@article { author = {Rasel, H. M. and Imteaz, M. A. and Mekanik, F.}, title = {Investigating the influence of Remote Climate Drivers as the Predictors in Forecasting South Australian spring rainfall}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {1-12}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56882}, abstract = {Australian rainfall is related with numerous key climate predictors namely El-Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Some studies have tried to discover the effects of these climate predictors on rainfall variability of different parts of Australia, particularly Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria. Nonetheless, clear association between separate or combined large-scale climate predictors and South Australian spring rainfall is yet to be established. Past studies showed that maximum rainfall predictability was only 20% considering isolated/individual effects of ENSO and SAM predictors in this region. The present study further explored these hypotheses by investigating two additional important aspects: investigating the relationship between lagged individual climate predictors with spring rainfall and linked (multiple combinations of ENSO and SAM) influences of significant lagged-climate indicators on spring rainfall forecasting using multiple regression (MR) modeling. Three stations were chosen as case studies for this region. MR models with combined-lagged climate predictors (SOI-SAM based models) showed better forecast ability in both model calibration and validation periods for all the stations. Results demonstrated that rainfall predictability significantly increased using combined climate predictor’s influence compared to their individual effect. It was discovered that rainfall predictability increased up-to 63% using combined climate predictors compared to their single influences. The maximum attained rainfall predictability for the SOI-SAM based models was 47% for calibration period that significantly enhanced with combined predictors influence to 97% during validation period. Therefore, MR analyses delineated the capabilities and influences of remote climate drivers in forecasting South Australian spring rainfall.}, keywords = {ENSO,SAM,MR model,Correlation,Multicollinearity,Rainfall Forecasting}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56882.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56882_acf4ccc7de3498c1478721c218a7661e.pdf} } @article { author = {Mathews, S. and Sichilongo, K.}, title = {Applying QuEChERS Method in Screening for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) from Raw and Wastewater from Gaborone (Botswana) and Mafikeng (South Africa)}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {13-20}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56883}, abstract = {Wastewater contains a variety of chemical substances owing to the different sources that contribute to affluent into sewage treatment plants. Raw and wastewater samples were obtained from the surface of the water bodies at depths of 50 and 100 metres but at different locations in each sampling site. The water samples were subjected to extraction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) using QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction kit before analysis using the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The control samples had turbidity, temperature and pH values within the acceptable levels as per Botswana, South Africa and WHO drinking water standards. Turbidity values were rather higher than the set standards for raw and wastewater, with water samples from Modimola/Setumo dam having recorded the highest range of 25.0 – 200 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). The same sampling site also had water samples with pH higher at 9.01 to 9.78. Wastewater effluent in Notwane Sewage Treatment Plant, Gaborone Dam (both in Gaborone) and Disaneng Dam (South Africa) have polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) below detectable levels by the Agilent Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Only traces of PCBs were detected from wastewater from Modimola dam in Mafikeng. This may be due to the different industries in Mafikeng producing various chemicals compared to Gaborone. The water in Modimola dam therefore requires thorough treatment before it can be returned for domestic consumption as PCBs are toxic compounds that are found to trigger cancer in humans and also affect the reproduction system resulting in low IQ.}, keywords = {Wastewater,Polychlorinated biphenyls,Recycling,QuEChERS,extraction}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56883.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56883_45eeea2498b0a3a01e75320cc573b19a.pdf} } @article { author = {Najafi Alamdarlo, H. and Ahmadian, M. and Khalilian, S.