Microplastics (MPs) are recognized as emerging contaminants in wastewater due to their persistence and ecological risks. This study assessed the abundance, morphology, polymer composition, removal efficiency, and ecological risk of MPs in the industrial wastewater treatment plant which operates Continuous-Flow Activated Sludge (CFAS) and Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) systems. Sampling spots over winter season included influent, grit chamber, chemical removal, anaerobic tanks, effluent, and sand filtration. MPs were extracted using Fe(II)/H2O2 digestion and ZnCl2 density separation, quantified by stereomicroscopy, and characterized via micro-Raman spectroscopy. Influent MPs ranged from 237.5 to 455 MPs/L, mostly fibers (up to 65%) from textile and packaging sources. Removal efficiencies of CFAS and SBR were 72-88% and 86-96%, respectively, with SBR showing superior fragment removal. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene dominated (>80%). Ecological risk assessment indicated moderate to considerable risks, with PLI >1, PHI medium to high, and ERI exceeding 1200 in some months. Given that treated effluents are reused for irrigation, residual MPs may threaten ecosystems and human health. Findings highlight the need for improved treatment technologies and stricter management to reduce MP release from industrial wastewater.

Childhood acute leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children worldwide, accounting for 30% of all childhood cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the possible association between urinary heavy metals (HMs) concentration and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (C-ALL) in children. The effects of socio-environmental factors also were investigated. In this case-control study, urinary concentrations of selected HMS were determined in urine samples of 124 children with acute leukemia (cases) and 104 healthy controls using ICP-OES. The social, economic, and environmental characteristics of participants were collected by a questionnaire. Multifactorial logistic regression models were applied to investigate the associations after adjustments for confounding factors. The creatinine-adjusted urinary concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in cases were significantly higher than healthy controls (the concentrations of nickel, chromium, and selenium were not significantly different). Multifactorial logistic regression in different adjusted models showed that the higher urinary concentrations of arsenic, lead, and cadmium increased the risk of C-ALL up to 2.5, 2.73, and 2.37 times, respectively. Urinary levels of Cd also showed a significant correlation with the risk of ALL. Among the socio-environmental risk factors, living near roads with heavy traffic, distance of living location from industrial zones, parental smoking, and consumption of rice as a staple food significantly increased the risk of C-ALL. This study suggested a strong association between arsenic, cadmium, and lead with acute leukemia in children. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of these metals in the pathogenesis of different types of leukemia.

Petroleum sludge poses significant environmental challenges due to its complex composition of hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Due to the high costs and limitations of physical and chemical remediation methods, bioremediation is recognized as a cost-effective and efficient approach for decontaminating hydrocarbon-polluted soils. This study investigates the enhanced phytoremediation of petroleum sludge-contaminated soil using the halophyte Salicornia sinus-persica and assesses the synergistic effects of biochar and vermicompost as soil amendments. A 6-month greenhouse experiment was conducted using soil contaminated with petroleum sludge concentrations ranging from 0% to 8% (w/w). Treatments included unamended soil, biochar amendment, vermicompost amendment, and a combined biochar-vermicompost amendment, with setups for planted, unplanted, and sterile unplanted conditions. Results demonstrated that petroleum sludge concentrations above 4% significantly inhibited seed germination, but amendments mitigated these effects. The presence of S. sinus-persica combined with amendments significantly enhanced total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHs) removal in the soil. The highest TPH removal efficiency (54.1%) was achieved in the 0.2% sludge treatment with combined amendments and plants. However, at higher contamination levels (4%-8% sludge), removal efficiencies were considerably lower (ranging from 19% to 37%), and plant growth was severely inhibited at 8% sludge. These results indicate that S. sinus-persica with biochar and vermicompost amendments is effective for low to moderate petroleum sludge contamination but has limited applicability at high contamination levels without additional pretreatment or dilution.

