kiomars sharafi

Radon is a colorless and odorless radioactive gas that is considered a leading cause of lung cancer. Given this need, the main objective of this policy brief was to discuss the need to pay attention to the prevention and control of indoor radon (IRD) in Iran.

To prepare this policy summary, which is similar to a narrative review, scientific reports and studies conducted in Iran over the past two decades were 1st obtained by searching reliable national and international databases. Then, based on the main results of the above studies, the general level of IRD concentration in the main regions of Iran was determined. Finally, by using the experiences and measures in other countries, necessary recommendations for the prevention and mitigation of IRD were made

By evaluating the findings of previous studies conducted in Iran, it was found that the level of IRD in residential and non-residential buildings evaluated in Iran, in most cases, was higher than the global average (40 bq/m3). In addition, in some cases, it was higher than the acceptable level by World Health Organization (WHO) (100 bq/m3).

Based on the findings, it can be concluded that it is very necessary to educate the public, engineers and health and municipal inspectors about the health risks of exposure to radon. In addition, it is necessary to take basic and preventive measures to mitigation radon in homes.

 Acrylamide (AA), a potential carcinogen in high-temperature processed foods like potato chips, raises significant health concerns. Studies have shown that exposure to AA is related to cancer and neurological disorders.

 This research aimed to present a “health policy brief" for policymakers and healthcare authorities in Iran about the criticality of reassessing potato chip manufacturing processes to reduce AA levels and ensure consumer safety.

 Relevant studies were reviewed from various databases to support our arguments.

 Studies conducted in Iran have indicated a high AA concentration in Iranian potato chips, with a concerning risk index for children, necessitating stricter regulations and production process modifications.

 Modifications like temperature control, pre-treatment methods, alternative frying media, and consumer awareness campaigns to minimize AA formation and promote public health were proposed. These items, coupled with research on asparagine reduction in potatoes grown in Iran, can help establish Iran as a leader in producing safer potato chips.

 Milk and dairy products are essential for global nutrition, and ensuring their safety is crucial. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a carcinogen from contaminated animal feed, poses a significant threat to consumers.

 This “health policy brief" highlights the critical need for meticulous and constant monitoring of Iran's animal feed quality and storage conditions to minimize AFM1 contamination in dairy products.

 Comprehensive review papers on AFM1 were reviewed in Iranian dairy products, drawing evidence from various databases.

 The prevalence of AFM1 contamination in Iranian dairy products, particularly risky for children due to extensive consumption, exceeds safety limits, with livestock feed identified as the primary source. Public health demands rigorous monitoring practices, such as stricter feed quality and storage regulations, regular AFM1 testing, stakeholder collaboration, and public awareness. There are many benefits associated with these measures, including lowering AFM1 levels in dairy products, improving food safety standards, minimizing AFM1 exposure risks, especially for children, and increasing consumer confidence in the integrity of the Iranian dairy industry.

 Continuous monitoring of animal feed is crucial to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of Iranian dairy products, particularly for children. This comprehensive approach, collaboration, and public awareness are vital to mitigating AFM1 contamination and promoting Iran's safe and robust dairy industry.

The purpose of this review was to assess the use of plant essential oils and extracts (PEOE) in the development of antimicrobial edible films for dairy application through a systematic review and meta-analysis. All studies published in multiple databases were explored via PRISMA protocol on November 1, 2022. According to the results, the interquartile range of pathogen reduction potential of essential oil (EO) in dairy products, irrespective of EO, film and product type, was 0.10 - 4.70 log CFU g-1 per % concentration. The findings from 38 articles indicate that among all EOs or their compounds, Zataria multiflora Boiss in protein film, thyme in protein film, Z. multiflora Boiss EO in protein film, Trans-cinnamaldehyde in carbohydrate film and lemongrass EO in protein film had extraordinary pathogen reduction potential on important foodborne pathogens. In the case of plant extract, fish gelatin film with Lepidium sativum extract, whey protein isolate film loaded with oregano EO and carboxymethyl cellulose film with clove EOs had the highest antimicrobial effect on mesophilic bacteria (9.50 log CFU g-1 per % concentration), yeast-mold (2.63 log CFU g-1 per % concentration) and mesophilic/ psychrophilic counts (> 9.06 log CFU g-1 per % concentration), respectively. Listeria monocytogenes is the primary species of interest; whereas, mesophiles and mold-yeast populations were the most investigated microbiota/mycobiota in cheese with PEOE-incorporated film. In light of these findings, the choice of PEOE at appropriate concentrations with the selection of appropriate edible film may improve the safety, sensory, and shelf life of dairy products.

