نشریه علوم محیطی
سال بیست و دوم شماره 4 (پیاپی 86، زمستان 1403)

In the past few decades, nitrate contamination in water resources has become a global environmental problem often caused by urban and agricultural activities. In the past two decades, the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul has experienced rapid urbanization. This rapid urbanization has caused groundwater storage depletion and contamination of nitrate in the Kabul Plain. In the Kabul Plain, groundwater is the only source of drinking water for Kabul city residents. This study aims to determine the different sources of nitrate pollution, investigate the nitrogen transformation processes, and estimate the proportional contribution of various sources of nitrate pollution in groundwater of the Eastern Kabul Plain.

Eighteen groundwater samples were collected from the Eastern Kabul Plain aquifer in November 2020. In-situ parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature were measured in the sampling sites. The collected samples for analysis of nitrate and nitrate were transported to the Green Tech Laboratory in less than six hours, and the concentrations of mentioned ions were measured on the same day. The collected samples for analysis of major ions were transported to the Regional Water Organization Laboratory of Tehran, Iran. Nitrate samples for isotopic analysis were shipped to the UFZ laboratory in Germany, where isotopic measurements were carried out using the bacterial denitrifier method. The proportional contribution of nitrate sources was determined using the BSIMM model.

Kabul city does not have a central sewage collection system, and sewage is disposed of mostly through septic and absorption wells. The groundwater nitrate concentration varied from 4 mg/L to 120.4 mg/L with an average value of 21 mg/L. The values ​​of δ15N-NO3̄ varied from 4.8 ‰ to 20.8 ‰ and the values ​​of δ18O-NO3̄ varied from 0.7 ‰ to 18.6 ‰. The composition diagram of δ18O-NO3̄ and δ15N-NO3̄ was employed to determine the main sources of nitrate in the aquifer. Considering that most of the samples are plotted on sewage and manure area, therefore, urban sewage plays a major role in increasing the concentration of nitrate in the groundwater of Eastern Kabul Plain. Since chloride is a conservative ion and is not affected by environmental factors, the diagram of NO3̄/Cl‾ molar ratio versus Cl‾ was used to identify potential sources of nitrate in the Kabul Plain aquifer. The plot indicated that urban sewage is the primary source of nitrate in the aquifer. The high concentration of dissolved oxygen and nitrate in the groundwater samples indicated the dominance of aerobic conditions in the aquifer and the absence of denitrification. Sewage plays a major role in nitrate pollution of groundwater. Therefore, the rapid urbanization and population growth in the Kabul Plain in the past two decades have caused groundwater nitrate pollution. The uncertainty in nitrate sources estimation has been quantitatively assessed using the uncertainty index (UI90). The results of this study display a relatively high uncertainty for the contribution of nitrate sources, particularly sewage and manure (0.49) and soil organic nitrogen (0.44).

Sewage and manure, soil organic nitrogen, and chemical fertilizers are potential sources of nitrate in the Kabul Plain. The Bayesian stable isotope mixing model showed that sewage and manure (69.5%) are the main sources of nitrate pollution in the aquifer. The results indicated that nitrification is the main biogeochemical nitrogen transformation process in the Kabul Plain.

Population growth and pollution caused by the discharge of all types of municipal, industrial, agricultural sewage, and waste disposal valves have caused the spread of pollution and the limitation of water resources. Surface water sources such as seas, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs of dams are more exposed to pollution than underground water sources. This pollution leads to the increase of nutrients and the blooming of algae and their consequences, such as the increase of chlorophyll-a, change in dissolved oxygen, and ultimately the reduction of water quality. Considering the close relationship between water quality and environmental health and quality of life, it is necessary to monitor the quality of surface water. By monitoring the changes in water quality, it is possible to observe, evaluate, and correct the long-term trends of water quality reduction and also predict its quality changes for the future. Due to the fact that the traditional methods of water quality evaluation are time-consuming, risky, and expensive, experts use remote sensing images to control water quality.

In this research, the chlorophyll-a of Zaribar Lake was investigated from Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellite images in 2019 using the Google Earth Engine platform. For this purpose, the water body of ​​the lake was separated from the non-water body using the NDWI index. Then, four spectral indices 2DBA, 3DBA, NDCI, and FLH-Violet were applied on the separated water body from satellite images. Finally, the predicted amount of chlorophyll-a was compared with the actual amount of chlorophyll-a on the ground in order to select the most suitable spectral index and satellite image to estimate the concentration of chlorophyll-a.

