@article { author = {}, title = {Biodegradation of Phenanthrene by Mixed Culture Consortia in Batch Bioreactor using Central Composite Face-Entered Design}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {80-87}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.113}, abstract = {Biodegradation of Phenanthrene (PHE) was studied in aqueous culture to demonstrate the potential of the mixed culture in degrading high concentration of PHE. The experiments were conducted to monitor biodegradation of Phenanthrene for duration of 6 days. Biodegradation of PHE was successfully achieved in low and middle concentration by the isolated mixed culture. A full factorial Central Composite Design of experiments was used to construct response surfaces with the removal, the extent of PHE degradation and the specific growth rate as responses. The initial Phenanthrene concentration (X1) and the reaction time (X2) were used as design factors. The result was shown that experimental data fitted with the polynomial model. Analysis of variance showed a high coefficient of determination value in the range of 0.936–0.999. The maximum biodegradation of PHE in terms of the removal of PHE (Y1) was found to be 0.100 mg/mg (degraded PHE/initial PHE). The maximum extent of biodegradation relative to initial PHE concentration and biomass (Y2) was 0.171 mg/mg/mg (degraded PHE/initial PHE/biomass). This maximum biodegradation correspond to the factors combination of middle level of PHE content (X1= 19.06 mg/L) and the highest level of reaction time (X2 = 132.00 hours). The removal efficiency of PHE biodegradation was achieved 100%. Polynomial model was found useful to predict PHE degradation under the experimental studied. It was observed that optimum biodegradation of PHE can be successfully predicted by RSM.}, keywords = {Biodegradation,Phenanthrene,Mixed Culture,response surface methodology,Central composite design}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_113.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_113_aade4f3131cd3322e5e95fbd604c48e7.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Identification of Fish-Eating Birds}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {88-95}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.114}, abstract = {There are 61 species in 14 families of fish-eating birds in Iran. The fish-eating birds of the north of Iran belong to 41 species in 10 families which include 67.2 percent of total fish eating bird species and 71% of fish-eating bird’s family of Iran. Resident birds constitute 13% of the fisheating birds of the Caspian Sea coasts and the rest are migratory in autumn and winter. There exist 3 globally threatened species of fish-eating birds of the world at the north of Iran, which are Oxyura leucocephala, Phalacrocorax pygmeus, and Pelecanus crispus wintering in the south coast wetlands of the region. Seventeen percent of the fish-eating birds of the north of Iran are aquatic, 5% terrestrial and 78 % wadding. The Phalacrocorax carbo and Phalacrocorax pygmeus are wintering and breeding migratory in the wetlands of the region, which feed in the fish ponds and wetlands. The main habitats of fish-eating birds are Miankaleh and Amirkelayeh wildlife refuge, Anzaly marsh and Gomishan Ramsar Sites. Oxyura lecucephala, Phalacrocorax pygmeus and Pelecanus crispus are protected species in Iran and the rest are not allowed to be eaten by Islamic rule, for the same reason they are not being threatened by Muslim men.}, keywords = {Fish-eating bird,Caspian Sea,Wetlands,Wintering,Breeding}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_114.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_114_acbcf7bc6be486f8ae30332d37f267e8.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Performance of a Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) Augmented Activated Sludge Process Treating Semi-Aerobic Leachate}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {96-103}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.115}, abstract = {Semi-aerobic leachate is characterized by organic matter (COD, BOD) which is relatively low in concentration and difficult to biodegrade. In conventional treatment systems, the low biodegradability is attributed to partial stabilization of leachate at the landfill. Biological treatment of leachate in Malaysia is not well established and any important data for the treatment process is not available. The behavior of microbes is unknown for semi aerobic leachate. This research was conducted to establish some of the important data in the biological treatment of semi-aerobic leachate with and without the influence of powdered activated carbon (PAC). For the present study, semi aerobic leachate was collected from Pulau Burung Landfill Site (PBLS), Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia. The experiment involved operating two 16 L laboratory-scale activated sludge reactors in parallel at room temperature and adjusted to pH of 6.5±0.5. One of the reactors was supplemented with powdered activated carbon (PAC) of 75-150 μm size to observe its effect on leachate biodegradation. The results showed enhanced reactor performance due to PAC addition COD, NH4-N, NO3-N, TKN, BOD and colour removals was higher.}, keywords = {Semi-aerobic leachate,Powdered activated carbon,activated sludge process}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_115.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_115_c3f6237a332b9abcf34ea6e4959ca884.