فهرست مطالب علیرضا ریاحی بختیاری

Today, cigarette butts have become one of the most significant forms of waste. This study aims to assess the level of cigarette butts pollution along the Guilan coasts and explore the factors influencing their distribution. Additionally, this study discusses experiences and management options related to this issue.

In this study, we implemented a standard sampling method adapted from the "NOAA Marine Debris Program" to collect samples from eight beaches. Each station yielded 18 square quadrant measuring 1 × 1 m2. We estimated the severity of cigarette butt pollution along the Iranian coastline and conducted a review of published articles on the harmful effects of cigarette butts.

The density of cigarette butts ranged from 0.22 to 2.11 items/m2. Bojagh National Park showed the lowest contamination of cigarette butts, while Bandar Anzali exhibited the highest. The results indicate an increase in cigarette butt pollution on beaches in densely populated cities compared to less developed coastal areas. Moreover, stations corresponding to tourist beaches and coasts with gentle slopes have a higher potential for cigarette butt accumulation. The level of cigarette butts pollution along the coasts of Bandar Anzali may be attributed to the extensive tourism activities on these beaches.

Given the high level of cigarette butt pollution on crowded coasts, it is imperative to identify beaches with a higher potential for waste accumulation and implement plans for coastal waste cleanup. Furthermore, effective management programs should be developed to promote cultural awareness and reduce cigarette butt contamination.

The present study was carried out to determine and compare proximate composition and minerals (K, Na, Ca and P) in the edible tissue of Sillaginid species, including Sillago arabica, Sillago chondropus, Sillago indica and Sillago sihama in the southern waters of Iran. The fish species were collected from two stations in Persian Gulf (Bushehr and Hormuz Island) and one station in the Oman Sea (Chabahar) during a period from December to March 2020. Moisture, fats, ash and protein content were determined using AOAC standard method and the amount of minerals was measured using ICP-MS. The average moisture content was (70.3 ± 1.9 to 79.7 ± 1.3%), protein was (14.1 ± 2.1 to 21.9 ± 1.3%), fat was (1.5 ± 0.3to 3.9 ± 0.1%) and ash was (3.4 ± 0.8 to 4.5 ± 0.9%). The highest amount of elements was obtained for phosphorus (1060.4 ± 180.3-1693.2 ± 162.3) and then potassium (597.5 ± 82.3-1153.1 ± 137.6). This study showed that all four species of Sillaginid species in our country's waters are rich in protein with a protein content of more than 15%. All the fish analyzed for fat were lean with fat contents less than 0.5%. The Na/K ratio values, which was calculated less than 1 in all four species. The results of this study confirmed Sillaginid species as a valuable nutritional source with suitable protein and minerals content.

Linear alkylbenzenes is one of the most important surfactants in the industry. Due to their source specificity, degradation resistance and long-term survival in marine sediments, these compounds are unique molecular markers for studying organic matter input derivatives and their effects on aquatic environments. Due to the presence of multiple sources of these compounds in the study areas, this study was conducted to determine the linear alkyl benzene concentrations in the 5 rivers of Nekaroud, Tajan, Talaroud, Babolroud and Sorkhroud that lead to the Caspian Sea. In this study, 15 river samples were collected from the bottom of rivers (near estuaries) from 0-5 cm depth by Grab van veen device. After preparation, the extracted samples were injected into a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Finally, the concentration of linear alkyl benzene compounds in surface sediments of 5 rivers leading to the Caspian Sea was determined. The average concentration of linear alkylbenzene compounds in rivers was determined in the range of 56730/28-91288/58 ng/g dry weight. Based on the results, stations in the densely populated and urban areas showed higher concentrations of these compounds. There was also a positive correlation between these compounds and total organic carbon (TOC) (p< 0.05). Therefore, the concentration changes of these compounds are a function of the TOC concentration changes in the sediments. The ratio of internal to external isomers (I/E) in the studied rivers ranged from 0.25 to 0.44. High concentrations of alkyl benzene with a low I/E ratio showed that the streams of Mazandaran province were heavily influenced by human activities. According to cluster analysis, Nekaroud and Tajan rivers have lower concentration than other rivers and are more desirable for release of fish than other rivers.

