University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Stability of Aerobic Granular Biomass Treating the Effluent from
A Seafood Industry26527660610.22059/ijer.2013.606ENA.Val Del RíoDepartment of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de
Compostela. E-15782. Santiago de Compostela, SpainM.FigueroaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de
Compostela. E-15782. Santiago de Compostela, SpainA.Mosquera-CorralDepartment of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de
Compostela. E-15782. Santiago de Compostela, SpainJ.L.CamposDepartment of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de
Compostela. E-15782. Santiago de Compostela, SpainR.MéndezDepartment of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de
Compostela. E-15782. Santiago de Compostela, SpainJournal Article20130310The aerobic granular systems represent a good alternative to substitute the conventional activated<br />sludge process in the treatment of industrial effluents due to the lower surface requirements. In this work the effluent from a seafood industry, characterized by a high variability and the presence of residual amounts of coagulant and flocculant reagents, was used to study the development of aerobic granular biomass and its stability. In a first stage with OLRs between 2 and 5 kg CODS/m3.d the development of aerobic granular biomass was promoted with good physical properties: SVI of 35 mL/g TSS, density of 60 g VSS/Lgranule and average diameter of 2.8 mm. In a second stage the continuous change in the OLR applied from 3 to 13 kg CODS/ m3.d, to simulate the real conditions of the industry, showed that the removal of organic matter was not affected (90%) but the aerobic granules disintegrated. The maximum OLR treated in the system without granules disintegration was around 4.4 kg CODS/m3.d. The nitrogen removal was 30% (for biomass assimilation) and the maximum ammonia removal was around 65% and depending on the solids retention time, the free ammonia concentration and the average granule diameter.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Light-Duty Vehicles in Monterrey,
Mexico: a Tunnel Study27729260710.22059/ijer.2013.607ENA.E.AraizagaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Ave.
Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, Nuevo León, 64849 MexicoY.MancillaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Ave.
Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, Nuevo León, 64849 MexicoA.MendozaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Ave.
Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey, Nuevo León, 64849 MexicoJournal Article20130310A two-week tunnel study was conducted in Monterrey, Mexico during June 2009 to characterize<br />volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from the local vehicle fleet and estimate the corresponding<br />emission factors (EFs). The Loma Larga Tunnel (LLT), a 532 meter-long structure that is mainly used by lightduty gasoline-powered vehicles was used as the experimental set-up. Ambient air samples (2-hour averages) were taken inside the LLT using 6 L SUMMA®-polished canisters. Samples collected in the canisters were analyzed for Total Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (TNMHC) and 53 individual VOCs using high-resolution GC-MS. Identified individual VOCs accounted for ~80% of the TNMHCs. The most abundant VOCs, on a molar basis, were ethene (13.8%), acetylene (9.0%), isopentane (7.1%), toluene (5.6%), and n-butane (5.5%). High correlations were obtained for known markers of vehicular emissions. Particularly, for the ethene/ acetylene ratio values between 1.1 and 2.4 were obtained (R2 = 0.95), indicating the presence of vehicles with a working catalytic converter. Estimated EFs were compared to values reported in similar studies elsewhere, including one in Mexico City. Results indicate that the vehicles in the LLT tend to emit lower molecular weight VOCs (in the C2 to C6 range). Reactivity of the emissions, expressed propylene-equivalent concentrations, was estimated resulting in an important contribution of the olefins (including isoprene) to the ozone-forming potential of the emitted mixtures.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Assesment of Kinetic Parameters for Thermophilic Anaerobic Contact Reactor
Treating Food-Processing Wastewater29330260810.22059/ijer.2013.608ENE.SenturkDepartment of Environmental Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze, 41400,
Kocaeli, TurkeyM.ÝnceDepartment of Environmental Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze, 41400,
Kocaeli, TurkeyG.Onkal EnginDepartment of Environmental Engineering, Gebze Institute of Technology, Gebze, 41400,
Kocaeli, TurkeyJournal Article20130310A thermophilic anaerobic contact reactor for the treatment of potato-processing wastewaters<br />was designed as a continuous-flow, completely-mixed homogeneous system. The reactor was operated at ten different organic loading rates ranging from 0.84 g COD/L·d to 7.00 g COD/L·d for a duration of approximately 250 days. The fundamental way to maintain optimum operating conditions of anaerobic digestion systems is to have a well acquaintance with the dynamic behaviours of the process. For this purpose, different types of kinetic models were used in this study, namely the substrate balance, the maximum / specific substrate utilization rate and the methane production rate models. The experimental data obtained indicated that the models used were all applicable for the description of bio-kinetic behaviour of the thermophilic anaerobic contact reactor.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Improving MSHE Design Procedure Using Genetic Algorithm and Reduced