}, title = {Groundwater Management at Varamin Plain: The Consideration of Stochastic and Environmental Fffects}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {21-30}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56884}, abstract = {Groundwater is one of the common resources in Varamin Plain, but due to over extraction it has been exposed to ruin. This phenomenon will lead to economic and environmental problems. On the other hand, the world is expected to face with more stochastic events of water supply. Furthermore, incorporating stochastic consideration of water supply becomes more acute in designing water facilities. Therefore, the strategies should be applied to improve managing resources and increase the efficiency of irrigation system. Hence, in this study the effect of efficiency improvement of irrigation system on the exploitation of groundwater and cropping pattern is examined in deterministic and stochastic condition using Nash bargaining theory. The results showed that farmers in B scenario are more willing to cooperate and as a result of their cooperation, they lose only 3 percentages of their present value of the objective function. Therefore, the efficiency improvement of irrigation system can result in improving the cooperation between farmers and increasing the amount of reserves.}, keywords = {Groundwater,Stochastic and environmental effects,Cooperative and Non-cooperative Game,Varamin plain}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56884.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56884_dc268111c7531137d7f33023825f73e1.pdf} } @article { author = {Kalipci, E. and Sahinkaya, S. and Dortkol, M. and Aras, S.}, title = {Decolorization of Basic Textile Dyes using a Novel Adsorbent Modification Method: Ultrasonic-Acid Modification}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {31-40}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56885}, abstract = {In this study, removal of methylene blue (MB) and maxilon blue SL 200% (MB SL) dyes from aqueous solutions by using raw clay (RC) of Nevsehir (Turkey) vicinity and ultrasonic-acid modified clay (MC) was investigated. Adsorption was carried out with 500 mg/L MB and 50 mg/L for MB SL in terms of different adsorbent dosages, contact time, solution pH, temperature and stirring speed. The fitting of adsorption process with respect to Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms was examined. In this study, it was determined that the experimental data for MB dye removal by using RC (R2= 0.9737, Qo=3333 mg/g) and MC (R2=0.9914, Qo=5000 mg/g) were well fitted to Langmuir isotherm model. In addition to this, the experimental data for the removal of MB SL dye by using RC (R2= 0.9104, KF =19.45 mg/g) and MC (R2=0.9933, KF =44.62 mg/g) were well fitted to Freundlich isotherm model. As a result; it was indicated that raw clay can be used for the removal of cationic MB and MB SL dyes and ultrasonic-acid modified clay has high adsorption capacity for both of the dyes. Low-cost clay can be used for the removal of MB and MB SL dyes in preference to other adsorbents. Ultrasonic-acid modification was found as an alternative significant method for adsorbent modification.}, keywords = {Adsorption,Clay,Dye,Ultrasonic-acid modification}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56885.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56885_b1c26f550e335f8aa89fd83618884ae6.pdf} } @article { author = {Nouacer, S. and Hazourli, S. and Djellabi, R. and Khlaifia, F. Z. and Hachani, R. and Ziati, M.}, title = {Using a New Lignocellulosic Material Based on Palm Stems for Hexavalent Chromium Adsorption in Aqueous Solution}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {41-50}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56886}, abstract = {The objective of this work focuses on the use of a new natural lignocellulosic material based on palm stems for adsorbing of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in water. The palm stems powder (PSP) was characterized using different techniques. The influencing factors on the adsorption of Cr(VI) ions was investigated such as pH. The results show that the increase of the temperature and the initial adsorbate concentration leads to increase the adsorption quantity of Cr(VI) on PSP which was as a maximum in the range of 1.5-2.5 mg.g-1. On the other hand, the results of the adsorption isotherms follow the Freundlich model and the kinetic adsorption follows the pseudo-second order reaction. In addition, the thermodynamic study indicates that the adsorption process which depending the pH solution, is an endothermic and spontaneous phenomenon. Overall, our results show the adsorption behavior of this raw material which can be used as a low-cost alternatives to commercial materials.}, keywords = {Hexavalent chromium,Lignocellulosic Material,Palm stems,Adsorption,water}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56886.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56886_62468f5cfba54ebca2692be2ca538730.pdf} } @article { author = {Asadi, A, and Barati, A. A. and Kalantari, K. and Odeh, I.