Estrogen-like compounds are very important for causing negative effects in humans and animals. These compounds at low concentrations cause negative effects and can be transported through the food chain. Therefore, there is concern about the presence of these pollutants in Caspian coastal waters. In order to determine the concentration of 4-nonylphenol and octylphenol compounds, surface sediment samples from 25 rivers leading to the Caspian Sea were collected in Mazandaran province. After the preparation steps (drying, extraction and column chromatography), the specimens were injected into a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) gas chromatography apparatus. The mean concentration of 4-nonylphenol and octylphenol compounds was determined in the range of 114.43-4681.31 ng/gdw for 4-nonylphenol and 7.26-1281.52 ng/gdw for octylphenol, respectively. Based on the results of this research, stations located in densely populated and urban areas showed higher concentrations than stations located in low-population and rural areas. No significant relationship was found between these compounds and TOC. Therefore, the changes in the concentration of these compounds are not a function of changes in the concentration of TOC in sediments. Therefore, it is expected that the arrival of untreated sewage will control the distribution of these compounds in river water. In general, the results of this study point to the necessity of continuous improvement of sewage treatment systems in Mazandaran province.

Coastal areas of Caspian Sea have been affected by pollution in recent years. These areas are exposed to environmental problems due to the presence of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian Sea basin as well as human factors. Investigating the concentration of normal alkanes in the studied stations shows that the amount of hydrocarbons contaminated in the studied area, compared with previous year’s studies, shows a significant increase in concentration. The concentration of n-alkanes are among the 24.3 µg/g (the minimum concentration) in Nashtarood Station to 690.7 µg/g (the maximum concentration) in Noshahr Station and most of the stations have moderate concentration of n-alkanes. The increase of pollution in recent years as a result of increased oil activities related to the exploration, production and exploitation of oil resources and human factors. Also, the presence of Hyrcanian forests on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea and increasing seizure of forests in recent years have also led to increased contamination in the region due to pollution transmission to the Caspian Sea. In order to determine the origin of normal alkanes in the region, the indexes of CPI, LMW / HMW, Pristane / Phytane, n-C17 / Pristane and n-C18 / Phytane were used. The results show petrogenetic and biogenic inputs at sampling stations that petrogenetic contamination is prevalent in the region.

