Spatial and temporal variations of contamination in groundwater resources, necessitate long-term monitoring (LTM) at a given site. In this study, several groundwater quality parameters (EC, SAR, TH, TDS, pH, K, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, HCO3-, and Cl-) for 113 samples sites clustered based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to significantly decrease cost and save time in LTM. The optimization of the clustering process was carried out according to the Silhouette index. For verification and validation of the results, Geology, soil order, land use, hydrological network, and TDS maps were used. According to the results, the best number of clusters was 5. An acceptable agreement was obtained between land conditions and clusters represented by the PSO algorithm. Consequently, it can be inferred that the clustering of the groundwater quality using the PSO algorithm and the Silhouette index optimizer could 70% decrease the number of spatio-temporal sampling in LTM.
Today, environmental hazards and consequently environmental insecurity are the most common global challenges in cities. In Iran, cities are involved with environmental challenges such as air pollution, micro dust storms, water stress, land subsidence, soil pollution, and most importantly the challenge of environmental mismanagement. According to the studies, Ahvaz, a strategic metropolis in Iran, is one of such cities that faces the intense challenge of environmental insecurity. The aim of this research is to extract the effective indicators of environmental insecurity by thematic evaluation of these factors and indicators in the city of Ahvaz. In this study, 41 effective indicators have been extracted by analysing the records and opinions of 30 experts (academics and urban-regional managers). The selected indicators were modelled based on the opinions of 20 experts in the Best & Worst technique. Finally, the most important factors and indicators affecting environmental insecurity in Ahvaz were identified, categorized, and prioritized. According to B&W, among the 41 investigated indicators, the indices of hazardous hospital waste (I21) with value of .077, dust storm (I1) with value of .076, and Oil flares (I4) with value of .076 had the highest impact on the insecurity of the urban ecosystem of Ahvaz. Also, the results of this study have shown that among the five mega factors of air, water and soil pollution, environmental behavior, and environmental management, the indicators of air pollution have the highest effect on the environmental insecurity of Ahvaz city.
This research was carried out to provide a suitable method to evaluate the environmental quality of semi-arid areas through the amendment of the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI). To determine the environmental quality of Isfahan City, Landsat images from 2002, 2011, and 2020 were used to extract five indicators of vegetation, humidity, dryness, heat, and salinity. Then, the Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI) was obtained by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The findings showed that the inhibiting effect of heat, dryness, and salinity indicators is significantly more than the promoting effect of vegetation and humidity indicators on the environmental quality of the study area. The average values of IRSEI indicated a decrease in the environmental quality of Isfahan City. The area with poor and moderate environmental quality increased from 19372.77 and 14363.46 hectares in 2002 to 16527.51 and 12141.63 hectares in 2020, respectively. Excellent and good qualities were observed mainly throughout the vegetation around the Zayandeh-Rud River. Based on the results of comparing the land use map to IRSEI; Land use changes were identified as one of the main factors in reducing the environmental quality of Isfahan City. Moreover, vegetation increase, climate regulation, and human activities significantly improve the environment, although soil salinization has a negative effect that should not be ignored. It is suggested that factors such as meteorological conditions, biodiversity, airborne particles, and other human activities that may affect the environmental quality in semi-arid regions should be applied in future studies.
In this study, the status and efficiency of the wastewater treatment system of a semi-recirculated aquaculture system (RAS) in Firoozkooh County were investigated. Information regarding aquaculture systems in the region was obtained with the guidance of the experts at the Agriculture Organization in Firoozkooh County. During visits to the recommended aquaculture systems, Namrud Aquaculture was selected. To evaluate the effect of water pollutants on fish, National Standards 8726 and 7961 were employed to determine water quality parameters and to guide sampling and sample protection. Water quality parameters were assessed at four stations to determine the extent of pollution. The results indicated that ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3) were the main issues in this aquaculture system. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to ammonia levels exceeding the limits set by National Standard 8726 displayed behavioral changes, including altered swimming speed, total distance traveled, average direction change, and increased average distance from a central point. The second aeration tower was found to be ineffective in releasing dissolved gases due to its inappropriate design, including the spacing between floors and lack of proper atmospheric connection. It is recommended to redesign the second aeration tower, elevate the second entrance pond, and adjust the return flow to the grit chamber to reduce suspended particles and improve the water quality parameters of the effluent.