Background: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is sensitive to heat and oxidation, and it degrades at elevated temperatures typically used in the production process of preforms and bottles, resulting in the generation of various volatile compounds, with acetaldehyde being the primary one. Few studies are found on the emission levels of acetaldehyde in workplace air from PET. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the emission levels of acetaldehyde in workplace air from domestically produced PET during the production process of preforms and bottles. Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 at a PET preform and bottle manufacturing plant. Sampling was performed based on the methodologies 2538 and 2549, established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), employing workplace air sampling and the analysis of samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Findings: The mean concentration of acetaldehyde in the workplace air during the production processes of preforms and bottles was 0.3108 ± 0.8079 mg/m³ and 0.0180 ± 0.0145 mg/m³, respectively, with no statistically significant difference found. Statistical tests indicated significant differences in the concentration of airborne acetaldehyde related to the injection machinery model and PET's intrinsic viscosity. The Spearman correlation coefficient revealed a significant relationship between acetaldehyde concentration in workplace air and the mean cylinder temperature as well as the maximum cylinder temperature; however, no significant statistical relationship was found between the nozzle temperature, mold temperature, residence time, and drying time with acetaldehyde concentration in workplace air. Qualitative analysis identified 34 pollutants emitted from PET, with a diagnostic certainty exceeding 80%. Conclusion: Acetaldehyde is produced under normal processing conditions in the PET production processes of preforms and bottles. Given acetaldehyde's carcinogenic and irritant properties, the low concentrations observed do not necessarily indicate safety and warrant further attention.

Although pesticides are effective in controlling agricultural pests and significantly enhancing crop productivity, their residues on food products can pose serious health risks. The objective of this study was to investigate the residue levels of four commonly used organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in rice samples available in the Iranian market and to assess their potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the population. A total of 36 rice samples, including both domestic and imported products, were collected in winter 2024. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and OPs pesticide residues were quantified using gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS). The estimated daily intake, hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were calculated employing a Monte Carlo simulation approach to account for variable parameters. Dichlorvos and diazinon were detected in all domestic rice samples. The average residue levels of diazinon, dichlorvos, and chlorpyrifos were 64.4, 37.9, and 10.5 mu g/kg, respectively. Notably, the residue levels of dichlorvos, diazinon, and chlorpyrifos exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in 69.4%, 66.6%, and 19.4% of the samples, respectively. All individual hazard quotients (HQs) and the HI for these pesticides were below the critical threshold of 1, indicating an acceptable level of risk. The calculated CR for dichlorvos was 2.14 & times; 10-5, which falls within the range deemed acceptable. Routine consumption of rice does not pose substantial health risks to consumers and given rice's status as a staple food for Iranians, this study underscores the importance of implementing stringent monitoring of pesticide use and residue levels to ensure food safety.

Acute leukemia is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in children. In addition to genetic factors, exposure to chemicals also increases its risk. Considering the increasing incidence of pediatric acute leukemia and limited experience on the underlying role of environmental pollutants, this study aims to assess the relationship between exposure to benzene and organochlorine compounds and pediatric acute leukemia. Participants of this cross-sectional study were children aged under 15 years diagnosed as new cases of acute leukemia and healthy children. Urine samples were collected for measurement of benzene and organochlorine pesticides metabolites by using liquid-liquid microextraction techniques. This study comprised 496 participants including 195 (39.31

Phytoremediation is a plant-based approach for effective biodegradation of environmental pollutants but its efficacy for MPs mainly remains unknown. In this context, in the present study, the biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was investigated for one year. Treatment with different types and concentrations of MPs showed no significant effects on alfalfa germination rate and growth. Bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of alfalfa with MPs treatment increased significantly compared to untreated controls. Types of MPs showed no effects on bacterial counts. Dehydrogenase (DHO) enzyme activity in the rhizosphere of plants with MPs treatment was significantly higher than plants without MPs treatment but the concentration and types of MPs showed no significant effects on rhizosphere DHO activity. The mean degradation rate for PET-MPs and PP-MPs was 0.29% and 0.44%, respectively. The increase of MPs concentration in the soil from 2 to 10 g/kg elevated the mean degradation rate from 0.26% to 0.48%. Rhizodegradation of MPs is a consequence of complex interactions between MPs, root exudates and microbial activities in the rhizosphere. Therefore, phytoremediation using alfalfa could be considered as a potential method for in situ removal of MPs from the soil.