Introduction This work is the first study where the contributions of major hydrocarbon sources are investigated in detail in south of Caspian Sea area. In other previous studies, the major source of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other hydrocarbons in south Caspian Sea rivers and coasts was from petrogenic origin (Nemati Varnosfaderany et al., 2015; Shirneshan et al., 2016a; Azimi et al., 2017). However, the investigation of what are the main petroleum products entering into rivers and to southern coasts of Caspian Sea is still necessary. Hopanes and steranes are ubiquitous components of crude oil which are present in traffic-related sources (automobile exhaust, tires, asphalt, engine oil and fuels). They are present as homologs and stereoisomers of each other and their composition differ among crude oils depending on their source and maturation. Therefore, hopane and steranes profiles have been used to identify the sources of petroleum pollution (Zakaria et al., 2000, 2001; Shirneshan et al., 2016a, b; Volkman et al., 1997; Yunker and Macdonald., 2003; Maioli et al., 2010). Anzali is the most important port town in the southern Caspian Sea located in the north of Iran. This is one of the densest populated cities in Iran. Abundant rainfalls (1892 mm average annual precipitation) and crossing rivers inside the city accelerate the transport of street dust particles containing petroleum hydrocarbons into Anzali international wetland and rivers by surface runoffs (Kumata et al., 2000). In the present work, identification and distribution of the main sources of petroleum hydrocarbons in the street dust, runoffs and urban river sediments of different locations of Anzali port are investigated and they are related to automobile exhaust, tires, pavement asphalt, engine oil, gasoline and diesel possible sources. In addition, the contribution of each proposed source had apportioned by PCA and MCR-ALS chemometrics assays and fingerprinting diagnostic ratios. Materials and Methods Sample collection procedures Four type of receptor samples were collected and analyzed: street dust, runoff suspended sediment, runoff soluble water and river sediment samples. Street dust and Runoff samples were collected from the surface of all bridges on the urban rivers in Anzali city (8 bridges), and from the surface of the four streets with more traffic. Sampling was performed a day of sunny weather in September 2016 which was preceded by more than one week of sunny weather. Sampling of Runoff was performed in October 2016 during a rain of more than 10 mm after some days of sunny weather using a water sampler. Runoff samples were filtered by a vacuum pump which separates suspended solids from the water-soluble fraction. River sediment samples were collected from all urban rivers of Anzali city and from harbor (24 stations) utilizing Van Veen grab (50 cm×50 cm) in 3 replicates for every station. Six types of specific known pollution source samples were also sampled: tires, street pavement asphalt, gasoline, diesel, engine lubricant oil, and exhaust soot. Sample pretreatment procedure All solid phase samples including sediment, street dust, runoff filtered sediment, exhaust soot, tire and asphalt samples were extracted by the Soxhlet method. The Extraction and fractionation procedure is based on the method described in Zakaria et al. (2000). Petroleum hydrocarbons extraction from runoff soluble water was performed using liquid-liquid extraction, LLE, (Titato and Lancas, 2005; Okoli et al., 2011). Twenty milligrams of gasoline, diesel and engine oil samples were accurately weighed and dissolved in 2 ml DCM/n-hexane (1:3, v/v). These sample extracts were purified and fractionated using the same procedure as for the solid phase samples. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analytical method were 0.13-23.06 and 0.41- 75.10 ng.g−1, respectively for all hydrocarbons. GC–MS analysis procedure GC/MS analyses were carried out by a gas chromatograph (GC, model 7890A, Agilent Technologies, PaloAlto, CA, USA) instrument coupled to a quadrupole mass spectrometer (MS, 5975C, Agilent Technologies, PaloAlto, CA, USA). Analytical standards were: 17a(H)-22,29,30-trisnorhopane, 17β(H), 21β(H)-hopane, diploptene (17β(H), 21β(H)-hop- 22(29)-ene), and 17α(H), 21β(H) hopanes. The sterane standard mixtures include 5α (H)-cholestane, 24-methyl- 5α (H)-cholestane, and 24-ethyl-5α (H)-cholestane. Perdeuterated n-tetracosane-d50 (m/z 66; relative concentration values) was used as standard (Yunker and Macdonald 2003; Harris et al. 2011). Recoveries were computed by spiking a known concentration of the SIS mixture (surrogate internal standard) to the sample followed by performing the whole analytical method. Recoveries of individual constituents of the spiked SIS were more than 85% for hopanes and steranes. Software All data analysis was performed under MATLAB (The Mathworks, MA, USA, 2014) numerical computing, visualization and programming environment. PLS Toolbox 7.0 (Eigenvector Research Ltd., Manson, WA, USA) and MCR-ALS Toolbox (www.ub.edu/mcr) were used for chemometric data analysis. Results and discussion Catagenetic hopanes composition is usually characteristic of petroleum sources, making them useful as possible molecular markers of petroleum pollution (Peters and Moldowan, 1993). The spatial distribution of catagenetic hopanes in the four type of samples, indicates the total amount of catagenic hopanes were higher in street dust and runoff (S and W) stations located in urban and populated areas with more traffic than in stations outside the city with lower traffic. Street dust particles in urban runoff act as a transport medium for pollutants such as PAH and petroleum markers (Brown and Peake, 2006; Herngren et al., 2006). Thus, these compounds arrive to the Anzali rivers and consequently to the coast of Caspian Sea and they are accumulated in river bottom sediments for a long time. In the case of river sediments also, the stations in runoff areas containing street dust and petroleum products, especially in the harbor area stations, had higher concentrations of catagenetic hopanes. Due to the closure of harbor by the artificial pier, pollutants accumulate in this area and settle in bottom sediments. In addition, in the harbor area, there are many ships and floats that release large amounts of petroleum hydrocarbons via their fuel and oil. Chemical fingerprinting To further investigate the distribution patterns of source-specific hydrocarbon markers, C23/C30 (ratio of C23 tricyclic terpane relative to 17α,21β(H)-hopane), Ts/Ts + Tm (ratio of 17α-22,29,30- trisnorhopane relative to 17α-22,29,30-trisnorhopane + 18α-22,29,30-trisnorhopane), C29/C30 (ratio of 17α,21β(H)-30 norhopane to 17α,21β(H)-hopane), C31HS/C31H(S + R), C32HS/C32H(S + R), ΣC31_C35/C30 (ratio of sum 17α,21β(H)–C31 homohopane to17α,21β(H)–C35 homohopane relative to 17α,21β(H)-hopane), C28 αββ/(C27 αββ + C29 αββ) and C29 αββ/(C27 αββ + C28 αββ) ratios were calculated for all the receptor samples and also for the proposed known source samples. Results show that especially in street dust and runoff samples, the relative amounts and concentration patterns of various terpanes and steranes in the street dust and runoff samples were rather similar, showing that they may have been originated from the same common sources. On the contrary, river sediment samples were confirmed to receive inputs from other unknown independent sources. Source apportionment According to MCR-ALS analysis, asphalt, and tire had the highest contributions (40% and 23%) to petroleum hydrocarbons in the analyzed receptor samples, and therefore, from a quantitative point of view, these two sources should be considered to be the main sources of petroleum hydrocarbons in the receptor samples analyzed in this study. There was only a 7% of the total mass analyzed that could not be explained by the proposed receptor model. Conclusion Results of this work demonstrated that street dust particles are identified as a major transport medium of petroleum hydrocarbons pollution in urban runoffs. Hydrocarbons from petroleum products stick to street dust and discharge with runoffs to Anzali rivers, Anzali international wetland and then accumulate consequently at the bottom of sediments of the Caspian sea coast for a long time. The contributions of asphalt and tire known sources to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination sources were larger than from other possible investigated sources in the studied samples. Automobiles exhaust soot had also some more specific contribution. Engine oil had only a minor contribution among the studied known sources to the petroleum hydrocarbons.