Number of Sections30331860910.22059/ijer.2013.609ENF.JodaSchool of Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box: 11365-4563, Tehran, IranG.T.PolleyInstitute for Scientific Research, University of Guanajuato, MexicoN.TahouniSchool of Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box: 11365-4563, Tehran, IranM.H.PanjeshahiSchool of Chemical Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box: 11365-4563, Tehran, IranJournal Article20130310Pinch Technology is one of the best methods for designing a multi stream heat exchanger<br />(MSHE) through a network; current pinch-based methods, however, lead to a larger and more complicated<br />design problems. The major drawback of the current methods is they result in designs having more individual MSHE sections than essential, correspond to the enthalpy intervals on temperature vs. enthalpy diagrams or composite curves. In this paper, a new conceptual procedure for optimizing the entrance and exit points of each stream of a MSHE is proposed minimizing the number of sections required for a given duty. Moreover, Genetic algorithm (GA) is used to find the suitable fin type for making the heat exchanger dimensions consistent with manufacturing needs and the fully utilization of allowable pressure drops. Having applied the new design procedure in two industrial case studies, the results showed 11% and 7% cost reductions compared to the current method, respectively.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Landslide Susceptibility Mapping for the Urmia Lake basin, Iran: A multi-
Criteria Evaluation Approach using GIS31933661010.22059/ijer.2013.610ENB.Feizizadeh1Department of Physical Geography Centre for Remote Sensing and GIS, University of Tabriz, Iran,
Department of Geography & Geology Centre for Geoinformatics , University of Salzburg,
5020, AustriaT.BlaschkeDepartment of Geography & Geology Centre for Geoinformatics , University of Salzburg,
5020, AustriaH.NazmfarDepartment of Geography and Urban Planning, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, IranM.H.Rezaei MoghaddamDepartment of Physical Geography Centre for Remote Sensing and GIS, University of Tabriz, IranJournal Article20130310Although typically small in terms of their spatial footprint, landslide hazards are relatively<br />frequent in Northern Iran. We assess landslide susceptibility for the nearly 20.000 km2 large study area of the Urmia lake basin which is dominated by agricultural land use but includes the major settlements areas of the East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Landslide factors are established in form of GIS dataset layers including<br />topography, geology, climatology and land use. After pre-processing all data layers are standardized based on a fuzzy logic model. An Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) delivers the weights for the GIS-analysis.<br />Datasets are combined by GIS spatial analysis techniques and a landslide susceptibility map of the study area is created. An existing inventory of known landslides within the case study area was compared with the<br />resulting susceptibility map. We found that high susceptible zones cover about 4.47% (944 km2) of the total<br />area whereby geological outcrops of sedimentary and volcanic formations such as volcanic ash contribute most to the landslide susceptibility. Due to the dynamic growth of settlements especially in the vicinity of the city of Tabriz landslide hazards may cause even more damage in the future.The resulting information of this<br />research is useful for a) a better understanding of existing landslides and their origins in North-Western Iran, b) supporting emergency decisions and c) prioritization of efforts for the reduction and mitigation of future landslide hazards.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401The Recreational use Value in Spanish Protected Natural Landscapes:
Proposal for a Nature Park “Serranía de Cuenca”33734261110.22059/ijer.2013.611ENJ.A.Mondéjar-JiménezFaculty of Social Sciences, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Cuenca, SpainJ.C.Gázquez-AbadFaculty of Economics and Business Studies, University of Almería, Almería, SpainM.A.Gómez-BorjaFaculty of Economics and Business Studies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, SpainJournal Article20130310Environmental protection is not at odds with the proper use of all the offered possibilities.<br />Along these lines, the touristic products available to the consumer has increased exponentially over the last<br />few years which has made it possible to convert territorial and patrimonial resources into significant elements<br />of recreational use put into value at service of the consumer. Surveys on the recreational usage value in<br />protected national parks are still incipient in Spain and so it is highly recommendable analyse what their future possibilities are and what applications are feasibly achievable. If the various options are taken into account for evaluating the natural resources currently available to tourists, this paper examines a proposal for studying the values of the recreational use of the “Serranía de Cuenca” national park, which occupies more than fifty thousand hectares in the Province of Castilla-La Mancha. Taking into consideration that large number of varied tourist segments that it is possible to encounter in a market, protected natural landscapes have become truly differentiating elements in a quality touristic offer that strictly meets the most demanding sustainability<br />criteria.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Land use and Water Quality in Guangzhou, China: A survey of ecological and
Social Vulnerability in Four Urban Units of the Rapidly Developing Megacity34335861210.22059/ijer.2013.612ENR.StrohschönDepartment of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH Aachen University,
Aachen, GermanyK.WiethoffInstitute of Landscape Architecture, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, GermanyK.BaierDepartment of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH Aachen University,
Aachen, GermanyL.LuDepartment of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH Aachen University,
Aachen, GermanyA.L.BerchtChair of Human Geography, University of Kiel, Kiel, GermanyR.WehrhahnChair of Human Geography, University of Kiel, Kiel, GermanyR.AzzamDepartment of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH Aachen University,