Microplastics (MPs), as emerging organic pollutants, pose significant threats to ecosystems. This study investigated the presence and ecological risks of MPs in the sediments of the Gavkhoni Wetland, a recently desiccated yet ecologically important terminal basin of the Zayandeh-Rud River in central Iran. Fifty sediment samples were collected across three hydrologically distinct zones. An optimized extraction protocol using 0.05 M Fe(II) and H2O2 digestion followed by ZnCl2-based density separation was applied. MPs were quantified via stereomicroscopy and characterized using Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Three indices, Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Pollution Risk Index (PRI), were employed to assess ecological risk. MP concentrations averaged 43,562.5 ± 9293.2, 21,187.5 ± 5806.9, and 9522.2 ± 3163.9 items/kg in Zones 1–3, respectively, with an overall mean of 24,148 ± 15,644.6 items/kg. Fragments were predominant, and 100–500 µm particles were most common. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the dominant polymers. PHI, PLI, and PRI values categorized the site under 'Considerable,' 'Polluted,' and 'Dangerous' ecological risk levels, respectively. These results highlight severe MP contamination in a vulnerable dryland ecosystem and underscore the urgent need for targeted environmental management to address this emerging threat in arid and semi-arid wetlands.

The increasing production of waste has become one of the major environmental challenges of our time, particularly in waste management. While the composting process can transform municipal waste into a valuable product, the presence of plastics and microplastics (MPs) (< 5 mm) in the waste and their integration into the final compost and leachate pose significant environmental concerns. This is the first study to analyze the abundance of MP in the compost leachate from one of the Isfahan compost plant (S1), located in one of Iran’s major cities with high population density, during the summer season. MPs were counted using a stereomicroscope, and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to identify polymer types. The results revealed an average abundance of MPs in the S1 leachate during the summer of 992.66 ± 100.85 items/L. Over 62

Introduction: Triclosan is a lipophilic antimicrobial agent primarily found in personal care products, including shampoos, toothpastes, and cosmetics. Both compounds are largely excreted in urine, making it the most accessible and reliable biological matrix for human exposure monitoring. This study aims to evaluate a novel extraction procedure dependent on the Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) technique to detect and quantify triclosan and methyl triclosan in urine samples from children and adolescents in Kerman. Materials and Methods: Triclosan and methyl triclosan levels in urine samples from 79 children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) in Kerman, Iran were measured by DLLME using the chromatography-mass -mass spectrometer (GC-MS) device. Results: The method yielded relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.6% and 3.9% for triclosan and methyl triclosan, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) were 1.9 µg/L for triclosan and 1.8 µg/L for methyl triclosan, while the limits of quantification (LOQ) were 6.3 µg/L and 6.0 µg/L, respectively. The average urinary concentrations were 4.62 ± 2.08 µg/L for triclosan and 1.91 ± 0.88 µg/L for methyl triclosan. Conclusion: Triclosan and methyl triclosan were detected in all samples studied, indicating that all subjects were exposed to these compounds. These findings underscore the urgent need to reduce exposure pathways through enhanced public awareness and stringent regulatory oversight.

The release of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) into the environment is primarily linked to petroleum industry activities, including drilling, exploration, storage, and related processes. The spillage of PHCs into the environment poses significant threats to ecosystems and can lead to serious risks to human health, the environment, and plants. This research aims to investigate the phytotoxic effect of petroleum sludge on the germination and growth characteristics of Salicornia sinus-persica. This study was conducted in a greenhouse using pots to examine the effects of varying concentrations of PHCs on plant growth. Petroleum sludge at concentrations of 0, 0.2, 1, 2, 4, and 8% (w/w) was used to prepare PHC-contaminated soils. In some pots, biochar, and vermicompost were added to them in order to evaluate the effect of soil amendments on plants. The study evaluated several parameters, including seed germination, fresh and dry biomass weight, number of lateral stems, stem and root lengths, and chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The results of this study showed that petroleum contamination had negative effects on the growth parameters of Salicornia sinus persica and photosynthetic pigments. However, the addition of biochar and vermicompost as soil amendments improved plant growth under contaminated conditions. Salicornia dried after 1 month in oil-contaminated soils with a concentration of 8% in all soil treatments, which indicated its high toxicity to the plant.

This study investigated the concentration levels of alkylphenols (APs), including 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), in 120 commercial milk samples analysed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effects of key parameters including microbial control processes (pasteurization and sterilization), packaging type (plastic pouches, PET bottles, and aseptic cartons), fat content (reduced-fat and whole-fat) and storage duration on APs levels in milk were evaluated. The non-carcinogenic health risks from exposure to alkylphenols (APs) via packaged milk consumption were determined, along with their estrogenic equivalent concentrations (EEQ). Both 4-NP and 4-t-OP were detected in all samples. Results demonstrated that storage duration significantly affected APs concentrations, with longer storage correlating with higher levels. Fat content also played a significant role, as whole-fat milk exhibited higher APs levels due to the lipophilicity of these compounds. The level of APs varied by packaging type. Plastic pouches exhibited a statistically significant higher mean concentration compared to both PET bottles and aseptic cartons, while no statistically significant difference was found between PET bottles and aseptic packages. Kinetic analysis indicated that APs migration followed first-order kinetics. Our results showed no health risk and estrogenic potential from APs in packaged milks. However, since there are multiple pathways through which APs can enter the human body via packaged food, further research is warranted to comprehensively evaluate all potential routes of exposure and associated health risks.