}, title = {Study of Relationship Between Roads Network Development and Agricultural Land Conversion in Iran NorthWest}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {51-58}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56887}, abstract = {Road network (RN) can affect patterns and distribution of land uses and covers. Road network expansion has both direct and indirect impacts on land uses and covers changes. Agricultural land conversions (ALCs) are especially known as one of the main important types of land use changes. The purpose of this paper, in addition to estimation of the direct impact of RN expansion on ALCs, is to evaluate the ALCs relative to road network location. The study area is Qazvin province in the North West of Iran. To estimate the amount and the location of ALCs a couple of Landsat imageries for 1990 and 2010 were used. Also, to evaluate the relationships between ALCs and RN at first agricultural lands, based on their distance from RN, were categorized into three groups namely a. Less than 2Km, b. Between 2Km to 4Km and c. More than 4Km to 6Km. Then, the area of agricultural lands that changed from 1990 to 2010 were estimated for these groups. Finally, the differences amongst these three categories were evaluated. The main results of this study showed, a) 44,845 ha (3%) of the agricultural areas during 1990-2010 were changed to non-agricultural lands; b) 10,243 ha of these lands were converted to Urban and Other Infrastructures; c) the suburban RN has been mainly developed within agricultural lands, especially, within irrigated and orchard lands. In addition, d) ALCs among the closer lands to the roads have been significantly higher than lands which have been away from the RN.}, keywords = {Landuse,Landcover,Agriculture,Impact Assessment,Iran}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56887.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56887_ae016d23a5633eafceb8b4513836232f.pdf} } @article { author = {Toropova, A. P. and Toropov, A. A. and Rallo, R. and Leszczynska, D. and Leszczynski, J.}, title = {Nano-QSAR: Genotoxicity of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {59-64}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56888}, abstract = {The study was carried out to develop an efficient approach for prediction the genotoxicity of carbon nanotubes. The experimental data on the bacterial reverse mutation test (TA100) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was collected from the literature and examined as an endpoint. By means of the optimal descriptors calculated with the Monte Carlo method a mathematical model of the endpoint was built up. The model is represented by a function of: (i) dose (µg/plate); (ii) metabolic activation (i.e. with S9 mix or without S9 mix); and (iii) two types of MWCNTs. The above listed conditions were represented by so-called quasi-SMILES. Simplified molecular input-line entry system (SMILES) is a tool for representation of molecular structure. The quasi-SMILES is a tool to represent physicochemical and / or biochemical conditions for building up a predictive model. Thus, instead of well-known paradigm of predictive modeling “endpoint is a mathematical function of molecular structure” a fresh paradigm “endpoint is a mathematical function of available eclectic data (conditions) is suggested.}, keywords = {Nano-QSAR,MWCNT,Bacterial reverse mutation test,CORAL software}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56888.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56888_9c3cd9909fff081b5cf910275a6c3a17.pdf} } @article { author = {Blettler, M. C. M. and Amsler, M. L. and Ezcurra de Drago, I. and Drago, E. and Paira, A. and Espinola, L. A. and Eberle, E. and Szupiany, R.}, title = {Fine Sediment Input and Benthic Fauna Interactions at the Confluence of Two Large Rivers}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {65-76}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56889}, abstract = {Several studies suggest that invertebrate abundance and richness are disrupted and reset at confluences. Thus, junctions contribute disproportionately to the overall aquatic biodiversity of the river. In general terms, authors have reported high abundance and diversity due to the major physical heterogeneity at junctions. However, data are still scarce and uncertainties are plentiful.The impact of a great input of fine sediments on the distribution patterns of benthic invertebrates at a river confluence was quantitatively analyzed herein. The junction of the subtropical Bermejo River (high suspended sediment load) with the large Paraguay River is the selected study area to achieve this aim.While diversity increased slightly downstream the junction (from 0.21 to 0.36), density and richness of the macroinvertebrate assemblage significantly diminished downstream the confluence (from 29050 to 410 ind/m2; p< 0.05) due to the input of fine sediment from the Bermejo River (mean fine sediment increased downstream from 6.3 to 10.2 mg/L), causing a negatively impact on invertebrate assemblage. This study highlights the ecological importance of the sediment input effects on benthic invertebrates, a topic still poorly explored in river ecology.It is speculated that the spatial extent of the impact would be dependent upon the hydrological and sedimentological context, highly unequal between both rivers. New hypotheses should be tested through new studies considering different hydrological stages.