Aachen, GermanyJournal Article20130310This interdisciplinary paper aims at Guangzhou’s development and its effects on surface and<br />groundwater quality taking the new city axis as an example. Qualitative morphological analyses, field mappings, interviews and water sampling of standard in-situ and various hydrochemical parameters were conducted between 2007 and 2009 in order to examine the following research questions: Which types of land use can be found within the new city axis? Are there infrastructure differences of water supply and wastewater disposal? How does land use affect the quality of surface and groundwater? How do inhabitants perceive and appraise settlement structures, infrastructures and environmental quality and how do they cope with their individual situation? Within four small-scale research areas, so-called urban units, different stages and types of development and factors influencing the water resources as well as spatial variations of water quality could be identified. Deficits in city planning, water supply and sanitation lead, for example, to informal building expansion and groundwater use as well as to high concentrations of coliform bacteria in urban rivers. A wide range of ecological and social vulnerabilities became obvious.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Energy Intensity and Energy Demand: A Case Study for the
Italian Industrial Sector35936661310.22059/ijer.2013.613ENL.BuzzigoliDipartimento di Statistica “G. Parenti”, University of Firenze, ItalyA.VivianiDipartimento di Statistica “G. Parenti”, University of Firenze, ItalyJournal Article20130310The paper presents an analysis of both energy intensity and energy demand for the Italian<br />industrial sector. The aim of the paper is twofold: making a decomposition of energy intensity at the aggregate level and modeling energy demand at the firm level. The decomposition of energy intensity shows different patterns for the different sub-sectors in the period of interest. In the micro approach, panel data are used to investigate whether firms’ energy demand varies according to their dimension, to production factors’ price dynamic and to the sub-sector energy intensity. This kind of application at firm level represents a novelty in the empirical literature on energy in Italy.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401On-Road Vehicle Emissions Forecast Using IVE Simulation Model36737661410.22059/ijer.2013.614ENM.Shafie-PourGraduate faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranA.TavakoliGraduate faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20130310During the recent decades, rapid urbanization growth has led to even faster growth of motor<br />vehicles and especially in large cities. Hence, evaluation of the actual level of traffic emissions has gained more interest. This paper, for the first time, presents a bottom-up approach for evaluation of vehicular emissions in Tehran- the capital of Iran- using the International Vehicle Emission (IVE) model. The IVE model uses local vehicle technology levels and its distributions, power based driving factors, vehicle soak distributions and meteorological parameters to tailor the model for specific evaluation of emissions. The results of this study demonstrate that carbon monoxide (CO) emission with 244.45 ton/hr during peak traffic hour is the most abundant criteria pollutant. About 25% of this quantity is emitted during start-up periods. Other pollutants such as NOX, VOCs, PM, VOCevap and SOX are ranked after CO accordingly. Also, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of 1744.22 ton/hr during the study period indicate that light vehicles are responsible for more than 82% of this amount. Based on IVE’s evaluation, about 25% of the total vehicle emissions in Tehran come from districts 2, 4 and 6 respectively. It has further been inferred that the development of public transportation systems and proper land-use and urban spatial planning for various centers in these districts are essential.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Quantification of Social Impacts of Large Hydropower Dams- a case study of
Alborz Dam in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran37738261510.22059/ijer.2013.615ENS.TajziehchiDepartment of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Tehran IranS.M.MonavariDepartment of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Tehran IranA.R.KarbassiGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, P.O.Box14135-6135,Tehran,IranS.M.ShariatGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, P.O.Box14135-6135,Tehran,IranN.KhorasaniGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, P.O.Box14135-6135,Tehran,IranJournal Article20130310Despite the numerous advantages of large dams, there is still a deep suspicion about the real,<br />long-term benefits and costs of their construction. Land use change on a vast scale, displacement of a large<br />population of indigenous people, loss of biodiversity and production of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as environmental, socioeconomic and cultural consequences resulting therefrom, indicate clearly the need to<br />reconsider the growing trend of dam construction in the world. The present study was conducted to calculate<br />the real cost of generating electricity imposed on communities and environment in order to clarify the adverse socioeconomic impacts of large dams that are often ignored due to short-term, economic benefits. Accordingly, Alborz Dam, a large dam in northern Iran, was selected as a case study to run cost-benefit analysis by SIMPACTS Software. The obtained results revealed that the total external cost of electricity generation by the hydropower dam is about 0.16 US$/kWh. In other words, the annual cost of the electricity generation by Alborz Hydropower Plant is US$ 4.8 million/year. The highest share (163 US$/MWh) belongs to the loss of agricultural production while the lowest cost (0.10 US$/MWh) is associated with the loss of life. According to the estimated values, a total amount of 1074 tons of greenhouse gas emissions is expected to be released into the air by the hydropower dam operation. It should be stated that SIMPACTS Software only considers the adverse effects of hydropower dams and there is a need to improve the capability of the software by adding the positive impacts in to the overall computations, as well.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Evaluation of Noise Measurements Performed in Mining Sites for
