accumulate in the range of the inversion layer and increase the intensity of air pollution. Regarding the pollution of factories and refineries, most of the processes that produce air pollution in industries, after the heating process, are dedicated to the process of combining materials, and air pollutants in the form of smoke and suspended particles include the most cases. Also, the combustion process in the engine of old and low-quality cars is not done well, and this is the main reason for the production of carbon monoxide. Climate controls the pollution conditions of Tehran city through changing its elements such as temperature, precipitation, pressure and wind. Also, compared to the big cities of the world and their population, Tehran is ranked 120 to 130 in terms of size, but in terms of density per square kilometer, it is ranked between 25 and 30. This means that in this city, the population has accumulated more than the ecological capacity and urban area, which causes crises such as air pollution.

Considering the importance of corals in different dimensions of human life, their investigation and study will become more necessary. Kharg and Khargo islands are very important from the point of view of the environment, especially the unique coral covers. In the past few decades, many potential threats such as destructive human activities related to the oil industry and the resulting wastes in coastal environments, oil and hydrocarbon pollution, industrial and urban pollution, air pollution, discharge of municipal effluents and sewage, thermal stresses caused by changes Climatic and fluctuating middle and upper water levels, fishing with nets by fishermen and hunting fish by divers in coral areas, as well as carelessness of divers, have faced many challenges in coral habitats. One of the activities that is in relative conflict with the ecosystem of Khark Island and especially the location of the coral beaches, is the activities and movements related to fishing in Khark and Khargo Island. These activities date back several decades. Extreme poverty in many areas has caused a large number of people to go fishing. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the various aspects of the fishing challenge that threatens the geographical territory of coral reefs. The aim of this study is to emphasize the investigation of human-environmental challenges.

In this research, for evaluate and investigate the threats created in the geographical area the first step we investigated the challenges of fishing activity of Khark Island. Then these challenges were classified and finally analyzed and investigated the contribution of each of its aspects in the fishing communities near the coral habitat of Kharg and Khargo islands. In order to investigate fishing and fishing challenges, using the statistical method of Cronbach’s alpha analysis and Likert scale. For trust final results and analyzes must the confidence percentage was calculated and confirmed. The weights of each of the criteria were finalized by the SWARA fuzzy-numerical test. In this questionnaire, there are 21 questions and Cronbach’s alpha is at an acceptable and good level of 0.72.

In the questionnaire of this research, there are 21 questions and the Cronbach's alpha level is at an acceptable and good level of 0.72. It was found that trust in the content of the questionnaire confirms. The effectiveness and weight of each of the criteria showed that the highest percentage of fishing is done by motor boats in the winter season and early in the morning (93%). The results showed that more than 85% of fishermen have not received any necessary training for fishing in coral areas, and this challenge is considered serious and fundamental. The results showed that more than 85% of fishermen have not received any necessary training for fishing in coral areas, and this challenge is considered serious and fundamental.

The output indicates that the fishing tool is valued as a criterion with the first rank, in other words, it explains 31% of the weight of the items. On the other hand, fishing time has the lowest weight in the criteria definition with 23%. These statistical processes show that human-environmental factors should be prioritized in examining the challenges and threats of the coral reef in Khark Island. In other words, the control and management of man-made challenges and related factors can create safe coral environments.

Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) are pollutants in industrial plants that cause problems in various sources, especially air. Elimination of these toxic compounds, even to a very small extent, from these constant sources of pollutants is important not only from an environmental but also from an economic point of view. Nowadays, the rapid industrialization of societies, especially developing countries, to meet the needs of citizens is recognized as the main cause of air pollution. Therefore, maintaining environmental standards is necessary to reduce the potential for pollutions and support sustainable development. Waterproofing production plants are one of the main sources of emissions of this group of pollutants, so the implementation of control measures and optimization of the performance of these industrial units in Delijan city as the capital of Waterproofing production is necessary and undeniable.

In this study, the process of removing BTEX contaminants from Izogam Parsian Delijan factory has been evaluated and studied through simulation and process modification based on insulator design and using thermal oxidation of pollutants (BTEX) method. Questions related to the efficiency and environmental benefits of designing incinerator serve as the primary motivation for the present work. The purpose of this study is to help this evidence by assessing the environmental and technical evaluation of the performance of the incinerator unit in a BW production plant located in Delijan-Iran. Moreover, energy consumption and pollutant emissions of system have been optimized by changing the temperature and residence time of incinerator using SPSS software. It should be noted that the process of removing BTEX contaminants has been accomplished by simulation using Aspen Hysys software. In this regard, the process modification based on the Incinerator designing and using the thermal oxidation method has been evaluated.

Based on the results, the temperature and residence time in optimal conditions are 732 and 0.84, respectively. Furthermore, the incinerator's control efficiency (CF) reveals that 98.5% of BTEX compounds in the exhaust gases were removed. It should be noted that the system's energy efficiency has also improved significantly in such a way that the amount of fuel consumed by the system in optimum condition has decreased by 23% compared to the initial state.have been optimized by implementing software such as SPSS and hardware elements. The results of using the incinerator in this study, the rate of control efficiency (CEF) of the device in removing the desired compounds is reported to be 98.5%. Also, the energy consumption index in this case, compared to the performance of the system without insulator in the same mode, has caused a 23% reduction in fuel consumption.

The optimization results revealed that using incinerator in certain condition can be considered as an applicable solution for removing BTEX from industrial activities. In this regard, temperature and residence time can be determined as two significant operating indexes affecting the pollutants emission and energy consumption. According to the results, the proposed method has acceptable environmental and economic performance thus, It is also suggested the possibility of large investments to reduce the effects of BTEX pollutants in the region by coupling them to renewable energies.