The results obtained from the comparison of spectral indices showed that 2DBA and NDCI indices are more accurate than 3DBA and FLH-Violet indices in both satellite images and were able to predict the chlorophyll-a concentration well. Therefore, 2DBA and NDCI indices were considered the most efficient indices to evaluate the chlorophyll-a concentration. Also, the amount of R2 obtained from 2BDA and NDCI indices in Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2 satellite images were compared to determine which satellite image is able to estimate the concentration of chlorophyll-a with higher accuracy. The results indicated that the amount of R2 in Sentinel-2 images was 2DBA=0.799 and NDCI=0.794 and in Landsat-8 was 2DBA=0.156 and NDCI=0.125. Therefore, Sentinel-2 was able to predict the concentration of chlorophyll-a more accurately than Landsat-8. This is due to the larger size of Landsat-8 cells compared to Sentinel-2, which can make the detection of chlorophyll-a a challenge in small areas. In addition, there was a one-day time interval between ground sampling and the date of Landsat-8 image collection, when the movement of chlorophyll-a concentration had occurred temporally and spatially, on the surface and in the depth of the lake. However, the ground sampling and the taking of Sentinil-2 images were simultaneous and within the same day.

Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the use of 2BDA and NDCI indices compared to other indices for small areas in Sentinel-2 images provided higher accuracy than Landsat-8 images. The most important reason is the smaller size of cells in Sentinel-2 images. In order to more accurately evaluate the concentration of chlorophyll-a, the lake must be monitored in a time series and different seasons, because a large volume of water flows from the bottom of the lake through rivers and boiling springs every day, on which the concentration of chlorophyll-a depends; Therefore, the concentration of chlorophyll-a in the lake should be evaluated in low water and high water conditions in order to determine its polluting sources, which unfortunately was not addressed in this research due to the lack of sampling.

urban sewage sludge contains significant amounts of essential elements for plant growth, which can be optimally used in the agricultural process. However, the presence of heavy elements is one of the main limitations of the direct use of this substance in agricultural lands. Therefore, the general purpose of this study is to investigate the role of using organic modifiers (rice straw and branches from citrus pruning) in urban sewage sludge and converting them into compost and biochar in reducing the amount of heavy elements, and also the partial purpose of this study is to compare the effect of compost and biochar on reducing the amount of heavy elements.

This study was conducted in two separate designs in the form of a randomized complete block with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The first plan included the production of compost using the combination of urban sewage sludge with rice straw and citrus branches with different ratios (1:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 7:1) and the second plan included the production of biochar using compost obtained from the first design with rice straw and citrus branches with different ratios (1:1, 3:1, 5:1, and 7:1). Then, the amount of total lead, nickel and cadmium (digestion with nitric acid and perchloric acid) and available (extraction with DTPA) were measured in biochar and sewage sludge compost samples.

Based on the results, the treatment of compost obtained from the combination of sewage sludge + rice straw in the ratio (1:1) reduced the amount of lead and total cadmium by 37.12 and 69.29%, respectively, compared to the control (sewage sludge). This reduction in the amount of lead and cadmium in the mentioned treatment is due to the high amount of rice straw compared to other treatments of rice straw and the greater degradability of rice straw compared to the citrus branch. The amount of available nickel in the treatments of compost + rice straw (1:1), compost + citrus branch (1:1), and (1:3) decreased by 46.12, 48.71, and 25.03%, respectively, compared to the control (sewage sludge). Also, the amount of available cadmium in compost treatments with rice straw (1:1), citrus branch (1:1), and (1:3) decreased by 43.97%, 33.18%, and 47.44%, respectively, compared to the control. Biochar had a significant effect on the amount of total lead and cadmium, so that the lowest amount of total lead and cadmium was observed in biochar + rice straw with a ratio of 1:1 and the amount of total lead and cadmium in this treatment decreased by 46.99 and 25.26%, respectively, compared to the control. Production of biochar from sewage sludge compost increased the amount of total lead and cadmium. However, the conversion of sewage sludge compost into biochar caused a significant decrease in the amount of available lead, nickel, and cadmium. Rice straw and citrus branches in biochar had no significant effect on available nickel.

The production of compost and biochar from sewage sludge had a significant effect on the total and available heavy elements in the sludge. Therefore, in order to reduce the availability of lead, nickel, and cadmium, using the biochar method is preferable to compost and is prioritized. If the production of biochar is not cost-effective, the plant compounds of rice straw and citrus branches can be used in the production of sewage sludge compost, which has a significant effect on the immobilization of available heavy elements. Sewage sludge compost with rice straw by a ratio of 1:1, which has the lowest amount of pollution and the lowest cost for production, was recommended as the optimal treatment.