}, keywords = {benthic invertebrate,Fine sediment load,Channel confluence,Large river,Sedimentology}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56889.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56889_9c839ce4b94eeb27cc3abdd951a98e9c.pdf} } @article { author = {Hashemi Monfared, S. A. and Dehghani Darmian, M.}, title = {Evaluation of Appropriate Advective Transport Function for One-Dimensional Pollutant Simulation in Rivers}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {77-84}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56890}, abstract = {Water quality prediction is a valuable tool for pollutant control in aquatic environments. A river system is selected and one-dimensional flow is assumed for the simulation of pollutant transport in this paper. Advective and diffusive terms of transport equation are considered separately. Different functions of advective transport are proposed and applied for a specified velocity on the discrete cells along the river and compared with each other. Abilities and flexibilities of these proposed functions are investigated and the compatible one is determined for the point source pollutant transport in the channel. Fluctuations (Maximum content of negative concentrations), tolerances (Maximum interval of negative concentrations) and attenuation (Decreasing peak of the pollutant distribution) are selected for this purpose. Quick and the proposed functions including trigonometric, simple exponential, symmetric exponential and quadratic exponential of advective transport are selected for the comparison. Results show that during the simulation period (times up to 100 seconds and times more than 100 seconds), for the estimation of attenuation, the peak of the pollutant distribution and the elimination of fluctuations and the tolerances, the proposed symmetric exponential and quadratic exponential functions of advective transport perform better than other numerical methods and presented functions. Also for all these scales both of quadratic exponential and symmetric exponential functions act similarly, therefore they can be used frequently for the simulation of pollutant transport in rivers without creating negative concentration.Moreover, simple exponential function and quick method identically predict the peak of pollutant chemograph at each downstream point.}, keywords = {Pollutant,Advection,Channel,Exponential Function,Trigonometric Function}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56890.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56890_e47eae7e6f2145bc6379c1205eb0de8f.pdf} } @article { author = {Nharingo, T. and Moyo, M. and Mahamadi, C.}, title = {Kinetics and Equilibrium Studies on the Biosorption of Cr (VI) by Vigna Subterranean (L.) Verdc Hull}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {85-96}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56891}, abstract = {The Vigna Subterranean (L.) Verdc hull’s (VSVH) potential to remove Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. The biosorbent was characterised by FTIR, SEM-EDX and XRF before and after exposure to Cr(VI). The surface comprised of phenolic, carboxylate, sulphonate, carboxyl, ammines, silica, silanol, phosphite esters, alkyl and hydroxyl functional groups responsible for Cr(VI) removal. Batch experiments were carried out in erlenmeyer flasks to optimize pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage and initial concentration of Cr(VI) ions. Reutilization of biosorbent was investigated using predetermined and optimized 0.14 M H2SO4. The initial and residual total chromium concentrations were estimated by FAAS. The optimum pH, contact time and biosorbent dosage were found to be 2, 180 minutes and 3 g/L respectively. The data generated from the effect of contact time and initial Cr(VI) concentration was subjected to kinetics and isotherm modelling respectively. The kinetic data fitted the pseudo first order model (R2 = 0.9334) and the sorption mechanism was diffusion controlled with both film and intra particle diffusion involved in the rate limiting step. The isotherm study confirmed favourable monolayer sorption best described by Langmuir model (R2 = 0.9986) with a very high monolayer sorption capacity of 232.5581 ± 0.9 mg/g. The Temkin model confirmed the endothermicity and weak ion-exchange nature of the Cr(VI)-biosorbent interactions that are important for biosorbent reuse. The biosorbent was recycled three times without significant loss of sorption-desorption capability. VSVH powder provides a renewable and reusable alternative for simple and effective Cr(VI) removal from wastewaters worth exploring for commercial-industrial application.