Environmental Aspects38338661610.22059/ijer.2013.616ENI.CinarDepartment of Mining Engineering, Selcuk University, 42079 Konya, TurkeyC.SensogutDepartment of Mining Engineering, Dumlupinar University, 43100 Kutahya, TurkeyJournal Article20130310In this study, results of noise level measurements performed in 4 different mining sites are<br />given. Noise level measurements performed in opencast mining site of Konya Ilgin Lignite Corporation (ILC), in Konya Eyak Mining quarry site and in Aydin Cine Feldspar ore dressing facility have been evaluated<br />together with worker surveys. The noise level measurements performed in Manisa Soma Uyar Mining coal<br />preparation facility have been evaluated in terms of machine-work performance. Thence, it has been pointed<br />out that the increase in noise was due to machine faults. When the measurement results were considered, it is mandatory for the workers to use protective equipment. Workers working under high noise level would be<br />affected physically, physiologically and psychologically. To prevent these harms, they should be encouraged<br />to use earmuffs and plugs.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Urban Storm Water runoff in
Tijuana, Mexico38739461710.22059/ijer.2013.617ENE.García-FloresDepartment of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja California,
Calzada Universidad 14418. International Industrial Park, Tijuana, Baja California,
Mexico, C.P. 22390F.T.WakidaDepartment of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja California,
Calzada Universidad 14418. International Industrial Park, Tijuana, Baja California,
Mexico, C.P. 22390J.H.Espinoza-GomezDepartment of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja California,
Calzada Universidad 14418. International Industrial Park, Tijuana, Baja California,
Mexico, C.P. 22390Journal Article20130310Eight sites were sampled during seven rain events to quantify and identify the sources of<br />polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban runoff in the city of Tijuana, Mexico. The total Σ16 PAHs<br />concentration rangedfrom 1113 to 4866 μg/Lin the sampled sites and thetotal suspended solid concentrations ranged from 7725 to 4413 μg/L. The high concentrations of total suspended solids were probably the result of the erosion of bare soil areas in the basin area of the sampling sites. The PAH concentration in urban runoff from industrial sites was not as high as expected in comparison to residential sites. The potential sources of PAH were identified using the diagnostic ratios between PAHs and PCA analysis. Vehicular exhaust emissions (diesel and gasoline) and used crankcase oil were the main contributors to PAHs in urban storm water runoff. Charcoal combustion, diesel oil andlubricant oil were also identified as contributors to PAHs.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401As(III) and As(V) Sorption on MnO2 Synthesized by Mechano-chemical
Reaction from Aqueous phase39540261810.22059/ijer.2013.618ENI.AndjelkovicInnovation center of the Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, P.O. Box 51, 11158 Belgrade
118 SerbiaD.ManojlovicFaculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, Belgrade, SerbiaS.SkrivanjFaculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, Belgrade, SerbiaB.M.PavlovicFaculty of Electrical Engineering, B. Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, SerbiaN.R.AmaizahFaculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, Belgrade, SerbiaG.RoglicFaculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, Belgrade, SerbiaJournal Article20130310Nanoparticles of manganese-dioxide synthesized by mechano-chemical reaction were used for<br />As(III) and As(V) sorption from water environment. The influence of a milling time of manganese-dioxide on sorption was examined with batch procedure. Sorption as a function of contact time was investigated. Kinetic of sorption, for both As(III) and As(V), was fast. The equilibrium condition for milled sorbents was achieved after one hour of mixing. Experimental data were fitted to Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models. Both models represent experimental data well with slightly better regression coefficient for Freundlich isotherm model. With the increase of the milling time manganese-dioxide adsorption capacity for As(III) and As(V) increased. The decrease of average particle size with milling could be responsible for increase of sorption capacity. The influence of pH on sorption was also investigated. The sorption of both, As(III) and As(V), in investigated pH range (6.0-9.0) was not significantly disturbed and showed similar behaviour, what could indirectly imply oxidation of As(III) to As(V) before sorption.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Industrial Pollution and Food Safety in Kigali, Rwanda40340661910.22059/ijer.2013.619ENA.EtaleSchool of Animal Plant and Environmental Science University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag
3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South AfricaD.C.DrakeSchool of Animal Plant and Environmental Science University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag
3, WITS 2050, Johannesburg, South AfricaJournal Article20130310We determined the concentrations of lead and cadmium in edible parts of Colocasiaesculenta,<br />Amaranthusspp. and Ipomoea batata cultivated on farms in industrially polluted sections of Nyabugogo<br />marsh (Kigali, Rwanda) and quantified metal intake by consumers of these crops. We report that metal<br />concentrations in crops were within EU limits. The highest metal concentrations were found in Amaranthusspp. leaves (lead = 0.31 mg/kg and cadmium = 0.03 mg/kg) and the lowestin I. batata (lead = 0.02 mg/kg and cadmium = 0.01 mg/kg). Conversely, metal intake through these crops by adults in a surveyed community exceeded thresholds prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on crop consumption quantities, dietary lead intake by adults exceeded the recommended maximum by as much as seven and four orders of magnitude through Amaranthusspp and C. esculenta,respectively. Cadmium intake exceeded the WHO recommended maximum by two (Amaranthusspp and C. esculenta)and three (I. batata) orders of magnitude.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Sensitivity Analysis of METRIC–Based Evapotranspiration Algorithm40742262010.22059/ijer.2013.620ENM.H.Mokhtari1Department of Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geo-information science and engineering, University
Technology of Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia
a Faculty of natural resources, Yazd University, Yazd, IranB.AhmadDepartment of Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geo-information science and engineering, University
Technology of Malaysia (UTM), MalaysiaH.HoveidiGraduate faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranI.BusuDepartment of Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geo-information science and engineering, University
Technology of Malaysia (UTM), MalaysiaJournal Article20130310METRIC (Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Resolution with Internalized Calibration) is known as an appropriate surface energy balance model for the estimation of the spatial distribution of evapotranspiration (ET) in semi-arid regions. Based on lysimeter measurements, METRIC has shown ET estimates of 10% on a sub-field scale on a daily basis. There is a need to identify how the model is sensitive to the input parameters. Therefore, the most influential parameters in the algorithm can be identified and the<br />model can be further improved. Sensitivity analysis at three levels of vegetation cover shows that METRIC is<br />highly sensitive to dT, surface temperature, net radiation, sensible heat flux, surface albedo, soil heat flux, and air temperature. It is also moderately sensitive to friction velocity, aerodynamic resistance to heat transfer, surface emissivity and less sensitive to leaf area index, soil adjusted vegetation index, wind speed(except wind speed at low level of vegetation cover)‘, and roughness length for momentum (except Zom<0.1). A two-factor analysis of the algorithm’s primary inputs showed that the pair albedo-surface temperature is the most and the normalized vegetation index-soil adjusted vegetation index or normalized vegetation index-leaf area index is the least effective pair in this model. In order to improve the accuracy of METRIC, this study suggests upgrading the equations for the above-mentioned effective variables.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401The Application of Fuzzy Multi-attribute Group Decision Making to Prioritize
the Landscapes with high Ecological value: Khoshk River in Shiraz42343462110.22059/ijer.2013.621ENL.KowkabiFaculty of Geography, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1417853933, Tehran, IranA.R.Rahman SetayeshFaculty of managment university of Tehran, Tehran, IranA.BadriFaculty of Geography, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1417853933, Tehran, IranA.RajaeeFaculty of Geography, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 1417853933, Tehran, IranJournal Article20130310The expansion of major cities regardless of the scientific planning principles has led to the<br />emergence of negative urban development impacts in Iran such as the degradation of natural resources and<br />various forms of pollution. Undoubtedly, urban rivers can enhance the ecological value of the earth to an<br />optimal extent. However, to benefit from these potentials, appropriate planning looks inevitable. Due to the<br />lack of data and information, analyzing the quality of these resources requires the application of new methods which consider the uncertainties and complexities of the issue in the decision making. This research presents an application of fuzzy TOPSIS multi attribute group decision making to identify factors causing land degradation, distinguish the most optimal areas based on their ecological values and provide suggestions on landscape improvement. To this end, the development of Shiraz city along the Khoshk River corridor was investigated using the 1:25000 maps and satellite images (ICONOS). With respect to the river attributes and adjacent lands, the riverside was divided into four heterogeneous zones. Then, to distinguish the most optimal zone based on the ecological values, the fuzzy decision making method was applied. To this end, the expansion of human activities and biophysical criteria were defined, separately. A number of experts determined the importance of each indicator qualitatively. Finally, using the group decision making theory and fuzzy TOPSIS technique, the researchers identified the most suitable zone based on the “biophysical criteria” and “human activity criteria” separately as well as the whole criteria, and provided suggestions on the landscape improvement.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Application of Clay Minerals and Polymeric Resins to Remove Dissolved
Microcystin-LR from Water43544262210.22059/ijer.2013.622ENR.S.P.CoutoDepartamento de Ciências Naturais, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Estado
do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Avenida Pasteur 458, 22290-240 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilA.W.S.GuarinoDepartamento de Ciências Naturais, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Estado