CSA is currently viewed as a sophisticated and dependable approach to advancing agriculture, particularly in regions with limited water resources. This method has experienced a growing adoption and plays a vital role in securing food supplies, boosting employment opportunities, and integrating new technologies into the agricultural domain. Given the expanding utilization of this cultivation method and the necessity for targeted research and hands-on training to facilitate its progress, this study was conducted to explore the internal environmental factors influencing the advancement of this system.

This study employed a quantitative, field-based approach and conducted interviews through a questionnaire tool. The statistical population comprised vegetable and summer crop growers of greenhouses in Tehran and Alborz provinces, totaling 2060 greenhouse units. Sampling was carried out in two stages, with a sample size of 310 units calculated using Daniel’s formula and a five percent error margin. Subsequently, 270 questionnaires were filled out in Tehran Province and 50 in Alborz Province. Following data collection, processing, and analysis were performed using SPSS25 and SmartPLS3 software.

The findings from the inferential analysis indicated that in terms of human capital, essential human requirements for progressing the CSA system are significant. These include factors such as knowledge, skills, positive attitudes, access to financial and technical resources, market knowledge, and strong motivations. The study identified implementing new management techniques, consulting scientific experts, and exchanging knowledge with international professionals as critical factors. Technical capital emerged as the second most influential element in greenhouse development, with access to modern financial software systems and smart management technologies proving crucial. Additionally, training on advanced technologies is essential to enhance productivity and management. Financial capital emerged as the third influential component, with financial challenges and capital requirements for CSA being greater than traditional farming methods, particularly for small-scale farmers. Access to bank credit, affordable inputs, insurance assistance, and financial resources are essential for development and ongoing operational costs. advices include increasing producers' understanding of agricultural economics and markets and facilitating access to appropriate technologies to enhance economic and environmental sustainability. The study also emphasized the importance of productive social capital, highlighting the significance of communication with technical supervisors and agricultural consultants. While support from established farmers to newcomers in the sector was deemed less crucial, the development of social capital was emphasized as vital for the long-term sustainability of this innovative farming approach, as the key connections within this system are still in the process of being established.

Given the novelty of the CSA system, specific attributes must be adhered to by producers and users to enable the effective development and spread of this cultivation method. Enhancing managerial expertise, technical proficiency, and specialized knowledge, as well as increasing producers' awareness and understanding of the local, national, and international market dimensions and characteristics of this system, are essential steps. Additionally, fostering and enhancing intra-group relationships among producers and establishing trade unions for these producers to cultivate social capital is crucial for the advancement and dissemination of this innovative agricultural approach. Attention to these fundamental prerequisites is recommended to support the system’s development.

Soil pollution by heavy metals, especially in industrial regions is one of the main environmental problems. Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that causes oxidative stress in plants and has many destructive effects on product quality. Nowadays, various methods are used to reduce the negative effects of high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. In this regard, using biochar is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly method and its influence on the reduction of heavy metals bioavailability of soil is an important advantage. Biochar is a carbon-rich material obtained by pyrolysis of biomass, such as agricultural residues and manures in conditions without oxygen or with limited oxygen content.

In this study, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized blocks design with three replications on Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) medicinal plant with six levels of Cd (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mg/l) and three levels of biochar (0, 1.5, and 3 w/w). The effect of experimental treatments was investigated separately and combined on the morphological (wet and dry weights of aerial parts and roots), physiological (the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid), and biochemical (soluble sugar, catalase, peroxidase, and proline) characteristics of this medicinal plant. Means comparisons were done by Duncan's multiple range test at a probability level of 5%.