The increasing industrial activities have led to significant microplastic pollution, particularly in coastal regions, where human and industrial activities contribute to accumulating these pollutants. This study investigates the distribution and frequency of microplastics in beach sands along the Persian Gulf coastline in Bushehr, Iran, focusing on three key ports: Genaveh, Deylam, and Imam Hassan. Microplastics were extracted using density separation methods, and their types were identified via FTIR analysis. Results showed a higher concentration of microplastics in Genaveh and Deylam ports, with fibers being the most predominant microplastic type, likely due to textile production, fishing activities, and urban wastewater discharge. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the most common plastics found, highlighting the role of consumer products and industrial waste in pollution. The study emphasizes the impact of human activities on microplastic pollution and suggests that controlling plastic waste and improving waste management strategies are crucial for mitigating environmental and health risks. These findings contribute to global efforts to understand and manage microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems.
Blowing dust is one of the most common natural phenomena in arid and semi-arid regions, which causes a lot of damage every time it occurs. This phenomenon is introduced as a natural hazard in terms of negative effects in natural and human-managed ecosystems, and it is one of the most important problems of societies in arid and semi-arid regions. This research was simulated using the WRF-Chem model and GOCART scheme in the Jazmurian basin in southeast Iran to investigate and analyze this phenomenon. The results showed that the numerical simulation of the dust storm using the WRF-Chem model simulated surface dust concentration values UTC18 on December 17, 2016, in the south of Sistan and Baluchistan province and Hormozgan province were higher than 2500 µg/m3, and more than 2000 µg/m3 in the central areas of Jazmurian region. To prevent destructive dust storms and reduce the emission of dust in this region, international protocols are needed for the correction and rehabilitation of degraded lands and activities to prevent desertification to stabilize degraded soils.
The use of Benzalkonium Chloride and other alternative disinfectants increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is crucial to consider their environmental effects. This study aims to investigate the toxicity potential of different concentrations of Benzalkonium Chloride on the blood cells, gills, intestines, and liver of common carp. For this purpose, 50 fish were divided into 5 groups of 10 (including one control group) and exposed to BAC concentrations of 0.10, 0.32, 0.58, and 0.75 mg/L for 28 days. The results showed that the RBC count (millions/mm³) in all exposed groups (Group B: 9.6 ± 1.07; Group C: 8.7 ± 0.78; Group D: 7.4 ± 0.96; Group E: 6.9 ± 0.55) was significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the control group (13.9 ± 1.25). The cholesterol, triglyceride, protein, and albumin levels (mg/dl) in all experimental groups were lower than those in the control group. Conversely, the AST levels in all exposed groups were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Gill damage included lamellar fusion, curvature, edema, and necrosis. In the liver, histological damage consisted of hepatocyte degeneration, central vein wall rupture, melano-macrophage aggregation, and blood vessel dilation. The results indicate that as Benzalkonium Chloride concentration increases from 0.10 to 0.78 mg/L, its toxicity effects on common carp also intensify. Therefore, before incorporating Benzalkonium Chloride into commercial products like cosmetics, its toxic effects should be thoroughly assessed to mitigate environmental harm.
Urban trees and forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by enhancing ecological and social resilience in cities. Despite their importance, public understanding of their benefits for combating climate change and the role of the media in shaping these perceptions remains underexplored. This study addressed this research gap by examining how different media platforms influence citizens' perceptions of urban forests' contributions to climate change mitigation. Using cultivation theory as a framework, the study aimed to assess the impact of various media channels, including social media, television, print media, and blogs, on public perceptions. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through a structured online survey administered to 410 urban residents. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between media exposure and citizens' perceptions. The findings reveal that social media and television are the most influential in shaping public perceptions, while traditional media forms such as print and blogs show no significant impact. Social media, in particular, emerged as the most effective platform, likely due to its interactive and immediate nature, while television remains relevant due to its visual appeal and broad reach. These results have important implications for environmental communication strategies, suggesting that policymakers should prioritize social media and television campaigns to effectively engage citizens and promote urban forest conservation. By understanding and leveraging these influential platforms, authorities can enhance public perceptions and support for sustainable urban development and climate resilience initiatives.
The Recreation Opportunities Spectrum (ROS) framework is a method used to manage visitor recreational areas by determining and allocating spaces based on a spectrum of recreational opportunities tailored to the environment, as well as the needs and preferences of the community. This research applied the ROS to develop a recreational land-use plan for the Gorgan watershed in Iran. To begin, the study assessed the region's capacity to identify available recreational opportunities and preferences. It estimated the demand for these opportunities and prioritized them accordingly. Next, a weighted linear combination of recreational areas was identified using a multi-criteria evaluation method. Following this, the ROS framework was revised to create new categorizations based on local conditions and guidelines, including the land’s recreational potential, available opportunities, and community needs. This updated framework, ROS2, consists of eight categories: natural, semi-natural, non-motorized, semi-natural motorized, slightly developed rural, developed rural, culturally disjointed, and urban or adjacent urban areas. The final zones proposed for recreational planning and development were based on ROS2. The findings of this research, utilizing a systematic framework for land recreational planning, can help achieve a desirable recreational experience, meet the community's needs, protect the environment, and minimize the ecological impacts of recreational development. Moreover, this framework can serve as a guide for planning and tourism management in similar areas.