In this study, distribution of Lead in surface sediments of three important rivers in south of Caspian sea, including Chaloos, Babolrood and Gorganrood investigated, and also the source of this heavy metal in mentioned rivers determined. Sampling from surface sediments of 3 different points of every river including downstream, middle and upstream of rivers performed by van veen grab in 3 replicate in May 2016. The concentrations of Pb in sediments, determined by flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) after acid digestion, and source identification of Pb was performed in different geochemical fractions of sediment using sequential extraction technique. Results indicated that average concentration of Pb in surface sediments of rivers Chaloos, Babolrood and Gorganrood were 13.81, 15.30 and 17.68 µg/g dry weights respectively. According to results, Gorganrood was more polluted river and Challos was less polluted river in related to Pb concentrations. The results of source identification of Pb revealed that percentage of Lead in resistant fraction is more than nonresistant fractions suggesting natural origin for Pb in the studied rivers.

The aim of this study was to examine some potential effects of 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), Bisphenol A (BPA), and mixture of them on common carp, Cyprinus carpio and demonstrate induction of vitellogenin (Vtg) as a biomarker for screening aquatic ecosystems. These compounds with other estrogenic chemicals may be responsible for disrupting effects observed in fish. A total of 100 juvenile carp were treated experimentally with 17β-estradiol (E2), and increasing doses of 4-NP, BPA and also mixture of them. Then the plasma Vtg levels were measured using indirect competitive ELISA. Results showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in Vtg levels of exposed carps with E2, maximum 4-NP, BPA and their mixture. The group treated with E2 showed high induction (490%) with respect to controls. The groups treated with maximum dose of 4-NP and BPA showed also induction of Vtg, whereas the group treated with their mixture (3 mg kg−1 b.w. 4-NP and 0.01 mg kg−1 b.w. BPA) showed the highest induction (2126%). Finally, results showed that mixture of 4-NP and BPA exhibited stronger (synergistic) effects. So that, large scale monitoring of estrogenic effects caused by contamination may be considered as a biomarker in urban and industrial effluents.