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Pretreatment of Municipal Wastewater by Enhanced Chemical Coagulation}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {104-113}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.116}, abstract = {The efficiency of existing municipal wastewater treatment plants has been affected by the increase of incoming organic load caused by the expansions in developing countries. In the present investigation, the effect of Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) process was studied on the enhancement efficiency of a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tehran, Iran. Jar test results showed an increase in COD, phosphorus, turbidity and TSS removal by the increase in dosage of aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride as coagulants. Results revealed COD, phosphorus, turbidity and TSS removals of 38, 66, 68 and 69 %, for alum at 80 mg/L and 60, 73, 49 and 48 % for ferric chloride at 70 mg/L as the optimum doses, respectively. Ferric chloride revealed more efficient results compared with alum. The result of tests to find the optimum pH of two coagulants revealed that pH of 8.2 for both chemicals is the optimum performance condition. Therefore, CEPT can be used as an efficient method in conventional municipal wastewater treatment plants to reduce the organic load of biological treatment and enhance the removal of nutrients}, keywords = {Coagulant,COD,Jar test,Municipal wastewater,phosphorus,Primary treatment}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_116.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_116_0722c047ef79b37729a700b954ba13c0.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Evaluation of Navab Regeneration Project in Central Tehran, Iran}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {114-127}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.117}, abstract = {Urban design has been used in the cities throughout the world to achieve certain goals and purposes. It has been common in developing countries, including Iran, to use urban regeneration plans in the older sections of large cities to eliminate urban blight and decay, and eventually achieve modernization and in some cases to also overcome socio-economic and cultural problems. Approaches have been used are modernist, technocratic, and elitist type of design/ decision-making, which, as, the present case study show, results in complete failure. This study intends to, following a discussion on theoretical basis of the issue, through a post-construction/ post-occupancy evaluation of the Navab Regeneration Project in central Tehran, explore the reasons behind this failure and see how the problems involved in the product may be construed to the kind of design/decision-making process applied}, keywords = {urban design,urban regeneration,Tehran,Navab Project,Evaluation}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_117.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_117_4d3950bdba13f3d0f79e5269f1392009.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Economic Valuation of Premature Mortality and Morbidity}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {128-135}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.118}, abstract = {The air in Tehran is one of the most polluted airs in the entire world. Because of the air pollution in the Great Tehran area, morbidity, mortality and symptoms emerge. This study has been conducted for the first time in Iran. According to this study the total annual direct medical costs of morbidity estimated at US$ 3258255.48.Our work also led to the estimation of an income elasticity of WTP for reduction in the probability of premature mortality ,that is, an income elasticity of the value of a statistical life. The total annual mortality damage cost estimated at US$ 232538684.38. Contingent valuation (CV) was utilized in order to place monetary values on symptoms. By using CV, the economic value of each symptoms was estimated per person per day. The use of CV in this study required that a questionnaire be prepared and the Willingness to Pay of Tehran citizens be estimated by a random sampling. Finally the total health damage costs of air pollution in Tehran or benefits of reducing air pollution estimated at US$ 663776276 annually.}, keywords = {Symptom,contingent valuation method,willingness to pay,value of statistical life,Cost of illnesses}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_118.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_118_791123d3588d7d089cfe265c419225dc.pdf} } @article { author = {Monavari, S.}, title = {Development of Water Quality Test Kit Based on SubstrateUtilization and Toxicity Resistance in River Microbial Communities}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {136-142}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.119}, abstract = {Methods for measuring toxicity or respiratory activity of microbial cultures can be used as tools for assessing the presence of chemicals and their impact on the streams. The proposed toxicity test is based on the respirometric characteristics of the bacteria according to the principals of Biolog’s microplate system. As the microorganism are utilizing the carbon source (peptone), the reduction of the tetrazolium dye as the redox indicator is taking place, leading to a developing change in the well’s color The tests provided us with information in regard to the toxicity range of the chemicals with activated sludge and Alcaligenes.}, keywords = {toxicity,Bioindicators,Monitoring,microorganisms,Biodegradation,Substrate}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_119.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_119_48882d05d6c519a94b76f1aaeec7a555.