Malachite, due to its features and low degradability, can be removed from aquatic environments with difficulty. Given the Nitric acid effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of scoria, this study was to evaluate the effect of sulfuric acid normality (1, 6 and 12) on the efficiency of scoria in Malachite removal from aquatic environments and to determine model, isotherms and reaction kinetics. Adsorption processes were carried out in vitro at different pH values, adsorbent dosages, contact times and constant concentrations of the dye. Residual concentrations of dye was measured as 665 nm by a spectrophotometer (Cary 50 Perkin Elmer Co). In order to understand the adsorption process, the obtained data were fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms, and pseudo-first and second-order kinetics. Findings: The results showed that the dye removal eas increased with the increase of acid normality, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The highest efficiency (100%) was obtained for the adsorbent modified with sulfuric acid 6 and 12 normalities in pH =11, adsorbent dose of 1.4 g/L and contact time of 75 minutes. Adsorption data proper followed both the Langmuir isotherm, Freundlich adsorption and pseudo-second-order kinetic. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that Malachite adsorption by scoria occurs in both multi-and mono-layerd forms and scoria treatment with Nitric acid, due to wide chemical changes (especially silica/alumina ratio) of adsorbent structure, increases the efficiency as compared to natural scoria.

To evaluate teaching quality, the tool used should have validity and reliability, and should distinguish ability of teaching quality dimensions.
The aim of study was to identify factors effective in educational quality using exploratory factor analysis of “students’ opinion questionnaire” (SOQ) and “student’s evaluation of educational quality questionnaire” (SEEQ) in distinguishing dimensions of teaching quality.
This cross-sectional study was carried out in the second educational semester of 2011 - 2012. The data were collected using SEEQ and SOQ, which were used to evaluate teachers’ teaching methods in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS). All students who had not been in the internship semester participated in the study. The data were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients and Cranach’s alpha coefficient.
The reliability and internal consistency of each SEEQ and each SOQ in relation to evaluating teaching of members of public health faculty in KUMS were calculated with Cranach’s alpha coefficient; in all aspects, both questionnaires had the acceptable reliability coefficient. The results of the exploratory factor analysis in this study in relation to the SEEQ questionnaire showed a four-factor structure in teaching quality.
The results of this research showed that although both questionnaires had acceptable reliability, the SEEQ revealed teaching’s multi-dimension better and also confirmed the Marsh opinion that believed that the structure of teaching quality is multi-dimensional.

The objective of this study was to determine the performance of modified commercial powdered activated carbon (MCPAC) in removal of ammonia from aqueous solution. The effects of adsorbent dosage (0.5–1.5 g/L), ammonia concentration (100–200 mg/L), pH (3 to 9) and contact time (2 to 120 min) were examined. In this study, experiments were performed based on Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The adsorption isotherm was evaluated using Freundlich and Langmuir models. Kinetics study was analyzed using pseudo first order, pseudo second order and particle penetration kinetic models. By increasing adsorbent dosage, pH and contact time, the removal efficiency increased. According to CCD results, the MCPAC was fitted to a quadratic equation. Also, ammonia adsorption for MCPAC followed the Langmuir (R2 = 0.9831) isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for MCPAC was 40.323 mg/g. The analysis of adsorption kinetic for MCPAC indicated that ammonia adsorption was well fitted by the pseudo second order kinetic model. As thus, we concluded that MCPAC could be considered as an appropriate and economical alternative adsorbent for water and wastewater treatment due to its high ammonia adsorption capacity.

Malachite due to its structural features and low degradability can be difficult in aquatic environments. Given the acetic acid effect on the physical and chemical characteristics of scoria, this study was aimed to evaluate acetic acid on the scoria performance in removing of Malachite from aquatic environments.
This is lab scale study that carried out in vitro at different pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and constant concentration of the dye. Residual concentrations of dye were measured in 665 nm. In order to understand adsorption process, obtained data were fitted by the Langmuir, Freundlich isotherms, and pseudo first and second order kinetics. Data were analyzed by design of experiments software (DOE).
The results showed that removing of dye increased with increasing of acid normality, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time. The highest efficiency (100%) obtained for the modified adsorbent with Acetic acid 12 normality in pH=11, of adsorbent dose=1.4 g/L and contact time of 75 minutes. Adsorption data were proper obeyed from both the Langmuir isotherm and Freundlich adsorption and pseudo-second-order kinetic.
According to the results, it can be concluded that Malachite adsorption by scoria occurs as both multi and mono layer and scoria treatment with acetic acid, due to wide chemical changes (especially silica/ alumina ratio) of adsorbent structure cause the increasing efficiency of its than natural scoria.