do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Avenida Pasteur 458, 22290-240 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilCh.W.C.BrancoDepartamento de Ciências Naturais, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Estado
do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Avenida Pasteur 458, 22290-240 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilE.F.A.PalermoDepartamento de Ciências Naturais, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Estado
do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Avenida Pasteur 458, 22290-240 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilE.G.AzeroDepartamento de Ciências Naturais, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Estado
do Rio de Janeiro - UNIRIO, Avenida Pasteur 458, 22290-240 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilJournal Article20130310This study aimed to develop techniques for purification of cyanotoxins dissolved in water -<br />particularly those produced by Microcystis aeruginosa species - using natural clay, chemically modified<br />natural clay, commercial clay and ion exchange and adsorbent resins. Except for natural clay, chemical pretreatment was required to increase the adsorption capacity of the treatment materials. All the clays were<br />exposed to microcystin solutions of 0.5x10-3, 1.0x10-3 and 10.0x10-3 ?g/mL in batch purification processes. The same solutions were used in purification processes with polymeric resins packed in columns. The microcystin- LR samples were quantified using ELISA immunoassay and removal capabilities and saturation of the treatment materials were evaluated. The modified clays showed a microcystin-LR removal efficiency rate between 82.90% and 99.86%, while the resins a rate between 87.6% and 99.74%. This study shows that the materials have technologically and economically promising properties for the removal of microcystins from water.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Prediction of Fecal Coliform Removal on Intermittent Media Infiltration by
Varying Soil Content Based on FREN44345462310.22059/ijer.2013.623ENS.KhamkureUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, 25315, Saltillo, Coahuila, MéxicoC.TreesatayapunCINVESTAV IPN-Unidad Saltillo. 25900, Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, MéxicoE.P.CervantesUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, 25315, Saltillo, Coahuila, MéxicoP.G.MeloCINVESTAV IPN-Unidad Saltillo. 25900, Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, MéxicoA.Z.GonzalezUniversidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, 25315, Saltillo, Coahuila, MéxicoJournal Article20130310Current global water shortage and water pollution problem are some of the crucial issues in the<br />world, especially in the arid zones. The wastewater reuse was investigated the efficiency of fecal coliform<br />(FC) removal using the intermittent media infiltration (IMI) with varying soil content and natural porous<br />media (sand, zeolite, vermicompost and charcoal), and its prediction was introduced by applying fuzzy rules<br />emulated network (FREN). The physicochemical properties of the porous media were determined and the<br />mechanisms of FC removal were discussed as the effect of fine particle size and increasing of ion charges. The compositions of soil and porous media at a ratio of 75/25, respectively, gave the best performance of FC reduction. The network architecture was constructed by the knowledge regarding to the relation between soil content (25, 50 and 75) and FC removal, and was introduced IF-THEN rules for FREN construction as their<br />predicted curves at 20 iterations. The learning rate was selected as 5 following the main theorem and the<br />convergence of FREN prediction could be guaranteed. The results showed that the prediction methodology<br />gave a good performance to forecast FC removal with the range of soil content (20-80%) and several compositions of porous media in IMI system.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Characteristics of Fly ash Produced at Power and Water Desalination Plants
Firing Fuel Oil45546662410.22059/ijer.2013.624ENM.H.Al-MalackKing Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaA.A.BukhariKing Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaO.S.Al-AmoudiKing Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaH.H.Al-MuhannaKing Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaT.H.ZaidiKing Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20130310Plants firing fuel oil produce huge quantities of fly ash as solid waste, which needs to be<br />characterized prior to its proper management. It is worth mentioning that the published literature lack<br />comprehensive information on the characteristics of such fly ash. Characteristics of fuel oil fly ash produced<br />at selected power (PP) and water desalination (DP) plants were determined. The results showed that grain<br />size of the DP fly ash (66.87 μm) is slightly larger than that of PP fly ash (63.09 μm). The PP fly ash is mostly carbon while DP has a larger percent of metal oxide ashes. Ash content in PP and DP fly ash were 4.8 and 43.3 percent, respectively. Moreover, metal concentrations are higher in DP fly ash than that in PP fly ash. As an example, average vanadium concentrations were 15619 and 40879 mg/kg in PP and DP fly ash samples, respectively. Generally, fly ash samples produced at the two plants are different in their physical and chemical characteristics, which could be attributed to the different fuels and additives being used at the two plants.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Efficiency of Vermicompost on Quantitative and Qualitative