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {The Relationship among Infection Intensity of Viscum album with some Ecological Parameters of Host Trees}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {143-149}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.120}, abstract = {We investigated the relations among infection intensity of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) with host tree features in Nour Forest Park, located in Caspian Forests in North of Iran. The number of 30 circular plots with an area of 0.1 ha were sampled in all places have an aggregation of infested trees. Parameters including DBH, height, distance to stand edge, distance to conspecific tree, bark diameter and the number of adult mistletoe per tree for all infected individuals were recorded. Results showed that the mistletoe abundance and infection intensity in Parrotia persica was more than the other host species and also, have positive significant relation with DBH, distance to conspecific and locating in the stand edge, but no significant relation observed about height of host trees. Results of this study suggest that individual differences among host trees (specially DBH) play an important role in explaining local abundance and distribution of mistletoe plants.}, keywords = {Infection intensity,European mistletoe,Host trees,Caspian forests,Conspecific tree}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_120.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_120_e5431a12ee073dcfcd5c59d9be363adc.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {An Environmental & Economic Analysis for Reducing Energy Subsidies}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {150-162}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.121}, abstract = {This paper estimates the trend of total energy subsidies from year 2003 (that is 16.68% of GDP) and running a model, predicts that energy subsidies will reach to 20% of GDP by 2019 if subsidies continue. Also environmental damage costs of energy consumption have been entered the model (Environmental Cost-Benefit Analysis Model: ECBA Model) in addition to the vast amounts of subsidies. So damages caused by energy consumption as air pollution and Green House Gases have been considered as an attempt to internalize energy cycle externalities. Using an ECBA Model which considers changes in level of social welfare and environmental quality as probable benefits, the Benefit/Cost ratio for running price reform policy under two scenarios has been analyzed and calculated. The analysis shows that reducing energy subsidies for each energy form is considerably beneficial. Apart from the environmental benefits, the increase in prices can be a base for a redistribution of income within the poor deciles of economy and this policy would increase the government revenue and economic growth in long-term.}, keywords = {Energy,Subsidies,Price Reform,Environmental Quality}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_121.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_121_636cc9217ce95c9118960a565b0d375f.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Fate of intermediate biodegradation products of triethyl amine in a compost-based biofiltration system}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {163-169}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.122}, abstract = {Biofiltration of Triethylamine (TEA) vapor used as a catalyst in casting operations was evaluated in this study. The unit consisted of a 6-L three-stage biofilter containing a mixture of compost and wood chips (40:60 v/v) as the filter medium. Seed microbial population from municipal activated sludge was acclimated for a period of three weeks prior to the actual experimental runs. In the startup period, high pH values up to 10 was observed due to alkaline nature of TEA and inadequate formation of biofilm and low overall biodegradation. Steady increase of organic-N concentration along with gradual upward trend of pressure drop indicated sound establishment of microbial population. Operational parameters studied included loading rate (6-116 g/m3/h), hydraulic detention times (40-60 s), temperature ( 30±1°C), and humidity (50-55%). Results indicated effluent ammonia concentrations meeting standards of 25 ppm can be obtained after 2.5 months of operation. Optimal organic loading rates (OLRs) of 90±14 g/m3/h for Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) value of 48 s were suggested. Under these conditions, elimination capacity of 71±3 g/m3/h and removal efficiency 81±14 % were achieved. Mass balance was performed on different forms of nitrogen products for a constant inlet concentration of 180 ppm TEA with a relatively stable removal efficiency of about 90 % maintained for over a month. Both liquid (leachate) and gas (different sections, inlet, and outlet) phase measurements were made for the purpose of performing calculations. Ammonium-N and Nitrate-N were dominant in the first and third sections of the reactor, respectively. Cumulative TEA-N mass balance over a 2-month period indicated an equal proportion breakdown into ammonia-N, nitrate-N, and ammonium & organic-N. The fact that up to 30 % of TEA-N could not be accounted for in the leachate and gas measurements can be attributed to incorporation into the cellular constituents.}, keywords = {Biofiltration,Triethyl amine,Biodegradation,air pollution,Casting}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_122.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_122_1235bdd43ae61b06e8d5b9ab1fffcc0d.