The Pacific Plate is one of the heaviest tectonic plates, hosting multiple Pacific Island countries. Geological research has long provided evidence of volcanic magmatic events, which have frequently caused subsurface activities. The formation of an active ring of fires across the Pacific Ocean is a geological signature of the intense volcanic events occurring over time. The study aims to verify the close correlation between groundwater features and volcanic magmatic events, which is evident in near-surface ground signatures and geothermal systems. Hot water springs and geysers emerge as manifestations of the active molten volcanic processes, releasing intense heat flux, gases, and pressure. Pacific Island countries exhibit common geological features, particularly in terms of parent rock materials, resulting in a unique combination of aquifer characteristics essential for long-term hydrological sustainability. The sustainability of groundwater resources is intricately linked with volcanic events and their associated signatures, which emerge abruptly over time. Furthermore, the study is to access the correlation of the pacific geological features within Fiji and various regions and its usages in terms of implementing water resources upon the identification of the active aquifers in the terrestrial and coastal plains. Fieldwork using various tomography methods from various regional countries executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community through the implementation of various programs has provided various supporting evidence that the magmatic activities featured by dikes, basins, and aquifers have water holding capacity which is hydrogeological connected to the main water aquifer.
The mining industry significantly impacts national economies. However, there is a lack of industry-specific productivity frameworks that support sustainable development in this sector. This study aims to fill that gap by creating a national productivity award model tailored to Iran's mining industry. Using a methodological synthesis, the research begins with an analysis of key success factors and a comparison of national and international productivity evaluation systems. The resulting framework comprises three main components of productivity drivers with a maximum obtainable score of 200 points, focusing on leadership, culture, strategy, and governance. Productivity enablers with a maximum score of 350 points as the second component focus on critical resources and capabilities such as staff management to facilitate productivity. The last component is the consequences of productivity with a maximum obtainable score of 450 points, paying attention to the assessment of both perceptual and operational achievements. These 3 main components are built on ten core values, such as intelligent production, systems thinking, sustainable development, and leadership. This model not only fosters continuous improvement but also addresses challenges with minimal resistance, enabling sustainable transformation in the mining sector. Measuring drivers like workforce efficiency, skill level, and technology use can reveal specific gaps where productivity is hindered. Strengthening workforce competencies through continuous training and safety protocols. The consequences of productivity, boosting long-term profitability, and environmental compliance could be mentioned. Adopting sustainable mining practices not only aligns with regulatory compliance but can reduce waste and enhance corporate reputation.
This research investigates the optimization of library facade design in Zanjan's climate, focusing on maximizing daylight utilization through metaheuristic approaches. By employing parametric and metaheuristic techniques, the study evaluates a range of facade elements, including window-to-wall ratios, light shelf depths, and glass transmittance, to identify optimal configurations that enhance indoor lighting while minimizing energy consumption. The findings reveal significant variations in useful daylight illuminance, ranging from 44.26% to 72.85% across different design options. Notably, the configuration with an interior depth of 1.3 meters, exterior depth of 0.6 meters, and a window-to-south-wall ratio of 0.4, coupled with a glass transmittance factor of 0.55, demonstrates the highest level of useful daylight. Furthermore, all design options exhibit excellent glare control, with glare-free percentages approaching 100%. The analysis suggests that interior depths between 0.9 and 1.3 meters, particularly 1.3 meters, are optimal for maximizing daylight penetration. Similarly, exterior depths between 0.5 and 0.7 meters, especially 0.6 and 0.7 meters, yield favorable results. These findings offer valuable insights for architects and engineers seeking to design energy-efficient and visually comfortable buildings in regions with similar climatic conditions.