}, keywords = {Bio-reduction,Cr(VI),Intra-particle Diffusion,Kinetics,Reutilization}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56891.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56891_bd22c7ba3f2f755abb47f75e777b1232.pdf} } @article { author = {Wiśniewska, M. and Chibowski, S. and Urban, T.}, title = {Investigation of Removal Possibilities of Colloidal Alumina from Aqueous Solution by the Use of Anionic Polyacrylamide}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {97-108}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56892}, abstract = {Purification of drinking and industrial water required usage of high molecular weight polymer to cause flocculation process of dispersed suspension of contaminants. Polyelectrolytes, including ionic polyacrylamide are especially appropriate for these purposes, because in this case the suspension stability can be controlled by both steric and electrostatic forces. Thus the influence of solution pH and hydrolysis degree (carboxyl groups content) of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) on the alumina (Al2O3) suspension stability were studied. The turbidimetry was applied for determination of the examined systems stability. The mechanism of suspension stabilization or destabilization in the polymer presence was proposed on the basis of determined parameters: adsorbed amount of PAM, its adsorption layer thickness, linear dimensions of macromolecules in the solution and zeta potential of alumina particles covered with the polyacrylamide layer. The greatest decrease of the alumina suspension stability in the polymer presence in comparison to that without the polymer was obtained at pH 6 after the addition of PAMs with higher molecular weight (i.e. 14 000 0000) and hydrolysis degrees 20 and 30% (efficient neutralization of solid surface charge). In turn, the most unstable alumina system proved to be that prepared at pH 9 containing PAM with the highest molecular weight and the greatest hydrolysis degree (causing the most effective bridging flocculation).}, keywords = {Alumina removal,Anionic polyacrylamide,Carboxyl groups content,Suspension stability,Polymer chains conformation}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56892.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56892_fdece0696238e7252d6b25b457a288dc.pdf} } @article { author = {Motesharezadeh, B. and Navabzadeh, M. and Liyaghat, A.}, title = {Modeling Phytoremediation of Cadmium Contaminated Soil with Sunflower (Helianthus annus) Under Salinity Stress}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {109-118}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56893}, abstract = {This study was carried out as a factorial experiment with 5 levels of cadmium (Cd) (o, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg), 5 levels of salinity (Control, 4, 5, 6, and 7 dS/m), and two soil textures (sandy loam and clay loam). The results showed that the amount of Cd in root and shoot of sunflower increased as soil salinity and Cd concentration increased. The best concentrations for Cd phytoremediation were 75 mg/kg in sandy loam and 100 mg/kg in clay loam. Mass-Hoffman model in simulating transpiration Cd stress as well as Homaee model in simulating salt stress indicated the best results in light soils. By multiplying the salinity stress model by Cd stress model, the simultaneous model for each soil was calculated. These models in light soil (r2=0.68) and heavy soil (r2=0.81) were compatible with measured values. In the heavy soil, absorbed Cd by plant along with increased salinity reflected low changes, but changes in Cd absorbed by plants in the heavy soil were more uniform than in the light soil. In conclusion, for estimating the Cd uptake, the model had a better performance in the heavy soil (under salt stress).}, keywords = {Cadmium,Modeling,Phytoremediation,salinity,Sunflower}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56893.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56893_386f614828572cad85ef6deec11d53d5.pdf} } @article { author = {Ossman, M. E. and Abdelfattah, M. and Kiros, Y.}, title = {Preparation, Characterization and Adsorption Evaluation of Old Newspaper Fibres using Basket Reactor (Nickel Removal by Adsorption)}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {119-130}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56894}, abstract = {In this work, old newspaper fibers (ONF) bleached with H2O2, treated with KOH and treated with NaOCl were investigated as potential adsorbents. The characterization of the produced fibers using FT-IR, SEM and particle size distribution have been carried out and tested for the removal of Ni (II) from aqueous solutions. The results indicated that the fibers treated with KOH give the highest %removal of Ni (II) with 88%. Two different reactor designs (batch and basket reactor) with different variables were studied. The results indicated that the equilibrium time was 30 min. and the removal of Ni (II) increased significantly as the pH increased from 2.0 to 6.0 and decreased at pH range of 6.5–8.0. The adsorption of Ni (II) onto ONF treated with KOH using batch and basket reactors follows the Langmuir isotherm. The pseudo second order kinetic model provided good correlation for the adsorption of Ni (II) onto ONF treated with KOH for both batch and basket reactors.