Background and 2,4 dichlorophenol is one of the most important components of organochlorine. High resistance against degradation, creating odor and taste in water, high toxicity and being carcinogen have made this pollutant a great concern. Current study batch was done to investigate the adsorption of 2,4 dichlorophenol onto Magnetic Graphene Oxide Particles (MGO NPs).
The adsorption behavior of 2,4-dichlorophenol was studied in a series of batch experiments as a function of pH (3-11), contact time (0-120 min), and pollutant concentration (10-125 mg/L) at three different adsorbent dosages (0.1-1 g/L). Finally, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and adsorption thermodynamic were studied in optimized conditions.
The results revealed in optimized conditions (pH=5, contact time=15 min, pollutant concentration= 10mg/l and adsorbent dose=0.75 g/l) maximum adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of 2,4-dichlorophenol were 84.74 mg/g and 100%, respectively. Langmuir isotherm (R2=0.9987) and pseudo-second-order (R2=0.9992) models were proved to be the best in describing the adsorption data. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process was endothermic (ΔG= 57.7 to 119.15) and spontaneous (ΔG= -1.15 to -9.44).
MGO NPs have extended capabilities such as easy and rapid separation from sample and high potential in removing 2,4 dichlorophenol, so, it can be introduced as an appropriate adsorbent for removal of this pollutant from water and wastewater.

Nickel and chromium are toxic heavy metals that have serious adverse effects on human health and the environment. The removal efficiency of nickel and chromium from aqueous solution was evaluated using pumice powder as an adsorbent. After preparing pumice powder, batch experiments were performed at different times and adsorbent dosages (pH=7, heavy metals concentrations = 50 mg/L, and stirring/minute= 200rpm). Obtained products were adsorbed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, pseudo-first order and second-order models, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovich kinetics. Results indicate that nickel adsorbs more than chromium and adsorption of both nickel and chromium follows the Freundlich model. Correlation coefficients obtained from Freundlich model and pseudo-second order kinetic are R2=0.995, R2=0.996 and R2=0.999, respectively, which shows that the Freundlich expression and the kinetics of pseudo second order provided a better fit to the experimental data of pumice powder. Also, the removal efficiency was increased significantly by increasing the adsorbent dose and contact time (R2

Building materials and the ventilation rate of a building are two main factors influencing indoor radon and thoron levels (two radioactive gases which have the most important role in human natural radiation exposure within dwellings).
This analytical descriptive study was intended to determine the relationship between indoor radon and thoron concentrations and the building materials used in interior surfaces, as well as between those concentrations and the type of ventilation system (natural or artificial).
102 measurements of radon and thoron levels were taken from different parts of three hospital buildings in the city of Kermanshah in the west of Iran, using an RTM-1688-2 radon meter. Information on the type of building material and ventilation system in the measurement location was collected and then analyzed using Stata 8 software and multivariate linear regression.
In terms of radon and thoron emissions, travertine and plaster were found to be the most appropriate and inappropriate covering for walls, respectively. Furthermore, granite and travertine were discovered to be inappropriate materials for flooring, while plastic floor covering was found suitable. Natural ventilation performed better for radon, while artificial ventilation worked better for thoron.
Internal building materials and ventilation type affect indoor radon and thoron concentrations. Therefore, the use of proper materials and adequate ventilation can reduce the potential human exposure to radon and thoron. This is of utmost importance, particularly in buildings with a high density of residents, including hospitals.