This study examines temporal trends and discharge patterns over 35 years in the Armand River Basin using data collected from synoptic and hydrometric stations (1986-2020). Statistical analysis and graphical tests like the Mann-Kendall test, Pearson correlation, and Spearman correlation were employed. Results show a notable negative trend in average annual and winter precipitation at the Shahrekord station since 1994 and 1996, respectively, with other stations exhibiting decreasing rainfall trends across all seasons without a clear pattern. The analysis of runoff trends across hydrometric stations in the Armand Basin indicates a significant decrease in both annual and seasonal runoff, particularly notable in the summer season. These trends align with observed changes in precipitation across different seasons, confirming the decreasing runoff trend. Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients show a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05) between runoff and precipitation, with coefficients of 0.612 and 0.595, respectively, supporting this relationship. Regression variance analysis confirms the linear assumption of this relationship, illustrated by scatter diagrams depicting the intensity, direction, and type of relationship between the two variables in the Armand River basin. The linear graphs indicate a positive relationship between precipitation and runoff in the basin. This is evident from the upward slope of the points, moving from left to right. Additionally, the concentration of points around the regression line suggests a strong and intense relationship between runoff and precipitation in the studied basin.
The anionic surfactant linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LABS) is a synthetic surfactant, frequently utilized in domestic detergents as well as for a variety of industrial purposes. The effects of this ubiquitous pollutant on freshwater fish Orechromis niloticus were investigated. For 30 days, the fish were treated with the concentration ranges of LABS reported in the field (0.05,0.1,0.15, and 0.2) mg/L, including the control. Fish in both the control and experimental groups received twice-daily meals at 3% of their body weight throughout the experiment. A fish was removed from each plastic tub after each experimental period (2,9,16,23, and 30th) and was punctured in the heart to obtain blood samples. Blood was drawn and placed in sample bottles and analyzed for lipid peroxidation, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, catalase, protein, and superoxide dismutase using standard methods. No deaths were noticed in either the control fish or the fish subjected to different sublethal concentrations of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate. After exposure to the surfactants, there was a noticeable alteration in the activities of the marker's indices in the blood of the fish. Tissue-specific, clear-cut time and dose dependence characterized the rate of changes in the assessed markers in the fish.
The Surmeh deposit is a rare case of metallic mineralization in the Zagros FT-Belt. The regional structures with geological conditions from Paleozoic sequences to Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic extensional faulting, Cenozoic continental convergence and collision, thrust tectonic, reactivation of inherited and basement faults, basinal-atmospheric fluids interactions and salt diapirism have crucial role in MVT-type Surmeh deposit formation. The Surmeh anticline is double plunging and its southern limb is cut by thrust faults, which formed at the southern termination of the Mengharak segment of the Karehbas fault. New field data highlights three fault trends. The first trend is thrust faults parallel to the Zagros trend cutting the southern limb of Surmeh anticline and pushed the older units over the younger units from NE to SW. The second is normal faults mainly in the Permian and Triassic rocks and their strike varies from NW-SE to N_S. The third trend is ~N-S surface manifestations of the Karehbas basement strike-slip fault. Some of them can be easily mapped in satellite images. Small strike-slip faults have caused displacement and destruction of mineralized zones. Normal faults were important structures in ore-formation process. These findings can be utilized as an exploratory sign for similar ore deposits in the Zagros Range, where the Paleozoic rocks are intensely folded, faulted and uplifted within the cores of anticlines near the intersection of salt domes and basement faults. This case is an interesting metallic mineralization in a foreland area, where is affected by basement and thrust faults, folding and salt tectonics.
This research aims to analyze the spatial distribution of urban public services in the metropolitan districts of Tabriz. This study is an applied research type and its method is descriptive-analytical. To analyze the data, the TOPSIS model as well as cluster analysis and SPSS and GIS software were used. The research results showed that there was no favorable spatial justice between the districts of Tabriz city in privileging public urban services. In other words, districts 2, 3, and 5 were on one level (first level), districts 6, 7, and 4 were on one level (second level) and districts 9, 8, 1, and 10 were on one level (third level). In deprived districts, nonconforming population growth with service needs, lack of green and recreational spaces, lack of suitable health-medical, commercial, and sports services, increase in population growth rate, lack of educational and cultural facilities, low employment, low-income strata and immigrants` residence, construction of unlicensed buildings and indiscriminate expansion in these districts have intensified the level of instability. Therefore, for the optimal distribution of public services between districts of Tabriz city, first of all, the approach of social justice should be placed on the agenda of the managers and decision-makers of Tabriz city so that the distribution of services and facilities between the districts of Tabriz city is balanced according to population needs.