}, keywords = {Old newspaper fibers,Heavy metals,Nickel,Adsorption,Wastewater}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56894.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56894_24a95ba2399f8607c6fa716d757f3a07.pdf} } @article { author = {Bouraoui, Z. and Ghedira, J. and Banni, M. and Boussetta, H.}, title = {Acute Effects of Cadmium and Copper on Cytochemical Responses in the Polychaete Hediste Diversicolor}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {131-138}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56895}, abstract = {This study investigated the cytochemical responses in Hediste diversicolor exposed to the environmental concentrations of cadmium (1µM Cd), copper (1µM Cu) and to their equimolar mixture for 48h. Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), neutral lipids (NL) level, lipofuscin (LF) content and Ca2+-ATPase activity were determined as early subcellular biomarkers of toxicity. The biomarker battery pointed out a high cytoxicity on the polychaete treated with metals. Excessive induction of neutral lipids and lipofuscin accumulations were observed in polychaete treated with copper than cadmium. In addition, the highest level of neutral lipids and lipofuscin was noted in mixture treated group [Cu+Cd]. The increase of neutral lipids and lipofuscin accumulations were negatively correlated with the lysosomal membrane stability and Ca2+-ATPase activity alterations. Our study also demonstrated that the cytochemical biomarkers responses were very important to identify the cellular toxic effects of metals and promising biological tools in the assessment of biological effects of pollutants in natural marine environment.}, keywords = {Cadmium,Copper,Cytotoxicity,cytochemical biomarkers,Hediste diversicolor}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56895.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56895_e0749772e85a037ab695c8188c63ccd3.pdf} } @article { author = {Ojoawo, S. O. and Rao, C. V. and Goveas, L. C.}, title = {Bioremediation of Zn, Cu, Mg and Pb in Fresh Domestic Sewage by Brevibacterium sp.}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {139-148}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56896}, abstract = {The study applied an isolated Brevibacterium sp. (MTCC 10313) for bioremediation of Zn, Cu, Mg and Pb in domestic sewage. Batch culture experiments were performed on both the fresh and stale sewage samples with glucose supplementation of 1-8g/l. Nutrient broth medium was prepared, sterilized and pH adjusted to 6.5-6.8. 1% of the Brevibacteria sp. stock was inoculated into the broth and maintained at 370C for 24hrs in shaker incubator at 120 rpm. Another 1% of fresh grown sub-culture of broth was inoculated into supplemented and sterilized samples. Optical Density was taken at 600nm, growth monitored over 12 days, cultured samples denatured with TCA and centrifuged, supernatants filtered and analyzed with AAS, Settled pellets oven dried, subjected to SEM analysis for morphology and constituents determination. Fresh sewage samples permitted bacterial growth and facilitated bioremediation of Zn, Cu and Mg through metal uptake and bioabsoption by Brevibacteria sp. This effectively reduced concentration of heavy metals, with treatment efficiency order Cu>Zn>Mg, and respective removal percentages of 77, 63 and 55. The optimum glucose concentration for effective bioremediation found as 2g/l for Zn and Cu, and 8g/l for Mg. Pb was resistant to bioremediation with Brevibacteria sp. Stale sewage produced inhibitory substances preventing adequate growth of bacterium with no bioremediation. Bioremediation with Brevibacteria sp. is found effective in removal of micro-units of Zn, Cu and Mg from domestic sewage. As a readily available low-cost agent, it is recommended for large- scale application on those metals while Pb should be further subjected to advanced treatments.}, keywords = {Bioremediation,Biosorption,Bacteria,sewage,Metal uptake}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56896.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56896_d7732aa160eec0aaab0d6c5ef32e698c.pdf} } @article { author = {Shah, A. B. and Singh, R. P.