The use of raw wastewater or effluent from inefficient wastewater treatment plants can result in an outbreak of parasitic diseases in a community. The aim of this study was to measure the parasite contamination of raw wastewater in Qasr-e-Shirin and evaluate the performance of a constructed wetland system in removing this contamination. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over the course of 6 months (24 weeks), with a total of 48 samples selected to be tested. Every week a sample was taken from the raw wastewater of the influent and effluent. To identify parasites on the basis of a modified Bailenger method, parasitic analysis was conducted using a McMaster counting slide. The results showed that the minimum, average, and maximum number of all parasite eggs in the raw wastewater of Qasr-e Shirin was 0.08, 35.85, and 167.8 per liter, respectively. The minimum, average, and maximum number of protozoan cysts was 0, 19.95, and 75 per liter, respectively. In the wetland system of Qasr-e-Shirin, removal levels of protozoan cysts and parasite eggs were found to be 99.7 ± 0.23% and 100%, respectively. Because of parasitic wastewater contamination in Qasr-e-Shirin, outbreaks of parasitic diseases in this city are important issues. On the basis of the results of this study, constructed wetlands are very effective in removing parasitic contaminants. In addition, in term of parasite nematode eggs, the final effluent was consistent with the standards for reusing agriculture irrigation (1≥ number per L).

Background & Aims of the Study: Pharmaceutical wastewater is one of the major complex and toxic industrial effluents that contain little or no biodegradable organic matters.
In this study, H2O2/UV base advance oxidation process (AOP) was used to remove organic materials from pharmaceutical industry effluent. Experiments were conducted for the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal using medium pressure mercury vapor UV lamp coupled with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2/UV).
Results indicated that the efficiency of COD removal depends on the concentration of initial H2O2, oxidation time and pH as well. The efficiency of COD removal in low H2O2 concentration was very low even in coupled with UV light, which can be attributed to the low hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generation. In high concentration of H2O2 (500 mg/L) and optimum pH (pH=4), 87.496% of removal efficiency could be achieved during 70 minutes of oxidation time.
For high concentration of H2O2 (500 mg/l) in pH 3 and 7, the maximum COD removal efficiency was 28.5% and 15.2% respectively, indicating significant roles of pH and H2O2 concentration in oxidation efficiency of H2O2/UV process in removing the COD.

The effect of dust on human health has been confirmed according to the geographical location of Iran and the existence of this phenomenon in most provinces, particularly the western and southern provinces. This review discusses the role of proper nutrition in reducing the harmful effects of dust on human health.
In this systematic review, the published articles were found through searching the electronic databases of the articles and books related to the topic. The relevant articles published from 1990 to 2015 were collected using the search keywords, including air pollution, particular matter, nutrition, etc.
Epidemiological studies have shown that dust has harmful effects on the body's systems and vital organs, including the digestive system, heart and lungs. A diet containing adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 can reduce these effects.
Given the harmful effects of dust on human health, more studies are required to determine the dimensions of these effects and ways to deal with this phenomenon so that the policy makers will be able to manage the environmental effects of dust on human health in the best way possible.

During patients’ hemodialysis Circle, the amount of heavy metals in feed water to dialysis instrument and the patient’s blood are changed. The present study aims at evaluating the trend of lead, cadmium, chromium and zinc concentration in feed water to reverse osmosis, dialysis instrument and blood of hemodialysis patients in 7 hospitals of Kermanshah. A total of 42 samples of feed water, 42 samples of reverse osmosis systems permeate and 42 samples of hemodialysis instrument permeate were collected from 7 hospitals in Kermanshah. The collected samples were analyzed and the concentration of lead, chromium, cadmium and zinc were determined by using ICP (DV-Optima2100 model) according to a standard method. Furthermore, statistical analysis was carried out by using one-sample t-test to compare mean quality of feed water of dialysis instrument with AAMI and EPH standards. In addition, ANOVA test was used for comparing the results of three sample groups. The obtained results indicated that the mean concentration of lead, cadmium, chromium and zinc in feed water of reverse osmosis system (drinking water), were 18.53± 8.25, 0.706± 0.42, 86.06 ± 5.56, 112.67± 63.56pbb, respectively. Also, quantity of these constituents in the feed and permeate of electrolysis device was 18.81±5.32, 0.719±0.53, 84.25±2.46, 43.39±19.4pbb and 12.5±6.32, 1.39±0.87, 66.15±13.54, 60.38±22.39pbb, respectively. Due to obtained results, the removal efficiency of zinc and chromium by reverse osmosis system in dialysis instrument were 61.5 and 2.1%, respectively, while it was not effective in removing lead and cadmium metals. Discussion & Increasing the level of lead and cadmium in permeate water of the reverse osmosis system rather than the feed water indicated that the reverse osmosis membrane function is out of service; as a result, it is required to be washed or replaced. Decreasing both lead and chromium metals in permeate solution of the dialysis instrument revealed the addition of the amount of those two hazardous metals to the blood of hemodialysis patients, which could be related to reverse osmosis membrane deficiency and high concentration of metals in its water permeate.