Toluene is one of the volatile organic compounds and used extensively in industrial processes. Because of toluene effects on human health and environment, it is necessary to implement methods for toluene removal from contaminated air stream. Catalytic ozonation process (COP) is one of the emergent technologies for removal of volatile compounds from air streams. Catalytic ozonation process is an efficient, cost-effective and easy to operate for elimination of organic compounds. One of the main factors directly affecting the VOC removal efficiency and ozone destruction rate is the type of catalyst. In this study the potential of MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC catalysts was investigated for toluene elimination from air stream in the presence of ozone in a lab scale.
The MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC catalysts were prepared by Sol-gel method and then characterized by BET, XRD and SEM analysis. Specific concentrations of toluene in the air were produced by using an air pump and a syringe pump. Phocheck was used to measure the concentration of toluene in gas phase. The effect of retention time (0.5-4 Sec), inlet toluene concentration (100-400 ppmv) and air temperature (25-100˚C) were investigated on catalysts efficiency in the presence of ozone. Ozone dosage (0.1 g/h) kept constant in all experiments. The efficiency of MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC were determined from the breakthrough time and removal capacity and the results were compared statistically.
The BET surface area derived from N2 adsorption- desorption isotherms. From the results the BET surface area of MnO/GAC (1103 m2/g) was greater than that of MgO/GAC catalyst (1082 m2/g). XRD patterns clearly illustrate formation of MgO and MnO crystals on GAC surface. From XRD patterns the peaks at 2θ degrees of 50.3° and 73.8° were related to the MgO crystals. The peaks at 2θ degrees of 42.1°, 51.8° and 70.9° reveal the formation of Mn3O4. The crystallite phase of MgO and MnO was hexagonal and tetragonal respectively. The average size of MgO and MnO crystals was 10 and 12 nm, respectively, calculated using Debby-Scherrer equation. Results of experiments in different retention times showed that breakthrough time of MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC catalysts increased 11.3 and 13.9 times, respectively, by increasing retention time from 0.5 to 4 Sec. When inlet toluene concentration increased from 100 to 400 ppmv, the breakthrough time of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC columns decreased 65% and 62.2%, respectively. In contrast, removal capacity of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC was increased 39.1% and 50.4% by increasing inlet toluene concentration from 100 to 400 ppmv, respectively. The efficiency of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC catalysts was increased 78.3% and 31.5% by increasing air temperature from 25 to 100 ˚C, respectively. These results demonstrates that increase of retention time and bed temperature could positively effect on the performance of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC catalysts in toluene removal from waste air stream in the presence of ozone.
It can be concluded that MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC catalysts had high potential in VOCs removal from air stream in the presence of ozone. The difference between the efficiency of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC catalysts was significant (P ≤ 0.05) and MgO/GAC catalyst had higher efficiency than MnO/GAC for toluene removal from waste air in the presence of ozone.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds and normal alkanes form a large group of undegradable environmental contaminats. This study aims to determine the sources and distribution of oil pollution (PAH compounds and normal alkanes) in the sediments of the southwestern coastal areas of the Caspian Sea and to compare their levels with the relevant standards. For this purpose, 18 surface sediment samples were collected from depths of 10, 20, and 50 meters along two transects in the vertical direction located in the coastal areas of Sangachin and Hashtpar (Gilan Province). The samples were then examined using mass-spectrometric gas chromatography. The origins of n-alkanes were identified using CPI index (0.76-0.95), U/R (3.30‒6.57), and Pristane/Phytane (0.21‒0.42). The sources of PAHs were determined using the index ratios of LMW/HMW (1.93‒13.37), Phenanthrene/Anthracene (11.44‒ 16.7), Chrysene/Benzo (a) anthracene (4.69‒10/33), Fluoranthene/Pyrene (0.53‒0.69), and MP/P (0.05‒0.08). Results confirmed the dominant petrogenic source of the hydrocarbons found in the region. The total concentrations of 30 aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs in the sediments ranged from 823.8 to 3899.5 µg/g and from 626.95 to 3842.5362 ng/g, respectively. Comparison of the measured PAH concentrations with US sediment quality guidelines revealed that the levels of naphthalene, fluorine, Acenaphthylene, and Acenaphthene exceeded the ERLs at stations with depths of 50m in Sangachin and Hashtpar while comparisons with Canadian standards indicated that they were higher than PELs at all the stations sampled. A major point of great concern is the high concentration of naphthalene as the most toxic PAH compound, which naturally warrants due attention to adopt appropriate management programs.

This study was an attempt to investigate abundance, distribution and accumulation of plastic resin pellets and fragments in the Caspian Sea on the basis of color, size and shape. Therefore, using National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) method, the plastic debris samples were collected from two separate stations with eighteen quadrats and in a range of two kilometers. The results of study showed that microplastics (whose size is less than 5 millimeter) were more abundant than meso and macro plastics. Also, it was found that plastic resin pellets (N=4263) were the most frequent microplastics. In addition, color analysis of the samples showed that white resin pellets and fragments have the highest frequency. In sum, it was found that plastic debris and fragment are widely and unevenly distributed along shore lines of the Caspian Sea. It seems that this phenomenon is the result of some factors such as characteristics of the Caspian Sea, climate change, vicinity to land mass and land sources, marine activities, geomorphology of the region and physical factors such as shape, size and density of debris rather than human activities.