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Natural and human-induced impacts on coastal groundwater}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {170-178}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.123}, abstract = {Groundwater is the main source of potable water in most areas of Mazandaran province, like Sari and Babol city. Thus the safety of groundwater supplies is very important in these regions. Unfortunately attention to groundwater quality has remained limited in Iran. In recent years, the growth of industry, technology, population, and water use has increased the stress upon both land and water resources of Mazandaran province. The main pollutants of groundwater in Mazandaran province are domestic, industrial and agricultural wastewater discharges. In addition, contribution of municipal and rural solid wastes in deterioration of groundwater quality of the Mazandaran province is considerable. The quality of several water wells in Mazandaran province was investigated in this research. In tested water wells, the concentrations of Cu, Cr, Zn and NO3 are within WHO standard limits, but Pb, Se and Cd concentrations are often exceeding the WHO maximum permissible standard values. Results show that the current quality of groundwater in Mazandaran province does not present immediate health related concerns. However, the quality of water wells in Mazandaran province is not reliable because of relatively high rate of various pollutants discharges into groundwater resources. Consequently, establishment of both monitoring programs and appropriate regulations to minimize uncontrolled discharges into groundwater resources is necessary for conservation of this valuable source of water supply in Mazandaran province.}, keywords = {Groundwater quality,Contaminant discharge,Heavy metals,Monitoring,Pollution}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_123.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_123_bdea00d59d48ec7553e09579b7b5468b.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Technical and Economical Selection of Optimum Transfer-Transport Method in Solid Waste Management in Metropolitan Cities}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {179-187}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.124}, abstract = {Transfer-transport of the waste is one of key functional elements in solid waste management from technical and financial viewpoint. Unfortunately very few reach activities has been conducted in this field regarding local characteristic of phenomenon which urges undertaking local surveys and research projects. Tehran Organization of Waste Recycling and Composting has decided to investigate different transfer-transport options for new Tehran landfill in Houshang Site which is located in far distance from Current landfill in Kahrizak. The study surveyed 3 main options comprising of 8 alternatives. This alternatives covered so many aspects of transfer-transport like road or rail transport, compaction of waste, size of containers and system of loading/unloading, The surveyed showed that the two alternative of heavy compaction in 65m3 semi-trailers will be the most economical system that enjoys so many environmental-ecological advantages over current practice.}, keywords = {Solid waste,Transport,transfer,Management,Optimization,Tehran}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_124.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_124_fc01aff1898947d8742b131ff5fa4952.pdf} } @article { author = {}, title = {Measuring Urban Sustainability: Developing a Conceptual Framework for Bridging the Gap Between theoretical Levels and the Operational Levels}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {188-197}, year = {2007}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2010.125}, abstract = {The issue of sustainable development has been widely acknowledged and spread rapidly after United Nations conference on environment and development in Rio in 1992. Considerable attention is given to urban settlement areas. Thus, role of urban development is seen as a challenging issue under circumstances. Outcomes of the current patterns of world population growth and industrial development are agreed and reported as major causes of un-sustainability in long term. Whereas by turn of century almost half of the world’s population is lived in urban areas; it is expected that this figure will reach to 8.1 billion -60.5% of world population- by year 2030. This is twofold; on the one hand cities are the places of the excessive use of energy and resources, of production of waste and pollution, of crimes and deprivations and socio-cultural un-stability, and so forth. However, some question will arise: is there a simple and universal model of sustainable urban form? How would decision makers be able to assess the rightness of their programs and actions in terms of sustainability of urban forms? And to what extent the concept of urban sustainability can be translated to some measurable elements? This paper therefore, aims to develop a conceptual framework within which the notion of urban sustainability - as a broad conceptual term - can be translated into some quantities which can be measured and evaluated with more assertion. Through this model, characteristics of sustainable urban form, systematically are defined and translated into some indicators. It is hoped that this model can provide easement and clarification for researchers and decision-makers in their assessment of cities’ form and function towards achieving sustainability.}, keywords = {urban sustainability,Conceptual Model,development,Sustainability measurement,Sustainability Indicators}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_125.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_125_8bedb70e72968907816e0621fd3854fe.pdf} }