The results showed that different concentrations of Cd decreased the wet and dry weights of roots and aerial parts of the plant. The most reduction effect was related to the concentration of 10 mg/l of Cd. The interaction effect of biochar and Cd was significant only on the dry weight of aerial parts. The effect of stress caused by increasing the concentration of Cd on the plant's physiological processes was different. Considering that the first effect of Cd on the plant is the reduction of photosynthesis and chlorosis of the leaves, at the highest level of Cd, the amount of total chlorophyll decreased by 40% compared to the control sample, but the amount of carotenoid increased by 50% (p<0.05). The reduction of chlorophyll content under Cd stress can be due to oxidative damage and inhibition of different stages of chlorophyll synthesis. However, the increase in carotenoids in response to heavy metal stress occurs because these molecules, as part of the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system, play a protective role against oxidative stress. In contrast, the use of biochar treatment caused a significant increase in the wet weight of aerial parts, the amount of chlorophyll a and carotenoid. Also, the interaction effect of the treatments indicated that at different levels of Cd, the characteristics of the dry weight of aerial parts, the amount of chlorophyll b, and the total chlorophyll increased with the increase in the biochar level. Among the investigated biochemical traits, the interaction effect of the treatments was significant only on the amount of soluble sugar (p<0.05) and catalase (p<0.01). This means that the absorption of Cd by biochar and the reduction of its toxicity effect on seedlings provided the conditions for more production of soluble sugar and catalase. In fact, biochar had high adsorption of Cd due to its high cation exchange capacity, high specific surface, and presence of functional groups.

In total, the results showed the biochar capacity to stabilize and inactivity Cd absorption. Therefore, the incorporation of biochar to soil can improve Cd bioavailability by plants in the phytoremediation, although the effect of type and plant variety on the amount of decreasing Cd stress should not be ignored.

Drought and heat stress as the most important limiting factors in the production of crops and finally food security, have resulted from changing climate due to human interventions in increasing greenhouse gas emissions. It is also simulated that each 1 ◦C increase in temperature caused a 6% decline in global wheat production. The increase in temperature can further decline grain yield when occurred during the reproductive stage. The simultaneous effects of drought and heat during the growth stages, especially the flowering and grain filling stages, which are the most sensitive, can be more harmful than the individual effects and lead to a significant reduction in yield. The current study aimed at determining the optimal cultivar × sowing date in different climates to coincide the flowering date with optimum climaticconditions (temperature and rainfall) using a simulation modeling approach.

The current study was conducted in eight locations with different climates according to the GYGA (Global Yield Gap Atlas) methods. Dezful and Shushtar had warm and dry climates with high fluctuations in average seasonal temperature, Hamedan and Nahavand had mild and dry climates with medium fluctuations in average seasonal temperature, Khorramabad and Aligodarz had mild and dry climates with high fluctuations in average seasonal temperature and Zanjan and Khodabendeh had cold and dry climates with medium fluctuations in average seasonal temperature. Choosing the study locations was based on both areas under wheat cultivation and the diversity in their climates. In this research, several management methods including 4 sowing dates, 4 initial soil water​​, and 3 cultivars in 8 locations with different climates for 37 years (1980-2016) were investigated. A modified version of the APSIM-Wheat model was used in which a heat stress module could capture the impacts of heat stress on grain number and weight. The simulations were conducted under drought stress alone (rainfed) as well as the simultaneous drought and heat stress.

The average grain yield under drought conditions was simulated at 2.99 tons per hectare, while the yield under simultaneous drought and heat stress was 2.44 tons per hectare, indicating a reduction of approximately 0.5 tons per hectare due to the combined effect of heat and drought stress. The mid-maturity cultivar had the highest yield reduction of 52% while the very early-maturity cultivar showed the lowest yield reduction of 0.16%. The wheat flowering time in cold regions occurred after the completion of flowering in warmer locations. In temperate climates, the occurrence of flowering dates was more extensive than in other locations. Overall, any delay in emergence under rainfed resulted in further yield reduction in all cultivars and locations.

Under warm climates, an early-maturity cultivar along with early sowing could provide better environmental conditions for photosynthesis and plants could escape from terminal drought and heat stresses. In contrast, in cold climates, any delay in flowering date increases yield. In mild regions, using a mid-maturity cultivar resulted in late flowering dates and higher yields in spite of coinciding wheat with heat and drought for a short period of time.

Managing environmental risks associated with marine installations, such as the breakwaters of the Caspian Sea, plays a critical role in mitigating potential hazards and ensuring sustainable development. The Caspian Sea, a unique and environmentally sensitive region, faces significant ecological risks due to construction and operational activities related to breakwaters. This study aims to model and analyze the environmental risks specifically related to the breakwater located in the Caspian Port. By comprehensively identifying the various activities and processes during both the construction and operation phases, this research seeks to uncover potential hazards and damaging factors. The ultimate objective is to provide a framework for preventing or minimizing these risks, thus contributing to the long-term environmental sustainability of the region.