The global rise in bottled water consumption raises concerns about potential health risks associated with chemical migration from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. Alkylphenols, such as 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), are used as stabilizers in PET and are known endocrine disruptors. Their migration into bottled water may pose health risks. This study aimed to detect and quantify alkylphenols in colored and colorless PET bottled water, investigate their migration kinetics during shelf-life storage, and assess potential non-carcinogenic and estrogenic risks. A total of 30 bottled water samples, equally divided between colored and colorless PET bottles, were analyzed. Detection and quantification of 4-NP and 4-t-OP were performed using gas chromatography (GC) with a mass spectrometry (MS) detector. Results showed the presence of 4-NP and 4-t-OP in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 182 to 933 ng/L and 1.5-19 ng/L, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed that alkylphenol migration followed a first-order model, with significantly higher concentrations and migration rates observed in colored PET bottles. Despite no significant non-carcinogenic or estrogenic risks from bottled water consumption, these findings emphasize the need for concern regarding colored PET bottles as a potentially higher source of exposure to alkylphenols. Given the widespread use of similar plastics in food and beverage packaging, cumulative exposure remains a critical issue. Continued monitoring and regulatory efforts are essential to minimize human exposure to these contaminants.

Background: The environmental and health hazards posed by microplastics (particles < 5 mm) have raised significant concerns in contemporary society. This study investigates the quantity, types, and forms of microplastics present in ready-to-use compost from urban and agricultural green spaces in Isfahan City, Iran, in 2023. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the frequency, types, and morphological characteristics of microplastics in ready-to-use compost sourced from urban and agricultural green spaces in Isfahan City. We employed various methods, including sieving, Fenton digestion, flotation based on density with saturated salt, and filtration, to separate microplastic particles. A stereo microscope was utilized to count and characterize their shapes, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the types of polymers present. Findings: The study revealed an average of 36145.8 ± 7395.1 microplastic particles per kilogram of compost. Microplastics measuring between 1000 and 5000 µm constituted the highest frequency, accounting for 78% of the total. Five types of polymers were identified in the ready-to-use compost: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with PET being the most prevalent at 28.7%. Microplastics were observed in various forms, including fibers, foam, fragments, and films, with fibers being the most common form, comprising 60% of the total. Conclusion: The concentration of microplastics in ready-to-use compost from urban and agricultural green spaces in Isfahan City is comparable to levels found in other studies conducted within the country; however, it is notably higher than those observed in countries where organic materials are properly segregated. Due to the lack of standardized limits for microplastics in compost, making international comparisons is challenging. The choice of methodologies for sampling, separation, identification protocols, measurement, and the establishment of permissible limits significantly influences study outcomes. Hence, it is crucial to establish standardized methods to ensure consistency and accuracy in assessing microplastics in compost.

The increasing abundance of microplastics (MPs) in water and soil has raised significant environmental concerns. This study evaluated the abundance and ecological risks of MPs in compost produced from three composting facilities (S1-S3) in Isfahan province, central Iran. Monthly samples were collected over a year, and MPs were extracted using an adapted protocol involving organic matter digestion with 0.05 M Fe (II) solution and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by density separation using saturated zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Despite rigorous methods, limitations remain due to the lack of a global standard and inherent errors in existing MP extraction protocols. The extracted MPs were analyzed under a stereomicroscope, and polymer types were identified via Micro-Raman spectroscopy. Ecological risks were assessed using established indices, including the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). The results revealed that the average MPs abundance in S1, S2, and S3 were 44,267 ± 7,240, 38,500 ± 6,130, and 34,267 ± 5297 items/kg dry compost, respectively. MPs larger than 1000 μm accounted for 41 %-49 % of the total, with fragments being the most prevalent shape (49 %-51 %). Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polyolefin were the dominant polymers in all facilities. The ecological risk indices indicated high levels of risk in all three composting sites, with potential implications for agricultural soils, soil fertility. MPs in compost may enter the food chain, raising concerns for ecosystem health. These findings underscore the significant MP contamination in compost and highlight the need for improved solid waste management strategies to reduce plastic pollution.