Nowadays, it has been revealed that biomonitoring can be the optimal method for evaluating metal levels and their bio-availability. Birds are ideal for monitoring metal pollution due to being in high trophic levels and their high sensitivity to toxic substances.
The levels of nickel, lead, and vanadium were evaluated in egg contents and eggshell of Dromas ardeola (n=14), and Sterna bengalensis (n=13), breeding in the northwestern Persian Gulf.
Findings: Levels of Ni, Pb and V (µg/kg dry weight) in the eggshell of Sterna bengalensis were found to be 51±16, 293±89, 82±5 respectively, and also the level of these metals (µg/kg dry weight) in egg contents of this species were found to be 47±8, 374±134, 96±7 respectively. Levels of Ni, Pb and V (µg/kg dry weight) in the eggshell of Dromas ardeola were found to be 46±18, 228±43, 73±12 respectively, and also the level of these metals (µg/kg dry weight) in egg contents of this species were found to be 36±8, 244±43, 95±3 respectively.
The results showed that Sterna bengalensis, because of feeding from the higher levels of the food chain, has a greater potential for bioaccumulation of metals as compared to Dromas ardeola, and can be used as a biological indicator.

Objectives Type of adsorbent is the most important parameter to adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air stream. Application of a selective adsorbent could lead to the higher efficiency and lower costs in the adsorption processes. The current study aimed at investigating the efficiency of manganese oxide impregnated on GAC support (MnO/GAC) to remove toluene from air stream. The efficiency of MnO/GAC and GAC absorbents for toluene removal were compared at the same experimental conditions.
Methods The MnO/GAC preparation method was Sol-gel. Retention time (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 4 seconds), inlet toluene concentration (100, 200, 300, and 400 part per million, by volume) and the temperature of the air stream (25, 50, 75, and 100˚C) were examined as the main functional parameters in the adsorption process.
Results Breakthrough time of MnO/GAC adsorbent in comparison to that of the plain GAC increased 6% to 11% at the retention time of 0.5 to 4 seconds. Adsorption capacity of GAC and MnO/GAC increased 67.9% and 61.1% by increasing inlet toluene concentration from 100 to 400 ppmv, respectively. Breakthrough time of GAC and MnO/GAC decreased 57.9% and 59.6% by increasing inlet toluene concentration from 100 to 400 ppmv, respectively. Breakthrough time of GAC decreased from 41 to 26 hours by increasing the temperature of the air stream from 25˚C to 100˚C. Direct air temperature increase affected the MnO/GAC efficiency for toluene adsorption and the breakthrough time increased from 46 to 57 hours.
Conclusion Results of the current study showed that MnO/GAC could be applied as a good substitution for GAC in the adsorption of VOCs from air streams.

Background and Shadegan wetland as the largest wetland in Iran is constantly exposed to hydrocarbons entering through the main entrance of the lagoon including Jarahi River, outbursts of seasonal rivers from upstream, Persian Gulf tides from downstream, atmospheric deposition, and possible leaks from oil pipelines. The aim of this study was to investigate toxicity and identifying the sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in surface sediments of the study area for its appropriate management.
Sediment samples were collected (in 2015) from 202 stations at the top 5 cm of the sediment according to a systematic-random sampling design. The concentrations of PAHs were analyzed by GC–MS.
The total PAHs (sum of 30 PAH compounds) ranged from 593.74 to 53393.86 ng/g dw. The results of diagnostic ratios indicated that the study area was highly contaminated by petrogenic hydrocarbon sources. The concentrations of PAHs in this research were substantially higher than those found in many other aquatic systems and significantly more than current sediment quality criteria (ERL).
High levels of petrogenic contamination were found in sediments of Shadegan wetland. A vast majority of the study area (90%) is subjected to chronic pollution of oil contaminants that could adversely affect benthic biota.

Background and Infiltration of leachate produced by municipal solid waste into the ground water poses a serious environmental hazard due to its high content of hydrocarbons and heavy metals. The leachate is the primary source of soil and water pollution. In this paper the risk of heavy metals discharged from leachate in to groundwater in Hamadan landfill has been assessed using Industrial Waste Management Evaluation Model (IWEM).
The concentrations of heavy metals (Cu,Pb,Ni and Cd) in leachate were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the risk of these metals discharge into groundwater was assessed by IWEM using Monte Carlo analysis.
Based on the obtained IWEM and EPACMTP results, geosynthetic cover was recommended for this matter.
The most appropriate option for groundwater protection in Hamadan landfill was recommended to be geosynthetic cover (Composite linear). Owing to the high probability of leachate infiltration into groundwater, there is need to be made stricter management decisions in this regard. Also, it is necessary that IWEM is used for prevention of leachate infiltration into groundwater.