}, title = {Monitoring of Hazardous Inorganic Pollutants and Heavy Metals in Potable Water at the Source of Supply and Consumers end of a Tropical Urban Municipality}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {149-158}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56897}, abstract = {River water is not only an indispensable source for irrigation but also plays a vital role for drinking water supply for most of the urban municipalities. Water from rivers is pumped at specific sites and after treatment at municipal water treatment plants supplied as domestic potable water supply. The present study was undertaken to assess the suitability of Gomti river water at Gaughat being used as the source of water supply for Lucknow city and to evaluate post-treatment potable water quality at the consumer end by monitoring the levels of inorganic pollutants (nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and phosphate) and heavy metals. Municipal water supply at Gaughat showed marked variations in the levels of pH (7.13-8.63) and electrical conductivity (375.66-571.67µS/cm). The amount of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and phosphate was observed 26.25, 0.082, 6.9 and 1.82 mg/l respectively at Gaughat. Also, the levels of heavy metals in the municipal water source at Gaughat varied significantly for Fe (0.33-1.65 mg/l), Cu (0.077-0.108 mg/l), Cd (0.03-0.052 mg/l), Pb (0.68-0.96 mg/l) and Cr (0.036-0.065 mg/l). Water at the user end was also contaminated as the concentration of analysed inorganic pollutants and heavy metals were correspondingly higher than observed at the source. While comparing potable water at the user end of Lucknow municipality with the BIS (Drinking Water Specifications) and WHO standards for drinking water, the concentration of all studied heavy metals and other inorganic contaminants were much above the permissible levels, thus posing a serious threat to the public health.}, keywords = {drinking water,Gomti river,Heavy metals,Nitrate,Public health}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56897.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56897_1d8de47415a551aa72b1ea1e8663525d.pdf} } @article { author = {Zheng, Y. and Long, H. L. and Zhou, L. and Wu, Z. S. and Zhou, X. and You, L. and Yang, Y. and Liu, J. W.}, title = {Leaching Procedure and Kinetic Studies of Cobalt in Cathode Materials from Spent Lithium Ion Batteries using Organic Citric acid as Leachant}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {159-168}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56898}, abstract = {An approach to recycle precious metals of cathode materials from spent lithium cobalt oxide batteries by using organic citric acid and hydrogen peroxide has been studied in this paper. The effects of molar ratio, solid-liquid ratio, reaction time and temperature on leaching efficiency of cobalt were investigated respectively. Meanwhile the leaching kinetics equation of cobalt was established, and the apparent activation energy of leaching reaction of cobalt was calculated out. The results show that when the molar ratio of citric acid to lithium cobalt oxides is 4:1, solid-to-liquid ratio is 15 g/L, the reaction temperature is 90 oC, the reaction time is 5 h and concentration of H2O2 is 1.0 vol. %, the leaching efficiency could be up to 99.07%. The apparent activation energy of cobalt leaching reaction is 45.724 KJ/mol, and by means of conducting fitting test for the relationship between lithium cobalt oxides powder with different particle sizes and leaching efficiency, it can be concluded that the reaction of lithium cobalt oxides using citric acid and hydrogen peroxide is chemical reaction control.}, keywords = {Spent lithium cobalt oxides batteries,Citric acid,Leaching,kinetics}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56898.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56898_73f0ef8b0a46b1652fa936db525ec1ce.pdf} } @article { author = {Bharti, S. and Mishra, S.}, title = {Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Polymethyl Methacrylate Grafted Oatmeal: A Potential Flocculant for Wastewater Treatment}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {169-178}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56899}, abstract = {The studies report the synthesis of novel graft copolymer of oatmeal. Polymethyl methacrylate grafting was carried out on oatmeal backbone via ‘microwave assisted’ approach. The graft copolymers were optimized by varying monomer and CAN concentration. The synthesized graft copolymers were characterized by intrinsic viscosity, FTIR, TGA, SEM, Elemental Analysis, number average molecular weight and solubility. All the grades of graft copolymers were assessed for its potential application as a flocculant in 1 wt% coal-fine suspension, 0.25 wt% kaolin suspension and municipal wastewater using standard ‘jar test’ protocol. The flocculation efficacy of synthesized graft copolymers was compared with commercially available coagulant (alum) in 1 wt% coal-fine and 0.25 wt% kaolin suspensions and was found to exhibit better potential as a flocculant than alum and oatmeal. Among diverse grades of graft copolymers, OAT-g-PMMA-5 exhibits higher percentage grafting, intrinsic viscosity and flocculation efficacy for removal of heavy metal ions, suspended particles and organic loads from wastewater.