Textile dyeing industries wastewaters are contain significant amounts of organic dye compounds. Presence of organic dyes in industrial effluents due to avoid light penetration into the water, impaired photosynthesis, decreased oxygen transport into the water, the solubility of gases and their toxic effects, irreparable damage to the environment [1]. So, treatment of colored wastewater of textile industries before discharging them into the environment is essential. Biological treatment processes for textile wastewater treatment is rarely used. These processes are commonly used to remove biological decomposition of organic compounds and suspended solids are effective but not efficient for the removal of dyes from textile wastewaters, because the colored compounds containing resistant and complex structures that can be done to slow down the rate of biodegradation of colors. The most commonly methods for color removal from textile wastewater are physical-chemical methods such as coagulation, flocculation, adsorption, ozonation, reverse osmosis, membrane filtration and advanced oxidation [2]. Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages for the removal of dyes from wastewater. The main advantages of colored wastewater using coagulation and flocculation process, not the production of intermediate products that are toxic and harmful, mainly because of the color compounds in this way is not decomposed. In addition, this method is relatively high cost and performance in large scale [1, 2].The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of alum and ferric chloride coagulants for wastewater treatment of textile factories. For this purpose, the effect of pH and concentration of coagulants was investigated. For this study, the coagulant aluminum sulfate (alum) (Al2(SO4)3) and ferric chloride (FeCl3) for color Crepe-Naz textile wastewater treatment plants by measuring of color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS) and pH were used. pH values tested for the selection of optimal pH were 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and in this study a total of 240 samples according to standard methods for water and wastewater treatment experiments were analyzed [3]. The results showed that ferric chloride coagulant for removal of TSS, COD and color compared to alum has higher efficiency, so that maximum removal of COD, and color by alum 36, 19 and 68.8% respectively, while this amount by ferric chloride is 72, 60 and 98%, respectively. The optimum pH for alum and ferric chloride coagulants, respectively 7 and 5 were obtained. The result of this study with conducted study by Joneidi and Azizi [2] was coordinated so that, in the study, ferric chloride than alum has better efficiency in removal of dye has shown. Based on the results, it can be concluded that ferric chloride coagulant for the removal of COD, TSS and color of textile wastewater compared to alum has been effective and therefore in identical conditions, its application is more preferable compared to alum.

Backgrounds and Guilds Training is one of the programs that are effective in improving food hygiene. On the other hand, the level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of food handlers, makes the easy of environmental health management. This study aimed to evaluate effects ofespecial course of health training on AAF of food handlers after two years of implementation of period (secondary test).
This study was carried out by semi-experimental method in which the knowledge, attitude and practice of 370 guilds were surveyed after one month of training (initial posttest) and after two years of training (secondary posttest that number of participants were decreased to 253).fordata collection tools were a questionnaire and a check list.Paired t-test and One-way ANOVA were Analysis was done by using of SPSS ver.16.applied.
Training with the passage of time is effect on AAF handlers. So that the mean scores of knowledge was decreased from 23.7±3.75 (early posttest) to 21.9± 3.5 (secondary posttest), attitude from 112.2±14.55 (initial posttest) to 75.6±6.6 (secondary posttest) (pResults showed explanatory effect of time passage on KAP of trained food handlers. Although the practice level of handlers were boosted after two years, for promotion of their knowledge and attitude, the repeat of guilds health training course at minimum two years after the initial training is recommended.

Amis: 

The present study was aimed to compare and evaluate the level of microbial (parasitic and bacterial) quality and physicochemical conditions of the water from five different types of indoor swimming pools (three men's and two women's pools). 

 This research was a cross-sectional study. Totally, 60 water samples were collected from five public swimming pools in Kermanshah, Iran. Microbial (parasitec and bacterial) and physicochemical conditions were examined according to the standard method. 

 Results indicated that the average of physicochemical parameters, except temperature, in all women's swimming pools was more sufficient than the men's swimming pools; but, there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). 

 It can be said that, gender cannot be very effective (especially, in terms of physiological characteristics of skin) in varying physicochemical conditions and biological parameters in swimming pools. The main reason for changing these parameters might be attributed to some factors, such as type and extent of relationship between physicochemical and biological parameters, characteristics and source of water, type of filtration system, pools' operation and maintenance, effective disinfection, personal hygiene, etc.