Growth of Tomato Plants46747262510.22059/ijer.2013.625ENM.A.AbduliGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranL.AmiriGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranE.MadadianGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranS.GitipourGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranS.SedighianGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20130310In this research, the effect of using vermicompost on growth rate, fertility and characteristics of<br />tomatoes has been studied. Four vermicompost: soil mixture were supplied with ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 and also four different beds were provided. Total of 24 small globe tomato plants were tested and in each bed combination, six tomato plants were embedded. Rate of growth and yielding of plants grown in each of four beds were investigated in two periods of 40 days and 90 days after planting. The results showed a significant rise in growth of tomato plants by increasing ratio of vermicompost combined with soil. Obviously, the plant was mostly appeared in the main stem of the plant and there was no significant enhancement in the number of leaves. The main stem diameter, height, the number of leaves per plant, and yielding of tomato plants obtained the highest rate in four tested beds after 40 days in vermicompost to soil ratios of 1:3, 1:1, 1:3, and 1:2, respectively. In aforementioned observations some changes were made after 90 days of testing and maximum yielding and height of tomato plants were obtained in 1:1 ratio. Vitamin C and total sugar content in tomatoes increase with using vermicompost. The maximum amount of vitamin C and total sugar, soluble solids, insoluble solids and total nitrites of fresh tomato were observed in ratios of 4:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 and 3:1, correspondingly.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Environmental Security and Global Violence47347862610.22059/ijer.2013.626ENA.MossalanejadFaculty of law and political sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran,IranJournal Article20130310For many years, the prevailing notion of security has been associated with the ‘realist’ military<br />side of conflict management, understood as ‘national security’. For us the term does not just mean the<br />interplay of deterring, compelling, defensive and offensive force in the pursuit of a self-defined national<br />interest. Above all, and at a fundamental level it includes the safety and quality of life of all human beings and their ecosystems. Conceptually, we could define such security as the reciprocal value of insecurity. It refers to all those trends and factors - environmental, economic, social, political and cultural - that increase the risk, exposure and vulnerability for a given population. In earlier works it is contended that within highly complex and interconnected systems, the security of the whole, including that of its seemingly most protected components, paradoxically depends upon the system’s weakest links. There is the urgency for exploring broader and longer-term mechanisms to devise and strengthen global governance so that world stability, security, social justice, sustainability and well-being for all are guaranteed.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Monitoring Bacterial Diversity in a full-scale Municipal Wastewater Treatment
plant in Dubai by Fluorescence in situ hybridization Technique47948462710.22059/ijer.2013.627ENM.A.KhanDepartment of Natural Science and Public Health, College of Arts and Sciences, Zayed
University, P.O.Box:19282, Dubai, UAES.M.FaheemDepartment of Biotechnology, Manipal University Dubai Campus, Dubai International Academic
City, P.O.Box:345050, Dubai, UAEJournal Article20130310In this study, the bacterial diversity in the activated sludge system of a full-scale municipal<br />wastewater treatment plant in Dubai was monitored over a period of one year using ribosomal RNA (rRNA)<br />targeted oligonucleotide probes for a defined phylogenetic group of bacteria by the Fluorescence in situ<br />hybridization (FISH) technique. The largest fraction of the bacterial community in the sludge samples belonged to the gamma-subgroup of proteobacteria (25%) followed by gram positive bacteria of high G+C content(16%), gram positive bacteria with low G+C content (9 %), beta-proteobacteria (8%) and alpha-proteobacteria(5 %) with respect to the population percentages stained by DAPI (4,6-diamino-2-phenylindole).A specific nocardioform actinomycete, simultaneously targeted by both HGC69a and MNP1 probes, was predominantly found throughout the study period in all activated sludge mixed liquor samples. The nocardioform actinomycetes group members were detected in both branched and single cell morphotypes. Most of the previously published genus and species specific probes failed to hybridize to the sludge samples. In conclusion, the overall bacterial community populations detected by the sub-group specific 16S rRNA targeted oligonucleotide probes in FISH technique remained almost constant throughout the period of study irrespective of treatment plant conditions.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Evaluation of the Impact of Ni, Cr and Pb Contained in Effluents of an
Industrial unit by the Process of Stabilization/solidification using
Hydraulic Binders48549462810.22059/ijer.2013.628ENK.MoussacebUniversity A/MIRA Bejaia – Faculty of Technology- Department of Technology– Street Targa-
Ouzemour – Bejaia –06000- AlgeriaCh.BelebchoucheUniversity A/MIRA Bejaia – Faculty of Technology- Department of Technology– Street Targa-
Ouzemour – Bejaia –06000- AlgeriaA.Ait-MokhtarUniversity of La Rochelle- LEPTIAB -Avenue Michel Crépeau-17042 La Rochelle Cedex 1, AlgeriaD.MerabetUniversity A/MIRA Bejaia – Faculty of Technology- Department of Technology– Street Targa-