Landfill which is known as the most common strategy for disposal of solid waste is considered as the latest option of solid waste management; however it cannot be removed completely. For this mean, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) is regarded as an important strategy to minimize its negative impacts. The aim of this study was to assess the situation of Hamedan landfill.
For this object, in order to assess the environmental impact of Hamedan landfill was conducted by rapid environmental impact assessment matrix (RIAM) based on field visits and information gathering from multiple sources in 1393. Disposal option was evaluated by aferementioned method based on environmental components (physical-chemical (PC), Biological- ecological (BE), sociological-cultural (SC) and economical-operatinal (EO)).
The results showed that continuance of landfill current trend had the most negative scores with environmental score (ES) of -1311.. The highest and lowest negative scores belonged to the PC and SC with -768 and -40,respectively .
In accordance with the obtained results, continuance of landfill current trend will led to the unacceptable health conditions along with severe environmental damages.

To assess the sources, entry routes and degree of contamination of PAH compounds in surface sediments of the southwestern Caspian Sea coasts (Gillan province) total of 129 surface sediment samples from 28 rivers and 5 transect across the Gillan province coasts (from Astara to Lahijan; 10, 20 and 50 m depth) were collected in the spring and summer of 2012. After extraction using Soxhlet method, the samples were analysed using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and concentrations of 30 PAH compounds were determined. The mean of total 30 PAH compounds (TPAH30) in the coastal sediments (565.1±266.1 ng g-1) have shown significant difference (p

The present study was aimed to determine the origin and concentration compounds in eggs of four sea-bird species residue in Banifaror Island. Sampling the studied species hatch was carried out in July 2012. After analyzing, the concentrations of these ingredients, including extraction, column chromatography and gas chromatography-spectroscopic two mass were determined. The origin of the nalkane compounds were determine using diagnostic ratios. Total obtained concentrations in the sampled eggs of Tern, White cheeked tern, Bridled tern, Greated crested tern and Lesser created tern were in range of 42.93-67.28, 24.48-95.64, 25.92-39.95 and 39.49-71.86 (µg.mg-1 lipid), respectively. The concentrations of these compounds in the eggs of White cheeked and Lesser created tern were more than Greated crested and Bridled tern. Origin of the compounds was recognized as petrogenic sources. The most important involving reasons are the contaminants of oil refineries, founded in closed to Banifaror Island, presence of oil pollutants caused by oil spills in the Persian Gulf, shipping, discharge of ballast water from ships to this area. As a conclusion, the eggs of four sea-bird species can be used as biomonitoring agent for n-alkanes in the studied area.

Landscape indices can be used as an approach for predicting water quality changes to monitor non-point source pollution. In the present study, the data collected over the period from 2012 to 2013 from 81 water quality stations along the rivers flowing in Mazandaran Province were analyzed. Upstream boundries were drawn and landscape metrics were extracted for each of the sub-watersheds at class and landscape levels. Principal component analysis was used to single out the relevant water quality parameters and forward linear regression was employed to determine the optimal metrics for the description of each parameter. The first five components were able to describe 96.61% of the variation in water quality in Mazandaran Province. Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy
Inference System (ANFIS) and multiple linear regression were used to model the relationship between landscape metrics and water quality parameters. The results indicate that multiple regression was able to predict SAR, TDS, pH, NO3‒, and PO43‒ in the test step, with R2 values equal to 0.81, 0.56, 0.73, 0.44. and 0.63, respectively. The corresponding R2 value of ANFIS in the test step were 0.82, 0.79, 0.82, 0.31, and 0.36, respectively. Clearly, ANFIS exhibited a better performance in each case than did the linear regression model. This indicates a nonlinear relationship between the water quality parameters and landscape metrics. Since different land cover/uses have considerable impacts on both the outflow water quality and the available and dissolved pollutants in rivers, the method can be reasonably used for regional planning and environmental impact assessment in development projects in the region.