Pollen study is considered one of the most climate proxies distributed worldwide since the beginning of the last century. Some areas and regions still lack such proxy studies, the main objective behind this review is to investigate and draw a picture of the past climate and vegetation pattern in northeastern Iraq, where the area obtains only a few small in size natural Lakes, Fellaw Lake is the largest mountain natural Lake in the area considered within the study. In addition, there are tries to present the paleoclimate of the study area depending mostly on the bulk of research conducted near the area due to the nonexistence of pollen studies implemented on Fellaw Lake yet. Accordingly, and after matching the modern and past vegetation patterns of some adjacent lakes to the area such as Zaribar, Merabad Van Lake, and Akgol Lake, the area likely obtains to some extent a similar past climate trend and events and vegetation components, regardless of the factor of variation in latitude and topographic effects which in turn affect the precipitation amount that could lead possibly to variate of vegetation patterns in these conditions. Ultimately, the study area is located in a very climate-sensitive area, where it’s situated among the following regions; Levantine from the west, Mesopotamia from the south, Anatolia from the north, and itself located in the eastern edge of the Irano-Turanian region. This in turn could consider the area to be a refuge for other regions in case of climate deterioration and fluctuations in the late Quaternary.
One of the most important parameters affecting the quality of tourism is the climate and weather conditions of the tourist destination. Most of the studies have focused on the seasons and months that are suitable for tourism. However, to determine the right time for tourism, this study has examined the differences in hours conditions during the whole of the year in Alangdareh Forest Park, Golestan province. To do this, meteorological data from the statistical period (2017-2022) was used to calculate the average value of the SET index (standard effective temperature). Then, this index was evaluated as an indicator of thermal comfort using Rayman software. Meteorological data, including temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and cloudiness were entered into the software five times a day. Based on the results, the comfortable days were divided into two separate periods. The first period starts in the middle of April and continues until the middle of May, and the second period is in October. The results of the SET index in terms of hours showed the best time for tourists to visit the park during the winter season is between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM and during the summer season at 6:30 AM. This information can help tourists choose the best travel time according to their personal preferences. Additionally, the results indicate a continuous increase in the SET index during the six years of the statistical period which indicates a warming climate and a decrease in thermal comfort.
Although numerous archaeological studies have been carried out on the “Takht-e-Soleymān” (TS) site, a better and deeper understanding of this fire-temple complex requires more investigation and research. Petrographic analysis of the stone blocks used to construct this complex is worthwhile from several aspects: firstly, the present study particularly identifies, for the first time, the physical properties of the stone pieces (color, texture, physical strength, luster, etc.) and their petrographic characteristics in thin-section (including rock type, mineral constituents, and textures/microstructures). In addition, this study helps identify the suitable materials for protecting and repairing the stone pieces used in the construction of the “Takht-e-Soleymān complex” (TSC). By close petrographic and micropaleontological examination of rock samples collected from the ancient quarries and from the TSC complex, and through the comparison of the data, the following results were achieved: the detailed study of 12 rock samples collected from different parts of the TSC including Sassanid buildings (ramparts and towers number 4,15, 35, the northern vestibule, Anahita Temple, Fire Temple’s southern portico and the western or Khosrow portico) are comparable with those of Tepe Chāl (A and B), Kochka Barz ancient quarries. The quarries used in Ilkhanid buildings (the twelve-sided building, the four-columned building or the council hall, and the hunting palace) are comparable with rock samples from the Sur and Bābānazar Mountains. This facilitates the selection of materials for subsequent restorations.
The Anambra Basin in southeastern Nigeria is a notable sedimentary basin with a complex geological history shaped by marine, fluvial, and deltaic processes. This study examines the sedimentary rock formations within the basin, focusing on the Nkporo, Mamu, Ajali, and Nsukka Formations. The main goal is to reconstruct past hydrodynamic conditions and sediment transport mechanisms that influenced sediment deposition. Using a combination of field observations and quantitative methods, we estimated key paleohydrodynamic parameters such as channel depth, bedform height, sediment transport modes, and flow velocities. Analyzing these parameters provides insights into the ancient environmental conditions during deposition. Our findings reveal diverse depositional environments in the Anambra Basin. The Nsukka Formation is linked to transitional flow conditions with moderate sediment suspension, indicating a balance between transport and settling. In contrast, the Ajali Formation reflects a stable environment dominated by bed load transport, suggesting consistent flow. The Mamu Formation indicates dynamic and turbulent flow conditions that facilitated both bed load and suspended sediment transport. Additionally, the Owelli Sandstone Formation shows transitional flow characteristics typical of coastal or shallow marine environments influenced by both marine and continental processes. This study enhances our understanding of sedimentary processes in the Anambra Basin and lays a foundation for future research on its geological history and sedimentary dynamics.
