حسن کازرونی

American Mesquite (is called Somr in Persian), (Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC) is native to South America (Mexico). It has been introduced and planted in south Iran for over 50 years. This project was carried out to determine the distribution of this species in terms of plantation or wild distribution in the Bushehr province. To determine the distribution of American mesquite, initial field visits were conducted, and after taking field notes and recording the UTM points, satellite images were analyzed. Polygons related to the distribution areas of American Mesquite were closed on the Google Earth images. Trees that were probably Somr were selected from the satellite images, and their UTM coordinates were recorded. With the ground control of those points, the distribution areas of Somr in the province were determined. The distribution map of Somr was prepared. The results showed that American mesquite is distributed in dense and non-dense afforestation on the sides of highways, roads, forest parks, and green spaces and scattered in other fields. These sample points were mainly related to afforestation and sometimes to agricultural lands, orchards, pastures, or the side of highways and roads. The area of afforestation with this species was 14444.8 ha. The wild distribution of this species with ≥5% canopy cover was 290 ha in Dayer County. Further Research in terms of forest monitoring on the distribution of this species was recommended. Planting this species east of Bushehr Province from Mond River to the southeast of Bushehr province was not recommended.

This study aimed to extract, identify and compare the compounds in activated sludge treated with furfural and acetic acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS/GC), FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to identify the components of activated sludge.

For this purpose, test samples of activated sludge from Mazandaran Wood and Paper Factory were randomly selected and treated with furfural and acetic acid. According to TAPPI standard tests, the extractive materials were then separated/isolated from activated sludge flour by acetone solvent and the residual of the extractive materials were transferred to a glass vial and BSTFA reagent was added to it. After preparation, the samples were injected into GC-MS. The retention-time diagram, quartz coefficient calculation and Adams table were used to identify the compounds.

The results of gas chromatogram of the extractive materials of the test samples showed that in activated sludge, activated sludge treated in furfural and activated sludge treated with acetic acid, there are 59, 138, and 48 identifiable compounds, respectively. Comparison of chromatograms also showed that two bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and 2-methyl-naphthalene compounds were commonly present in 3 test samples. Squelin is one of the pure and mineral hydrocarbon oils of the identified in activated sludge treated with acetic acid at the rate of 2.26%. According to chromatograms, alkanes have formed a remarkable percentage of all non-polar compounds in activated sludge and treated samples. The most abundant of these compounds are light to relatively heavy alkanes, which can be mentioned to compunds of Dodecane, 3-decane in activated sludge, nano-decane, hexadecane and octa-decane in activated sludge treated with acetic acid and on-decane and hexadecane in the treated samples with furfural. Comparison of chromatograms also indicated that 2-compounds of 2-ethyl acridine and hexadecane were in the activated sludge treated with furfural and acetic acid so that it was not observed in the primary activated sludge. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also showed that the activated sludge of the paper factory resulting from CMP and NSSC processes is composed of calcite (2ϴ=39) and colloidal materials. FT-IR spectrum showed that acetic acid treatment has strengthened and activated the functional groups present on the activated sludge surface, especially in the range of 1500-1600 cm-1 wave number. In addition, the tensile vibrations are mostly related to the C-C bond and the skeletal vibrations of the aromatic units. Also, the wave number 3200 to 3400 cm-1 is related to the active hydroxyl groups.

The most important saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in activated sludge can be introduced tetradcanoic acid, 7-bromohebtyl isobutyl phthalic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoladic acid and 2,1-benzene d-carboxylic acid, which during activated sludge treatment with furfural and acetic acid have been removed. Depending on the type of treatment, these compounds can have negative or positive effects on activated sludge applications.

Acacia albida Delile naturally grows on the outskirts of Razm Abad village, Dashti city, Bushehr province. This species is a hardy drought-resistant tree with abundant ecological and economic potential. The forest is under threat of degradation because of its close distance to the village. This research has been carried out to identify the habitat, the causes of degradation, the possibility of seed production for future propagation, and the necessity to protect it. The forest of this species can be categorized into three forms including dense, semi-dense, and scattered form. The reproduction of this species through seeds was scarce, but coppice seedlings were found in this area. In terms of phenology, A. albida lost its leaves in July, reproduced leaves in November, and produced flowers in March. Due to the late cold in March, flowers were destroyed and fruits were not formed during this work. Deforestation of Acacia habitat for agricultural and horticultural, livestock grazing, consecutive droughts, cutting down and uprooting trees, digging agricultural wells in the vicinity of the habitat, and herbal pests are essential and serious factors of threat and destruction of this habitat. Lowering the underground water level and water out of the reach of trees and reduction of flood-water in the Sana seasonal river are other important threats of forest degradation. Protecting, forestry, using floodwater of the Sana seasonal river, and continuous monitoring and enriching the forest can help sustain and rehabilitate this valuable natural forest. It is, also, recommended to do more research on the reasons for the lack of this species in other parts of southern Iran. To study the process of forest sequence, seed and seedling production and afforestation is suggested.

This research was carried out to study the adaptability and performance of four Eucalyptus spp. species in Bushehr province. For this purpose, one- year- old seedlings of four species, including Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh, E. rubida H. Deane & Maiden, E. grandis W. Hill and E. saligna Sm. were planted under randomized complete blocks design, using 49 seedlings per plot at 5 × 5 m spacing at Shabankareh Research Station, Dashtestan, Bushehr province, in late February. All trees were irrigated, protected and enumerated each three months in the first year after plantation. Survived trees were counted and measured at the end of each year from second year on. Diameter at breast height (DBH), collar diameter, total height and crown diameter were measured to evaluate tree performance. Results showed that E. camaldulensis had the highest survival, height, DBH, crown area, standing stock volume and volume increment rates, followed by E. saligna. Application of Duncan test showed significant differences among species in terms of their survival and growth performance (α = 5%). Furthermore, E. rubida and E. grandis completely died at the end of first year of cultivation due to drought and high temperature stress in June and July. Based on these results, E. camaldulensis was suggested for plantation in similar sites in the south of Iran and further research was recommended.