Over the past decade, new dynamics have emerged in each of the key domains of higher education, research and innovation; therefore, considering effective factors on performing research activities is so necessary. The aim of the present study was to determine the factors influencing on postgraduate students’ interest and participation in research activities. This cross-sectional and descriptive–analytical study was performed in all postgraduate students of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (75 people). The researchers-made questionnaire has been used for identification the effective factors on performing research activities among the postgraduate students. In this study we used a Likert Scale based questionnaire (Very Low=1, Low=2, Average=3, High=4 and Very High=5). The Cronbach''s alpha coefficient of 0.85 was obtained. Data analysis was done Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests for variables for 2 or three groups, respectively. Also One-Sample T-test and Friedman test have been used for identification of effective factors and priority order of these factors. The results show that the viewpoint of students in different schools, different age groups and between students with and without research experience has significant difference in relation to the role of effective factors on research activities (p<0.05). The efficiency level of these factors was related to: educational and research facilities, organization support (university), research and scientific experiences, other factors and finally the role of professors (p<0.05), respectively. Based on students'' viewpoint, educational-research facilities and organizational support play an important role in conducting research activities. Therefore access to internet with appropriate speed, different databases, equipping the research labs for scientific research and providing the advanced laboratory devices, financial support of university research unit and encouraging the postgraduate students in different ways, can strengthen the participation of students in conducting research activities.

Aerobic treatment processes with fixed growths exhibit a high efficiency not only in the removal of organic materials and phosphorus but also in the nitrification process (conversion of ammonium to nitrate) in wastewater. The present study aims to evaluate the performance of activated sludge with a submerged fixed bed in the removal of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds from wastewater. For this purpose, a reactor was initially constructed and commissioned before the activated sludge with a submerged fixed bed was loaded. A total number of 225 samples were collected from the wastewater treatment plant at Farabi General Hospital in Kermanshah to evaluate the removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate over three different retention times (2.9 hours of aerobic and 1.1 hours of anaerobic operation; 3.6 hours ofaerobic and 1.4 hours of anaerobic operation; and 4 hours of aerobic and 1.5 hours of anaerobic operation). Phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, and nitrate measurements were performed according to the Standard methods 4500-P, 4500-NH3, 4500-NO2, and 4500-NO3, respectively. Results showed that the highest phosphorus removal (53%) was achieved with Phase III of the system (i.e., 4 hours of aerobic plus 1.5 hours of anaerobic operation) while the highest ammonia nitrogen removal (97%) and TKN (96%) were achieved in Phase II of the system (i.e., 3.6 hours of aerobic and 1.4 hours of anaerobic operation). Significant differences (Pvalue<0.05) were observed among the mean values for the removal efficiencies of these parameters in the three retention times. The optimum time for the removal of ammonia nitrogen was estimated at 3.6 hours of aerobic and 1.4 hours of anaerobic operation and that for the removal of phosphorus was 4 hours of aerobic and 1.5 hours of anaerobic operation. Based on the results obtained, it may be claimed that the activated sludge process with the submerged fixed bed exhibits a high efficiency for the removal of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds from hospital wastewater only if the system is properly operated and maintained.

Industrialization and urbanization had a devastating impact on public health and caused an increase in health related morbidity and mortality. In fact, asthma is a chronic condition which is considered as one of the significant challenges of public health. In this study, we investigated the association of air pollution and weather conditions with excess emergency ward admissions of asthmatic patients in Kermanshah hospitals. This was an ecological study. The total number of hospital admissions to emergency wards from all related and major hospitals of Kermanshah was collected from September 2008 through August 2009. In addition, data on air pollution as well as meteorological data were collected from the Environmental Protection Agency and Meteorological Organization of Kermanshah. To determine the association between the number of hospitalization due to asthma with those parameters, Poisson regression was used. The results of Poisson regression revealed a significant association between carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and temperature with emergency room visits due to asthma in Kermanshah. No associations were found for sulfur dioxide or for particulate matter. This study provides further evidence for the significant effect of monoxide carbon on asthma; and it suggests that temperature may have a role in the exacerbation of asthma. However, due to the multi-factorial nature of asthma, other factors also play a major role in the development and exacerbation of this illness.

 This study aimed to assess the microbial contamination status of drinking water supply among buses at the main bus terminal in Isfahan. 