Phenolic compounds such as 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) are widely discharged from various industries that pose significant threats to human health and environment due to their toxicity and resistance to conventional treatment methods. In this study, hydrothermally synthesized MnOOH was used to activate periodate (PI), forming PI/MnOOH for degradation of 4-CP. The effect of microplastic (MP) coexistence on the performance of PI/MnOOH was evaluated. The degradation of 4-CP by PI/MnOOH was 92.53 ± 0.93 %, much higher than PI oxidation itself (23.85 ± 1.19 %) and that of MnOOH alone (11.82 ± 0.59 %), confirming the effective activation of IO4- ions by the synthesized MnOOH to generate free radicals. The PI/MnOOH process achieved degradation efficiency of 98.75 % at solution pH of 3 with a kinetic rate constant (kobs) of 0.062 ± 0.003 min-1. The quenching experiments suggested that reactive species, including IO3• (93.94 %), 1O2 (88.03 %), O2•- (61.97 %), and •OH (27.42 %) were detected. The degradation efficiency of 4-CP without MP was 97.54 ± 0.98 %, which decreased to 94.57 ± 4.73 %, 88.67 ± 4.43 %, and 68.95 ± 0.69 % in the presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), respectively due to electrostatic interactions between the positively charged MnOOH and the negatively charged MPs as well as pore-blocking effects. This work provides new insights into MP interference in PI/MnOOH based advanced oxidation processes and highlights their environmental implications.

In the present study, two most commonly used Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), namely perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), were determined in 45 tap water samples from the city of Isfahan (Iran) by dispersive liquid-liquid extraction (DLLME) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC-MS) analysis. Risk assessment was also performed to determine the risk to human health. The mean concentration of PFOA was 38.1 ± 26.4ng/L (min = 5.1 and max = 1056ng/L). The mean concentration of PFOS was 33.7 ± 25.09ng/L (min = 4.3 and max = 99.2ng/L). The combined concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were above the US-EPA advisory levels (70ng/L) in 48.8

Nanoplastics (NPs) are consider as emerging persistent environmental pollutants. Widespread distribution of these nanoparticles is a global problem. However, their toxic effects in mammalian tissues and cells remain mainly unknown. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity of PET nanoplastics (PET-NPs) in the human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell line. Toxic effects after 72h of exposure to different concentrations of PET-NPs (10–500 µg/mL) were evaluated by morphological alterations, cell internalization, cell viability (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays, induction of oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity, TAC), and genotoxicity (comet assay). Cell viability reduced at all treatment concentrations in a dose–response manner, and 616.7 µg/mL was determined as IC50. No cell membrane damages detected by LDH assay. TAC reduced significantly after 12 h exposure to > 400 μg/mL PET-NPs. Dose-dependent DNA damages were observed after 72 h. These findings indicated that PET-NPs have significant cytotoxic effects, particularly on genotoxicity and induction of oxidative stress. The results obtained here showed a significant impact of PET-NPs at the tested concentrations suggest a potential impact on humans. Other studies are currently underway to confirm these toxic effects.

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study is a chemical health risk assessment of exposure to metal fumes among employed workers in a metal manufactory with an electric arc furnace based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) method. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in a metal manufactory with an electric arc furnace in 2023. In this study, the method provided by the US-EPA organization was used to assess the health risk. First, workers exposure to Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), and Iron (Fe) metal fumes was measured. Then, the chemical risk assessment of exposure to metal fumes was performed. Finally, data analysis was conducted using the SPSS version 25 software. Results: The average concentration of Ni, Cr, Mn, and Fe metal fumes and the total fumes produced in the blast furnace process were evaluated as 0.183, 0.067, 0.308, and 10.55 mg/m 3 , respectively. The results of the chemical risk assessment using the US-EPA method showed that the noncarcinogenic risk was unacceptable for most of the workers who were exposed to metal fumes. The carcinogenic risk level of Ni was acceptable for all workers, but in some workers, the carcinogenic risk level of Cr was unacceptable. Conclusions: The employed workers in the metal manufactory with an electric arc furnace are exposed to various heavy metal fumes, so it is necessary to prioritize the intervention programs of technical and engineering controls. Therefore, it is possible to recommend the use of ventilation systems in the workplace and the necessity of performing other control measures.