In this research, the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method was employed to evaluate the environmental risks. FMEA is a widely used risk assessment tool that helps in determining the severity, likelihood of occurrence, and detectability of risks. Expert opinions were collected to assess these factors for each identified risk. Following this evaluation, the risk priority number (RPN) was calculated, which helped identify the critical risks requiring immediate attention. The highest RPN for non-human-related risks was 384, while for human-related risks, it was 126. These priority levels were further analyzed using Bayesian networks through the Netica software, a tool known for efficiently modeling risk interdependencies.

The analysis of human-related risks revealed that skin damage posed the highest risk, with a quantitative value of 0.167. Direct auditory impairments were less significant, with a value of 0.004, while indirect human risks included soil pollution (0.125) and noise pollution (0.004). These findings indicate that while direct physical harm to individuals may not be highly prevalent, indirect risks, especially related to environmental degradation, hold substantial importance. On the other hand, in the category of non-human-related risks, the most critical hazard was identified as the depletion of natural resources due to mining activities, with a high quantitative value of 0.764. Water pollution (0.224) and the use of hazardous substances (0.024) were also identified as key risks impacting the environment. The Bayesian network analysis effectively highlighted the interconnections between these risks, revealing how the occurrence of one risk could amplify others, demonstrating a web of interdependent risk factors.

The results underscore the significance of understanding the interdependence of risks when addressing environmental challenges in marine construction projects. The use of Bayesian networks in this study clearly demonstrated the mutual influence between different risk factors, emphasizing the need for an integrated risk management approach. By identifying critical risks and understanding their interdependencies, decision-makers can implement targeted and localized solutions to mitigate these risks.

Place attachment is the basis for understanding the complex nature of human relationships with the surrounding environment. Humans have evolved the basic need for social communication, in such a way that they must create and maintain interpersonal relationships and gain a sense of security, acceptance, and belonging from these relationships. Natural hazards are events such as earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and landslides, which have the potential to pose a significant threat to human health and safety, property, critical infrastructure, and homeland security. The increase in losses can be explained to a large extent by higher levels of human activity and the accumulation of economic assets in hazard-prone areas. The natural hazards cause physical damage to residential neighborhoods and give rise to psychological distress. There is a growing interest in place attachment as a coping strategy in response to natural hazards. Also, some studies have shown that there is a complicated relationship between place attachment and perceived risk. The concept of attachment is influenced by human aspects arising from the fields of psychology and sociology, and the other part arises from the field of architecture, which changes various events such as the relocation of residents after the disasters. In architecture, less attention has been paid to the physical aspect of people’s sense of attachment after disasters. Therefore, in this study, the concept of attachment to a place at the level of residential neighborhoods is measured based on three components: architecture, urban environment, and nature. The architectural component consists of sub-components of scale, density, privacy, furniture, legibility, view, and coherence. The urban component has the sub-components of urban services, access, hierarchy, furniture arrangement, diversity of activities, meeting needs and elements of the city. Finally, the natural landscape component has the sub-components of green space and climate comfort.

The method of this research is that after field harvest and typology compilation of the residential neighborhood of the province located in Neka city, a researcher-made questionnaire was made by random sampling method and by G-Power software with a sample size of 340 people in different valleys of distribution residents. Then, with the help of statistical analysis, the physical characteristics of the residential neighborhood as an independent variable and the characteristics of the concept of attachment as a dependent variable were evaluated.

The findings revealed that there was a direct relationship between components of the urban environment (r=0.815), the natural landscape (r=0.768), the architecture (r=0.761), and the attachment of residents after disasters (P<0.05). The standardized regression coefficients (β) for the urban components, specifically activity diversity (β = 0.318, P < 0.001) and efficient layout (β = 0.317, P < 0.001), indicate significant associations. Also, the β value for the architecture components, including legibility, was 0.345 (P<0.001), and for the natural landscape component, including climatic comfort was 0.472 (P<0.001).

The initial decisions of designers and planners in selecting effective physical variables combined with the design of spaces and other physical factors will lead to a change in the level of attachment of residents after disasters in Neka city.

Environmental risk assessment in industrial complexes is of significant importance, as the negative impacts of these complexes pose a serious threat to the environment, human life, and international stability. This study aimed to assess the risk of exposure to chemicals and chemical incidents in industrial settings using a hybrid approach based on fuzzy logic.

In this study, a hybrid approach based on fuzzy logic was employed to identify, assess, and prioritize the relevant risks in the Karun oil and gas exploitation industrial zone in Ahvaz city in 1400. This method allows for more accurate and effective risk assessment by considering uncertainties and ambiguities in the data. The study included the assessment of the likelihood of hazard occurrence, the severity of hazard occurrence, the detection probability, hazard effects, risk priority number, and the necessary control measures and proposed actions.