 About 184 drinking water samples were taken randomly from buses arriving at the Sofeh terminal in Isfahan in 2011. For data analysis of one-sample, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (α = 0.05).and Mann-Whitney U-test with a significant difference (α = 0.05) was used for the effect of setting insulated water tank in cities bus to reduce microbial contamination. 

 Results showed that 15% of all samples were contaminated with total coliforms and 2.5% of samples contaminated with fecal coliforms. The most contaminated samples were related to buses arriving from Shiraz and Booshehr, (fecal MPN~4). About 16.66% of all samples collected from buses without insulated water tanks were contaminated with total coliforms and fecal coliforms. 

 Results indicated that the drinking water available on investigated public transportation was not safe for public health. However, the highest levels of microbial contamination were observed in samples taken from buses without insulated water tanks. In conclusion, a constant and systematic monitoring system is recommended to prevent contamination of drinking water available on buses.

Phenol and its components are toxic materials found in various environmental resources due to industrial development. It is necessary to eliminate these toxic substances for the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of biodegradable organic matter and the phenol removal rate from oil refinery wastewater using anaerobic pond.. In the present study a pilot-scale anaerobic pond system was used with dimension of 1 × 1 × 0.2 m and retention time of 2 and 5 days at two temperatures (above 20° C and below 10° C). To determine the relationship between phenol removal and concentration of biodegradable materials, retention time and various temperatures, two-way ANOVA and Scheffe’s post-hoc tests were used. the maximum rate of phenol removal (95.8%) (87.51%) were reported in the concentration of 500 mg/l of biodegradable materials with 5 days retention time and temperature of >20 ° C. Also, the minimum rate of phenol removal (16.8 %) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (7.5%) were obtained in the concentration of 10000 mg/l of biodegradable materials with retention time of 2 days and temperature of <10 ° C. the maximum phenol removal rate in the anaerobic pond occurred in the retention time of 5 days, higher temperature, and concentration of 500 mg /l of biodegradable COD.

Tetrachloroethylene is a chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon, which is widely used in many industrial processes. Efficient filtration of industrial wastewater containing tetrachloroethylene is an environmental necessity. The aim of this experimental study was to determine the efficiency of copper-supported pumice in removing tetracholoroethylene from aqueous solutions. This experimental study was performed, using granules of pumice stone (about 4 mesh, 4.8 mm). The pumice was coated by copper sulfate and was prepared as an absorbent at doses of 1, 2, and 3 g/L. The study was performed on samples containing tetracholoroethylene at 3 concentrations (25, 75, and 125 mg/L) by considering four contact times (20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes) and 3 pH ranges (3, 7, and 11). The structural study of SEM images (with an accuracy of 100 micrometers) of copper-supported pumice indicated cavities with a more or less homogenous pattern. Removal of tetrachloroethylene was a function of the absorbent dose and tetrachloroethylene concentration. The maximum capacity to remove tetrachloroethylene by copper-supported pumice was 120.86 mg/g. Also, the minimum and maximum of tetrachloroethylene removal by copper-supported pumice were 80% and 99.7%, respectively. The results showed that copper-supported pumice was efficient in removing tetrachloroethylene. Considering the availability, cost-effectiveness, high absorption, and reuse of pumice, this stone can be used for removing industrial wastewater containing tetrachloroethylene.

Background & Aims of the Study: Colloidal impurities are one of the natural contaminants in surface water that cause turbidity and color. Turbidity in spite of create undesirable appearance, can be a haven for disinfection of microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various coagulants in removing average turbidity of water and also their impact on the electrical conductivity and alkalinity. The study was conducted as tentative - interfere research in a laboratory scale. Experiments were carried out based on various parameters including different turbidity (50,100 and 200 NTU) and different concentrations of coagulants (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg/L). Supernatant of samples were taken after Jar test to measuring of turbidity, conductivity and alkalinity. The settling characteristics of the floc were record by observing as descriptive terms such as poor, fair, good and excellent. Results showed that all coagulants materials in whole used levels be able to completely remove of the initial turbidity (with the exception of Ferrous sulfate coagulant). On the other hand, with increasing concentrations of coagulants, the electrical conductivity increased and alkalinity decreased. Also, the highest and the lowest increase of electrical conductivity and TDS obtained in ferric chloride and poly aluminum chloride coagulants respectively. The result showed that poly aluminum chloride was best coagulant for turbidity removal and in spite of fine floc, sedimentation rate is good.