}, keywords = {Microwave assisted approach,Graft copolymers,Flocculant,Standard ‘jar test’ protocol,Municipal wastewater treatment}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56899.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56899_8ce7fe49d9fe3cd361b2942f262c3a47.pdf} } @article { author = {Maraseni, T. K. and Qu, J. and Zeng, J. and Liu, L.}, title = {An Analysis of Magnitudes and Trends of Household Carbon Emissions in China Between 1995 and 2011}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {179-192}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56900}, abstract = {Global greenhouse gas emissions from 2000 to 2010 has grown more quickly (2.2%/yr) than in the previous three decades (1.3%/yr). China accounts for approximately 23% of global CO2 emissions and the household sector is considered the major contributor. This study conducts a time series analysis of a per person household carbon emissions (HCEs) in China during 1995 to 2011. Annual macroeconomic data for the study were obtained from Chinese government sources. Direct HCEs estimates for all fossil fuels were obtained using the IPCC’s reference approach, and indirect HCEs were calculated by input-output analysis. In 1995, per person direct and indirect HCEs for China were 0.30 tCO2 and 0.24 tCO2, respectively, and in 2011 these values had increased to 0.60 tCO2 and 1.17tCO2 respectively; an increase of 100% and 387%, respectively. This suggests that any policy based on the direct HCE sources could be misleading, highlighting a need for a comprehensive assessment of both direct and indirect sources of HCEs. A multiple regression model shows that the impact of per capita income (PCI) on per person HCEs is more significant than that of the household size. As PCI is increasing faster than household sizes are decreasing (308% vs 18% from 1990 to 2011), the impact of PCI will be dominant in the future. Therefore, while forecasting per person HCE, PCI could be used as an independent variable. As the trends of household size and PCIs are similar in many other developing countries, this conclusion could be replicated elsewhere.}, keywords = {Income,Coal,Emissions,Household-size,China}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56900.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56900_5839f483b1ef1252175391238cec77ad.pdf} } @article { author = {Masnavi, M. R. and Tasa, H. and Ghobadi, M. and Farzad Behtash, M. R. and Negin Taji, S.}, title = {Restoration and Reclamation of the River Valleys’ Landscape Structure for Urban Sustainability using FAHP Process, the Case of Northern Tehran- Iran}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {1}, pages = {193-202}, year = {2016}, publisher = {University of Tehran/Springer}, issn = {1735-6865}, eissn = {2008-2304}, doi = {10.22059/ijer.2016.56901}, abstract = {Tehran city has been subject of critical environmental challenges during the course of 20th. century namely: massive population growth, broad expansion, reduction in urban open/green spaces, increasing in energy consumption and waste production. Releasing industrial wastewater into river valleys have led to considerable changes in structure of city's natural landscape. The natural structures of river valleys in northern Tehran that historically function as ecological corridors for transferring surrounding air and water into city, helping urban sustainability, have been gradually turned into large concrete canals for urban wastewater to downstream land and damaging ecosystems balances and biodiversity needs. The eradication of green spaces on the river banks accelerated the rivers environmental degradations. This research aimed at examining the structure of northern Tehran landscape and the influential factores which play role in the river valleys` landscape destruction. The contributing parameters to restoration of these ecological corridors were investigated based on a tree structure. Fuzzy analytical hierarchy questionnaire distributed among experts, and factors were classified. Then Chang’s methodology employed and finally ranked by degree of importance. Outcomes of fuzzy analysis were used as input for Arc GIS 9.3 to export the analytical maps of Tehran`s urban landscape enhancement through river valleys’ restoration. Evidence from this research show that alteration in environmental structures (vegetation cover, micro climate, urban infrastructures, hydrology) comes with greatest importance in shaping existing changes. Restoration of river valleys’ structures are therefore, possible through improving their natural functions such as biological structures, urban green patches and enhancing network connectivity among patches.}, keywords = {FAHP,River valley landscape,Tehran city,Urban landscape infrastructure,urban sustainability}, url = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56901.html}, eprint = {https://ijer.ut.ac.ir/article_56901_84eec282f1f71d8c8de77afe8758b9d7.pdf} }