The results indicated that employees in the evaluated unit are exposed to various chemicals and chemical incidents during their activities. The risk assessment was conducted for 27 types of chemicals and 16 identified chemical incidents. Among the studied substances, exposure and contact with substances butadiene and ethylene oxide are carcinogenic for employees, and mono ethylene glycol with toxic properties causes effects on the heart and kidneys. Butanol can cause respiratory and eye issues due to negligence, leading to fire risks in the facility. The highest risk, with an RPN of 0.715, is associated with gas inhalation from the evaporation of hydrofluoric acid and nitrogen. In contrast, the lowest risks, with RPNs below 0.1, are related to two liquid leakage scenarios at ambient temperature and pressure. The results of the risk assessment calculation show that none of the substances in the company have a very high risk for the employees, but five substances, naphtha, ammonia gas, acetic acid, chlorine gas, and methanol, have a high risk for the employees. The overall risk assessment results for exposure to chemicals and chemical incidents showed that a significant portion of the industry's activities falls within the high-risk range, highlighting the necessity for increased attention and planning to reduce this risk level to prevent serious incidents. Additionally, the results demonstrated that using a systematic fuzzy analysis method provides significant improvements in risk management and can be utilized as an effective tool in this field.

Based on the results, risk assessment using a hybrid approach based on fuzzy logic can aid decision-makers in improving environmental performance and creating safer and more sustainable conditions for the industry. By utilizing information related to hazards and the results of measurements and evaluations of chemical factors within the framework of chemical pollutant exposure risk assessment, various jobs can be ranked in terms of exposure to harmful chemical factors. These results can be used to prioritize resource allocation for implementing control measures and reducing exposure risk to an acceptable level.

Today, one of the global challenges is climate change caused by fossil fuels, which needs to be reduced by using renewable energies. In this regard, solar energy has been considered by many countries of the world due to its availability and high annual capacity, and researchers have also turned to use strategies to benefit from it in reducing energy consumption, including in buildings. These strategies can be considered an efficient strategy in the process of sustainable development, especially in rural areas. In addition to solar energy, tourism can significantly accelerate sustainable development in rural areas. Utilizing renewable energy within the tourism industry not only mitigates the sector’s environmental impact but also reduces operational costs for eco-tourism accommodations. This approach fosters the expansion of rural tourism while catalyzing sustainable development.  Today, one of the global challenges is climate change caused by fossil fuels, which needs to be reduced by using renewable energies. In this regard, solar energy has received attention in many countries of the world, due to its availability and high renewable capacity. Researchers have also focused on using strategies to apply it for reducing energy consumption, including in buildings. This study aims to define practical strategies for eco-lodges, as an effective source of tourism and one of the main bases of sustainable development in rural areas. Reducing the costs of energy consumption, these strategies increase the economic justification of building eco-lodges and expand rural tourism, and consequently, provide new opportunities such as employment, reducing migration in these areas.

This paper is an applied research in terms of purpose and concerning the subject nature is "descriptive-analytical development". The area studied in this research is Dehsalam village in Nehbandan, east of Iran. In addition to describing the types of solar devices and their importance in xerothermic climates, this study has discussed the effective role of eco-lodge in the development of tourism in this climate and described the region's characteristics. Afterwards, it analyzed the climatic conditions of this region, using the software "Climate Consultant", and provided strategies to apply passive solar energy for the region and in general for regions with xerothermic climates.

With the current trend of energy consumption and population growth, extraction from finite resources is continuously increasing. Considering the environmental debates surrounding the use of these resources and their pollution, moving towards renewable resources is considered essential. Among all the renewable sources, the use of solar energy has a suitable acceptance among different countries With the knowledge of the effective role of rural tourism in development in the light of providing energy needs if using the method presented in this research and providing conditions for sustainable development, especially in villages and deprived areas, reducing the operating costs of ecotourism residences by using systems Passive solar (static) to provide temperature comfort, reduce fossil fuel consumption, prevent air pollution, Destruction of the environment and its protection will lead to the prevention of climate change on a large scale if these strategies are developed and expanded.

According to the results of this research, it was possible to provide strategies for the use of passive solar energy in reducing the consumption of fossil fuels in eco-lodges in a xerothermic climate. This will be a step towards limiting the contribution of the tourism industry to environmental problems, helping to reduce the costs of eco-lodges, creating economic attractiveness of this business, and facilitating the growth and expansion of rural tourism in xerothermic climate, as a driver for the sustainable development of these areas.