Adsorption is one of the most common methods for VOCs elimination from waste air stream. The study on the application of a selective and cheap adsorbent with high efficiency in VOCs removal is important from economic aspects. In this study, the potential of MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC composites was investigated for toluene adsorption from air stream at lab scale.
Material and The MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC adsorbents were prepared through Sol-gel method and then were characterized using BET, XRF, and SEM analysis. The effect of operational parameters including; retention time (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 4 S), inlet toluene concentration (100, 200, 300, and 400 ppmv) and the temperature of the air stream (25, 50, 75, and 100 ˚C) were examined on the efficiency of both adsorbents. The efficiency of MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC were determined from the breakthrough time and adsorption capacity and the results were compared statistically.
The breakthrough time of MnO/GAC and MgO/GAC adsorbents increased 90% by increasing retention time from 0.5 to 4 S. Adsorption capacity of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC was increased 39and 61.1% by increasing inlet toluene concentration from 100 to 400 ppmv, respectively. Breakthrough time of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC decreased 65 and 59% by increasing inlet toluene concentration from 100 to 400 ppmv, respectively. The efficiency of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC adsorbents had a direct relationship with the increase of air temperature from 25 to 100 ˚C. Accordingly, the efficiency of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC was increased 78 and 32% by increasing air temperature, respectively.
The results of the study showed that MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC adsorbents had high efficiency in toluene removal from air stream. The difference between the efficiency of MgO/GAC and MnO/GAC adsorbents was significant and MgO/GAC adsorbent showed higher efficiency than MnO/GAC for toluene adsorption from waste air.

In this study, the concentration of Pb, Cd and V in the shell of (Saccostrea cucullata) and surface sediments were measured in the intertidal zones of Lengeh Port. Therefore, sampling of Saccostrea cucullata (48 samples) and sediment (15 samples) from 3 coastal stations along Lengeh Port were conducted in 2010 fall. Samples were digested by direct aqua regia method after drying. After that, chemical analysis of the sediment and the oyster samples were done by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu AA-670). Result of the analysis stated that: the mean values of Pb, Cd and V in the sediment were in order 163.02 ±4.04, 1.26 ±0.05 and 0.028 ±0.001 (µg g-1dw), respectively and in the shell of oyster were in order 124.38 ±1.81, 5.09 ±0.19 and 0.018 ±0.001 (µg g-1dw). In comparison with global standards, Pb levels exceed from the permissible limit, however Cd and V levels were found suitable for the sea foods. In general, with respect to the results obtained, it was found that the shell of S. cucullata is a suitable biomonitor for monitoring Pb and V levels in the area.

The prevention of pollution of marine ecosystems is very important for the sustainable use of resources. Given the persistence of pollutants in the aquatic food chain, the likelihood of damage to all living organisms is high, including humans who are at the top of the food chain. n-alkanes were used as an indicator of the origin and changes in organic substances. The present study was aimed at determining the origin and concentration of these compounds in the eggs of four sea-bird species (White-cheeked Sterna repressa, Bridled Sterna anaethetus, Greated Crested and Lesser Created T. bengalensis Terns) on Shidvar Island in July 2013. n-alkanes were mostly determined in the range of n-C14 - n- C35, and their total obtained concentrations in the sampled eggs of White-cheeked, Bridled, Greated Crested and Lesser Created Terns were also in the range of 41.39-86.32, 22.88-53.19, 21.82- 54.94 and 59.47-95.46 (μg.mg-1 lipid), respectively. However, the concentrations of these compounds in eggs of the White-cheeked and Lesser Created Terns were higher than the Greater Crested and Bridled Terns. Diagnostic ratios of CPI, Pr/Ph, n-C17/Pr, n- C18/Pr and U/R, in addition, n-alkanes in all the samples were mostly recognized as originating from petrogenic compounds and, so, the most important causes involved are presumably contamination from oil refineries which have been established on Lavan Island closed to Shidvar Island. The presence of oil pollutants cause by oil spills in the Persian Gulf, shipping, the discharge of ballast water from ships to this area is also an important source.

Over the past few decades, the entry of pollutants, especially PAHs compounds in natural ecosystems such as lakes and open water for aquatic organisms has created potential environmental hazards. This study aimed to investigate the extent and pattern of bioaccumulation of pyrene oil pollution in muscle, gill, and liver of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) cultured in vitro. thirty fishes with mean weight of 140±10g were exposed to 10, 50, and 100 μg/l pyrene. At the end of the 35 days trial period, fish were sampled in order to study the pyrene accumulation in different tissues. Preparing process of samples include soaping, extracting, and two-phase chromatography and finally injecting samples to the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Comparison between bioaccumulation of pyrene in muscle, gill, and liver tissues of cyprinus carpio in 10, 50, and 100 μg/l doses showed significant differences. Maximum average accumulation was in liver (dose100) with 685.67 ± 78.5 and the minimum was in muscle in dose 10 with 0.52 ±. 0.13 pyrene’s accumulation trend was the same in all studied doses: liver>gill>muscle. In the present study, pyrene accumulated in fatty tissue, especially liver-acceptor of all of the oil pollutants- was far more than of gills and muscle.