Ouzemour – Bejaia –06000- AlgeriaJournal Article20130310Stabilization/ solidification (S/S) of hazardous waste by hydraulic binders is one of the most<br />promising ways to reduce the polluting nature of ultimate waste. This study conducted at the laboratory scale, to study of the influence of various parameters namely: the ratio L/S, the contact time solid/liquid, surface and medium of exposure...etc., on the environmental impact of ultimate waste synthesized and real-discharges of an industrial unit, stabilized/ solidified by hydraulic binders. The ANC test, pore water and leaching test on monoliths were carried on samples of the same material to study the influence of pH, L/S ratio and other parameters on the chemical speciation of the species (Pb2+, Cr+3 and Ni+2) in granular materials. Monitoring of the changes in concentrations (TLM test), flows leached and cumulative concentrations of chemical species are used as a criterion for comparison. The use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) is effective for the determination of crystalline phases. The results of XRD may indicate the mechanisms and reactions of immobilization occurring in the process of S/S. The experimental results obtained for the scenario shown indicate that the release of chromium is purely diffusive in against the leaching of lead and nickel is combined by diffusion and chemical<br />reaction.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Categorizing Variables Affecting the Proactive Environmental
Orientation of Firms49550062910.22059/ijer.2013.629ENJ.Mondéjar-JiménezFaculty of Social Sciences. University of Castilla-La Mancha, SpainM.Vargas-VargasFaculty of Economics and Business Studies. University of Castilla-La Mancha, SpainM.Segarra-OñaManagement Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, SpainA.Peiró-SignesManagement Department, Universitat Politècnica de València, SpainJournal Article20130310Despite several authors having studied the strategic approach to environmental orientation and,<br />considering that environmental proactivity is emerging in business strategy, it still remains unclear which real<br />actions influence a firm’s environmental orientation. An empirical analysis of a sample of 126 Spanish companies shows that firms’ actions are explained as training, information and divulgation actions; firms’ goals are understood as actions to improve business competitiveness, and agents’ implications and firms’ management implications explain the environmental proactivity of firms, while obstacles with negative effects are also identified. This paper undertakes a questionnaire-based study of environmental proactivity to explain the relations among variables through a Structural Equation Modeling (EQS) model.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401A mathematical Model for Cadmium Removal using A sulfate Reducing
Bacterium: Desulfovibrio alaskensis 6SR50151263010.22059/ijer.2013.630ENP.A.López-PérezDepartment of Biotechnology & Bioengineering CINVESTAV-IPN, Instituto Politécnico Nacional
2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 México, D.F.M.I.Neria-GonzálezChemical and Biochemical Engineering Division, Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de
Ecatepec, Tecnológico, 55210, Valle de Anáhuac, Ecatepec de Morelos, Estado de MéxicoL.B.Flores-CoteraDepartment of Biotechnology & Bioengineering CINVESTAV-IPN, Instituto Politécnico Nacional
2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 México, D.F.R.Aguilar-LópezDepartment of Biotechnology & Bioengineering CINVESTAV-IPN, Instituto Politécnico Nacional
2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 México, D.F.Journal Article20130310In this work, an unstructured-type mathematical model was developed to simulate<br />cadmium (Cd2+) removal by Desulfovibrio alaskensis 6SR, which is a recently described sulfate<br />reducing bacterium, whose capacity for removing heavy metals are being studied. Three processes<br />are considered in the model: 1) the sulfate reduction process, 2) the consumption of lactate as<br />carbon source, and 3) the metal removal. The model was tested with different initial Cd2+ concentrations<br />(50, 100, 170, and 190 mg/L), and it accurately predicted the behavior of experimental data with<br />satisfactory correlation coefficients (R2>0.97). In addition, the model showed that the H2S production<br />rate and initial concentration of Cd2+ are key operating variables in a bioreactor. Desulfovibrio<br />alaskensis 6SR was able to remove more than 99.9% of cadmium in a batch process, where the initial<br />concentration was 170 mg/L. The model, applied to a continuous process, predicted a maximum Cd2+<br />removal of 99.1% with the same initial concentration. Also, the model predicted the inhibitory effect<br />of initial Cd2+ concentrations above 190 mg/L. The mathematical model developed can be used for<br />optimization and control purposes.University of Tehran/SpringerInternational Journal of Environmental Research1735-68657220130401Performance and Kinectics Aspects of Nitrogen Removal in a Biofilm
Sequencing Batch Reactor51352263110.22059/ijer.2013.631ENR.H.R.CostaDepartment of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, SC,
BrazilD.B.WolffDepartment of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, RS,
BrazilV.S.SoutoDepartment of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina,
SC, Brazil & Campus Universitário, Florianópolis, SC BrazilJournal Article20130310A biofilm sequencing batch reactor with a volume of 1.42 m3, nylon nets providing a 4,140 m2/<br />m3 support area for biofilms and an automated operation with 8 hour cycles was studied. The duration of the experiment was 135 days. Removal efficiencies e≥ 80% were obtained for carbonaceous matter, producing an effluent with 31±26.8 mg/L of filtered COD, 7±3.6 mg/L of BOD5 and 12±3.2 mg/L of TOC. The average removal efficiency of ammonium was 77 ± 16.6%, with a mean concentration in the effluent of 14 ± 10.2 mg NH4-N/L. The denitrification efficiency was 80±14.7%. The effluent characteristics met the requirements of Brazilian environmental standard for discharge to receiving water bodies. A kinetic study of nitrification and denitrification showed that during the aerobic phase the specific rate of ammonium consumption was 0.057 g NH4-N/g VSS.d and the production of NOx-N was 0.074 g NOx-N/g VSS.d, while the specific rate of NOx-N consumption was 0.05 g NOx-N/g VSS.d during the anoxic phase. The suspended and fixed biomass was composed of 50% ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB).