Population exposure to environmental contaminants can be precisely observed through human biomonitoring studies. The present study aimed to systematically review all the biomonitoring studies conducted in Iran on some selected carcinogen environmental pollutants. In this systematic review study, 11 carcinogen agents were selected including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lindane, benzene, trichloroethylene (TCE), pentachlorophenol (PCP), radon-222, radium-224, − 226, − 228, and tobacco smoke. The Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English. After several screening steps, data were extracted from the studies. Meta-analyses (a random-effect model using the DerSimonian-Laired method) were performed only for the biomarkers with more than three eligible articles, including cadmium in blood and breast milk, and arsenic in breast milk. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale adapted for cross-sectional studies. Of the 610 articles found in the database search, 30 studies were eligible for qualitative review, and 13 were included in the meta-analysis (cadmium in blood (n = 3), cadmium in breast milk (n = 6), and arsenic in breast milk (n = 4)). The overall pooled average concentrations (95% CI) of cadmium in blood, cadmium in breast milk, and arsenic in breast milk were 0.11 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.14), 5.38 (95% CI: 3.60, 6.96), and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.81) µg/L, respectively. These values were compared with the biomarker concentrations in other countries and health-based guideline values. This study showed that there is a need for comprehensive action plans to reduce the exposure of general population to these environmental contaminants.

Abstract Dam construction is one of the most popular solutions for managing water resources. In recent years, changes in patterns of regional seismicity associated with large impoundment dams have raised concerns among environmentalists. In this study, five large dams located in Iran were studied from this perspective. The Gutenberg-Richter, linear regression and T-test were used to examine the seismic changes in the radius of 100 km of each of the dams during a twenty-five-year period before and after the construction of the dams. The results revealed that the seismicity level and relative density of large and small earthquakes in three of these dams have increased after dam construction. A significant difference between the magnitude of earthquakes, as well as the number of earthquakes before and after the construction of dams in the region, was recognized. However, the results of the T-test statistical analysis indicated that the mean depth of the earthquakes and their distance from the dams before and after construction have not changed significantly. Overall, these results indicated that the construction of large impoundment dams has been associated with some changes in patterns of regional seismicity. The findings would guide researchers to further investigate the type of impacts that dam construction may have on seismicity patterns.

This study aims to develop a UV/Iodide process, as a novel procedure of Advanced Reduction Processes (ARPs), and utilized it for photo-degradation, detoxification and mineralization of dexamethasone phosphate (DexP) in aqueous Solution. UV irradiation utilization leads to DexP photo-degradation of 27%, 49% and 60% after the photo-degradation within 2.5, 7.5 and 15min reaction time, respectively. Also, with UV/Iodide process photo-degradation of DexP increased to 42, 71, and 82% in 2.5, 7.5 and 15min reaction time, respectively. Therefore, the 2:0.9 molar ratio was chosen as the optimal and practical DexP / Iodide molar ratio to operate the main UV/Iodide processes. Since the concentration of DexP increased from 10 to 75mgL−1, the kobs and robs values of the process, respectively alter from 0.1987 to 0.0486min−1 and from 1.987 to 5.94mgL−1min−1. Also, kobs and robs values were decreasing in 100mgL−1 to 0.0323min−1 and 3.23mgL−1min−1, respectively. Also, changes in the DexP concentration from 10 to 100mgL−1, EEo increases from 1.45 to 8.95 (kinetic model) and 0.71–1.18 to 2.02–4.13 (figure of merit model) kW h m−3. The UV/Iodide effluent was sampled at the photoreaction times of 5 to 15min and analyzed by LC-MS, to find the intermediates and possible pathways of DexP photo-degradation in the UV/Iodide process. Information from LC-MS indicated in first step DexP converts to compounds with a breaking ring through the attack of the reducer agents and, then, it degrades into linear compounds. Then, these breaking ring compounds are converted into simpler compounds such as acetic acid and formaldehyde. Ultimately, the linear intermediate are mineralized into CO2, and H2O. UV/Iodide process decreases the COD and TOC level about 70% and 74% within the photoreaction time 40min, respectively.

Hexavalent chromium is a highly toxic metal that can enter drinking water sources. Chitosan, which contains amino and hydroxyl functional groups, is considered an appropriate candidate to remove heavy metals through absorption. In this study, a novel adsorbent, magnetic nanoparticles of chitosan modified with polyhexamethylene biguanide (Ch-PHMB NPs) was synthesized and was used to successfully remove chromium from aqueous solution. Quadratic models with independent variables including pH, adsorbent dosage, time, and the initial concentration of chromium were proposed through RSM to describe the behavior of both magnetic chitosan (M-Ch) and Ch-PHMB NPs in Cr(VI) removal. Optimized models with adjusted R2 values of 0.8326 and 0.74 for M-Ch and Ch-PHMB NPs were developed. Cr(VI) removal from aqueous solution by both absorbents followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The experimental data were best fitted to the Temkin and Freundlich models for M-Ch and Ch-PHMB NPs, respectively. M-Ch and Ch-PHMB NPs can effectively remove the hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution with pH above 7. Ch-PHMB NPs have higher removal efficiency than M-Ch, removing up to 70% of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. However, toxicity evaluation on Daphnia magna revealed that Ch-PHMB NPs was more toxic than M-Ch nanoparticles.

Background & Aims of the Study: The quality of the edible oils is made with chemical compositions and percentage of the degree of unsaturation fatty acids. The peroxide value (PV) always measures the extent of primary oxidation (rancidification) of oils. Oils Rancidity can produce potentially toxic compounds associated with health effects such as heart and neurological disorders. In order to investigate initial oxidative rancidity of the oils, PV will be measured. The aim of this paper is determination of PV and the acid number taking place in oils during frying process and its relationship with demographic characteristics and environmental conditions. Materials &Methods: In this study, the statistical populations are sandwich and fast food shops of Qom city, Iran. Samples were conducted, using cluster sampling. For data collection, a questionnaire and chemical tests were used. Samples were transferred in the laboratory under cool conditions for PV and acid number (AN) examination. A hundred fifty different sample of oil were collected. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS. The ANOVA, T-test and Pearson coefficient were used for data analysis. Results: From the points of view of PV, 80% of oils were consumable and 20% were not. The lowest and the highest number of PV were 0.6 to 16.5, respectively. The minimum and the maximum number of AN were 0.028 to 0.2, respectively. With the assumption of equal variances (p>0.05), a significant relationship between the increase after the age of the chefs and the lack of obtaining a health card was shown. The small correlation between the temperature of the oils and PV, r(150)=-0.21, p=0.009 is shown. There wasn’t seen any relation between the type of oils with PV and AN. Discussion: Antioxidants, oil saturation and the reduction of temperature can reduce the production of peroxide; thus, PV was reduced. Due to the results, temperature increasing lead to increases the peroxide content. In this case, 3.3% of the edible oil samples were in rancidity conditions. Conclusion: This study has indicated that PV in almost sample was lower than the standard amount. However, removing the oil absorbed into the food leads to reducing the peroxide content and other hazardous compounds by fast-food consumers. This survey indicated that some cookers are not completely aware of government regulation and control procedures for PV and AN of frying oils.

Background: Oilyacidic sludge (OAS) from re-refineries has a high concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), elements, and heavy metals. Objectives: This research investigated the monitoring of elements during in-vessel composting of OAS with urban immature compost. Methods: This experimental study was conducted as a batch mode in a plastic container (500 mL). The ratios of OAS to compost were 1:0 (as control),1:5 to 100 (as dry basis) at a C:N:P ratio of 100:5:1, and with 45% - 65% moisture content for 70 days. The elements Zn, Cu, Fe, Mo, B, Mn, Al, Pb, Cr, Sn, Ni, Li, V, As, Cd, Co, and Hg were monitored every week. Results: The highest and lowest total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) removals were observed in mixing ratios of 1:5 (71.6%) and1:100 (48.6%), respectively. The amount of Zn, Cu, Fe, Al, and B in OAS was very high. Element analyses after mixing OAS with immature compost showed that the initial concentrations of the elements had decreased. ANOVA test results showed that the changes in time were not effective on the average concentrations of elements (P = 0.99). Conclusions: According to the obtained results, the mixing ratio of 10:1 can be selected as the preferred choice for removing TPH and reduce elements' concentrations.

Background: It is well known that bioremediation or using microorganism enzymes plays an important role in decomposition and changing of oil pollutants and PAH compounds into nonhazardous or less-hazardous substances. The genetically manipulated bacteria like Pseudomonas sp. can enhancement the natural biodegradation activity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in polluted cities. Pseudomonas putida (P. putida) is a saprotrophic soil bacterium that is found throughout various environments such as soil and freshwater environments. Oil and petroleum industries are important exposure of PAHs in environment that strongly associated with the development of human cancers. Objectives: In the present work, P. putida was genetically manipulated for the biodegradation of oil in spiked soil and its activity was measured using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Methods: The catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (C23O) encoded gene (nahH) was cloned into pUC18 for generating pUC18-nahH. This recombinant vector was transferred into P. putida, successfully, and both wild type and genetically modified P. putida were inoculated in spiked soil with oil for pilot plan preparation. Then, biodegradation activity of this bacterium on the elimination of phenanthrene and pyrene as an oil indicator in spiked soil were evaluated by the HPLC measurement technique. Results: The results showed the biodegradation of these PAH compounds in oil-spiked soil by genetically manipulated P. putida in both groups (containing autoclaved soil and dish containing natural soil) comparing to the inoculated group by wild type of P. putida were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Finally, confirmatory tests (catalase, oxidase, and PCR) were accomplished on isolated bacteria from spiked soil and were indicated that engineered P. putida was alive and functional by producing the C23O enzyme for biodegradation activity of oil. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated a degradable strain of P. putida that was generated in this study by genetic engineering can be useful to assess biodegradation of PAHs compounds in oil and petrochemical pollutions.

Background and Objective: In this study, WQI was estimated using an Iranian software called IWQIS to assess drinking water quality in Ray Township distribution systems. Materials and Methods: The assessment of 73 samples of drinking water during 2013 and the comparison of 18 physicochemical parameters with the standard Code of 1053 (Iran National Standard) was done. Results: The results showed that the concentration of 7 parameters is out of normal range in special percentage of the samples. Those parameters are as follow: total hardness (31.5%), Mg (46.6%), nitrate (50.68%), Na (45.2%), F (42.46%), Cl (2.7%), Sulfate (28.76%) of samples. The medium concentration of theses parameters was: total hardness (375 mg/L), Mg (32 mg/L), Nitrate (47.43 mg/L), Na (187 mg/L), F (0.5 mg/L), Cl (169 mg/L), and Sulfate (263 mg/L). It is estimated that 5.6% of the population of this township are highly exposed to nitrate, 79.1% to fluoride and 13.5% are exposed to sodium. The average WQI in Rey Township in a good spectrum is 71.22. Conclusion: 17 samples (23.2%) were assessed in excellent spectrum, 54 samples (74%) in good and 1 sample (1.4%) in very poor spectrum and 1 sample in unsuitable condition were assessed. No sample was assessed in poor situation. The samples of the autumn showed the worst quality.

Arsenic, known as a pollutant, mostly found in ground water resources, has become a major problem in the most of underdeveloped and developing countries around the world. More than 140 million of people around the world, especially those who reside in South America and south-east of Asia, are gravely at risk of being exposed to arsenic pollution. In this study, the performance of montmorillonite (MMT) and modified montmorillonite by polyethyleneimine (MMT@PEI) in removing arsenic from water resources was evaluated and compared with each other. Response surface methodology used as experimental procedures and interaction of four variables, namely, detention time, pH, initial arsenic concentration, and the adsorbent concentration on the arsenic ion removal were conducted. It is noteworthy that all chemical experiments conducted in this study are in accordance with "Standard Methods for Water and Wastewater Experiments." Also, XRD analysis was performed to determine the characteristics of the adsorbent. Based on the results, maximum percentage of fluoride removal efficiencies by applying montmorillonite (R2 = 0.95) and modified montmorillonite (R2 = 0.97) were 45 and 96%, respectively.

Background and Objective: The performance of in-vessel composting process, as one of the most effective methods of oily sludge treatment, depends on factors such as nutrients and temperature. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the trend of changes of these factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the trend of changes of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and temperature during the composting of bottom sludge of crude oil storage tanks. Materials and Methods: The sludge was mixed with the immature compost at the various ratios of sludge to compost including 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, and 1:10 with the initial C/N/P of 100/5/1 and then was composted for a period of 10 weeks. The process of mixing and moisture adjustment of the mixtures was done 3 times a day during the composting period. Sampling and analysis were performed every week for organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and every day for temperature. Results: The research indicated that the concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus were decreased sharply during the first weeks of the process and then they were decreased gently. At the final stage of the composting, the ratios of C/N and C/P increased from 20:1 and 100:1 to 26:1 and 166:1, respectively. In addition, the temperature of the reactors was kept in the mesophilic range during the process period. Conclusion: The similar trend of decrease of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the composting reactors is an indication of decreasing the activity of the microorganisms involved in petroleum hydrocarbons degradation.

AbstractIn this study, C14/SiO2–Fe3O4 and AC–Fe3O4 nanocomposite synthesized by co-precipitation method were used as adsorbents for the removal of U(VI) from aqueous solutions. The main compositions of AC–Fe3O4 and C14/SiO2–Fe3O4 were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The removal efficiency of U(VI) was studied as a function of pH, contact time, ionic strength, temperature, adsorbent dose, initial U(VI) concentration, and initial benzamide concentration. Maximum adsorption of U(VI) was obtained at pH 6. The removal of U(VI) reached an equilibrium within 30 min by C14/SiO2–Fe3O4 and 90 min by AC–Fe3O4, respectively. Removal efficiency of U(VI) by both adsorbents was decreased with increasing ionic strength and initial U(VI) concentration, but was increased with increasing temperature and adsorbent dosage. Kinetic study revealed that the pseudo-second order model well described the adsorption of U(VI) onto two adsorbents. When adso...

Background: Treatment of textile industry wastewaters, due to having color and many pollutants, is one of the most important environmental issues. Acid Blue 113 dyes because of having benzene ring, which is not biodegradable, is toxic and carcinogen. The main objective of this study was determination of electrochemical process efficacy for removal acid blue 113 from aqueous solutions by using aluminum electrodes in batch reactor. Methods: This study performed in lab-scale in batch reactor. The effect of different parameters such as voltages (10, 20, and 40 volt), electrode distance (0.5 and 1 cm), and electrolysis times (5 to 80 min) was investigated. Results: The results of experiments demonstrated that with applying voltage 40V, 0.5 cm distance between electrodes, electrolyte concentration equal to 5 g/l, and 20 minutes electrolysis time, the color and COD removal rate was 99 and 78%, respectively. By increasing voltage and reaction time and reducing distance between the electrodes, power consumption is reduced and also final pH and dye removal efficiency increased. Conclusion: According to the results, the best removal efficiency of dye was obtained after 20 minutes contact time on the electric potential of 40 V, which was 99%. This process is environmental friendly and can be economically acceptable. Therefore, it can be results that electrocoagulation process by using aluminum electrode is an efficient and suitable method for acid blue 113 dye removal from aqueous solutions.

Background & Objectives: Cryptosporidium parvum is considered as one of the pathogenic agents transmitted by water, high resistance to conventional disinfection methods, and potency of creating various problems in water resource. Because of various problems in Cryptosporidium parvum studies, Bacillus subtilis spore is recommended as a surrogate organism for studying protozoa inactivation and evaluation of water quality. On the other hand, electrochemical process is presented as an environmental friendly and high efficient method in disinfection in recent years. The aim of this study was to propose a method for promotion of the water quality. Materials & Methods: In this study, the electrochemical system used was consisted of steel electrodes (4×8 cm), 200 mL volume, and 1-4 mg/L sodium chloride. The bacterial suspensions of Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) was prepared according to the McFarland method with 103 to 106 spores/mL concentration. The microbial agent removal was evaluated by sampling and transferring water to the tripticase soy agar medium every 15 min for 60 min. The number of bacteria spores, supporting electrolyte, induced current, and reaction time were evaluated. Results: The proposed electrolysis process could not eliminate Bacillus subtilis spores at 104 to 106 spores mL-1 rate at lower than 100 mA current for 60 min. Adding sodium chloride supporting electrolyte up to 4 mg/L concentration completely eliminated Bacillus subtilis spores after 60 min. Conclusion: Adding sodium chloride as a supporting electrolyte can increase the spore removal because of increasing direct and indirect oxidation in electrolysis process. Improving water disinfection and spore removal after 60 min could be described by higher oxidant agents in anode electrode.

Background: Fluoride is a pollutant that entered to the environment through Glass, Fertilizer and Semiconductor Material industries and cause problems such as Alzheimer's and brain injuries. Adsorption with using inexpensive materials like zeolite is the best options to remove this pollutant. The main problem of absorption method is its low speed. So the aim of present study is investigated the effect of Fe0/Ag nanoparticles as catalyst in performance of zeolite for removal of fluoride. Methods: In this study were used reduction method for converting Fe2+ to Fe0 and co-precipitation method for coating of Fe0 on Zeolite. For depositing silver on nano zero valent iron the rapid mixing along with the high temperature were used. Absorbent characteristics were analyzed with using SEM, TEM and XRD techniques. Then effect of pH, contact time, stirring speed, temperature, amount of adsorbent and Fluoride concentration were evaluated and optimized. Results: pH=3, 60 min contact time, 200 rpm stirring speed and adsorbent concentration equal to 10g/l were obtained as the optimum conditions for Fluoride removal. Investigating the isotherms and kinetics relationships showed that the experimental data correlate to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (R2>0.991) and pseudo-second order kinetics (R2>0.933). The reaction thermodynamic study also expressed that process is endothermic and non-spontaneous Conclusion: According on the obtained results can be stated This Absorbent has appropriate efficiency in fluoride removal, But the catalytic properties of zero valent iron and silver was rejected in relation to removal this contaminants.

Numerous studies have shown associations between air pollution and health effects on human. The aims of the present study were to provide quantitative data on variation of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) concentration and the impact of PM on the health of people living in Tabriz city. The approach proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) was applied using the AirQ 2.2.3 software developed by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bilthoven Division. The concentration of particulate matter were measured at urban and industrial suburban sites in Tabriz, Iran, from September 2012 to June 2013. TSP and PM10 samples were collected using high volume samplers. PM2.5 and PM1 were measured by Haz-Dust EPAM-5000 particulate air monitors. The annual average concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 in the urban site were 142.2 ± 76.3, 85.3 ± 43.9, 39 ± 19.1, and 28.4 ± 14.9 μg/m3 (mean ± SD), respectively. Also in industrial suburban, the total average concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 were measured as 178.7 ± 52.7, 109.9 ± 30.2, 40.0 ± 10.9, and 31.4 ± 9.1 μg/m3, respectively. The PM10/TSP ratio for the whole study period ranged between 0.35-0.91 and 0.32-0.79 in the urban and suburban sites, respectively. Total mortalities associated with TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were 327, 363, and 360, respectively. Furthermore, the cardiovascular mortalities for TSP and PM10 were 202 and 227 individual, respectively. According to the attributable respiratory mortalities of 99 and 67 associated respectively with TSP and PM10, it is clear that cardiovascular mortality resulted from PM might attributed to total mortality. The maximum 24-hour concentration of PM was observed during winter followed by autumn and the lowest one was during spring.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) was measured concurrently from September, 2012, to June, 2013, at two sites, urban and industrial suburban, in Tabriz, Iran. The annual average concentration of total suspended particulates (TSP), PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 at the urban site were 142.2 ± 76.3, 85.3 ± 43.9, 39 ± 19.1, and 28.4 ± 14.9 µg/m3 (mean ± SD), respectively. A total of 11 inorganic water-soluble ions in the TSP and PM10 were identified by ion chromatography. In the urban site, concentrations of total water-soluble ions in TSP and PM10 were 20.3 ± 20.8 and 16.0 ± 14.1 µg/m3, respectively. In this sampling site, secondary inorganic aerosols (i.e., Σ \( {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - } \), \( {\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } \), and \( {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } \) concentrations) were the main measured water-soluble ions, which collectively accounted for 13.9 % of TSP mass and 17.7 % of PM10 mass. Correlations between \( {\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + } \) with \( {\text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } \) and \( {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2 - } \) indicated that the main source of these ions in PM was the combustion processes. Results of elemental analysis in the industrial suburban site showed that natural sources were the dominant source of PM in this area.

Background & Aims of the Study: Nitrate is one of the most important pollutants that its reduced form, nitrite, can cause serious problems for human health and environment. Adsorption with cheap sorbents such as Zeolite is the best way for removal of this pollutant. So this study aimed to apply modified Clinoptilolite Zeolite for nitrate removal. Materials & Methods: Firstly, Clinoptilolite zeolite was screened by 1-2 mm sieves for monolithic of it. Then zeolite was boiled in HCL 20% for 3 hours for removal of Carbonate and impurities present in zeolite structure and increase of porosity and purity of zeolite. Finally, the zeolite was dried in temperature of 300 °C to evaporate the water present in zeolite structure and increase the absorbability. After the modification of the Zeolite, the effects of pH, time, strings speed, optimum amount of adsorbent in Nitrate removal were investigated and optimized by one factor at the time method. Also reaction kinetics and isotherms were determined. Results: This study indicated that the optimum condition for Nitrate removal by means of modified zeolite as adsorbent is pH=5, contact time of 180 minutes and adsorbent amount of 16 g/l. The investigation of isotherm and kinetic equations indicated that Nitrate adsorption follows Langmuir and pseudo first order, respectively. Conclusions: The zeolite modified by HCL and heat has a higher efficiency in Nitrate removal compared to simple zeolite, because of losing its hydroscopic water and having larger sites, although in total it doesn’t have sufficient efficiency for Nitrate removal.

Background: consumption of mineral waters in the world has increased in recent years, and also concerns of consumers about its contamination are growing. Thereby, implementation of such a protective system as HACCP can prevent contamination of waters by different agents. This research aimed to develop an HACCP-Plan standard for mineral waters manufacturing factories in Iran. Methods: In current study, like production lines, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers packaging, warehouses and laboratories sections of factories were observed from view of production and quality control. To monitor, control and restrict the hazards, seven principles of HACCP were considered. In continue applicable solutions were presented inclusive and practically for all factories. Required information were verified and presented through investigation of national and international standards. Results: The results shown that lack of sanitizing mineral water supplies and factories environment, incomplete water treatment, non-standard production of PET bottles, improper storage of raw materials and final product, and lack of inspection of equipment led to the increasing health hazards of the product and endanger the consumers health. Conclusion: In order to produce safe mineral water, it is necessary to sanitize the water supplies and factory environment. In addition, the process of water treatment and the production of PET bottles must be according to national and international standards. As the implementation of the HACCP system in various mineral water producing factories is not same, application of developed system in this research will be effective to standardize the implementation of this system in plants.

Heavy metals are considered as one of the major contaminants that can enter into the bottled waters. Antimony (Sb) is a contaminant, which may leach from the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into the water. The aim of this study was to investigate the content of antimony and other trace elements in bottled waters which was kept in varied storage conditions and temperatures.

The post treatment of simulated tannery wastewater was evaluated in an electrochemical oxidation process under galvanostatic conditions. A continuous flow reactor divided by a cellulosic membrane consisted of Ti/SnO2-Sb anodes and iron cathodes was used. Central composite design and response surface methodology (RSM) were applied to investigate the effects of six operational parameters, namely initial concentration of total phenols (TPh), total chromium (TCr), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), flow rate (Q), current intensity (I), and electrode surface area (A). Effectiveness of the innovative cellulosic membrane was proven by considerable pH variations in the anolyte and catholyte chambers. A faster removal rate was observed for TPh and TAN, followed by TCr. The treatment level was very sensitive to Q and I in the studied ranges. RSM showed the removal efficiencies of 78.14%, 63.42%, and 86.09% for TPh, TCr, and TAN, respectively, are achieved under optimal conditions with consumption of only 9.03 kWh m(-3) electrical energy. Chlorinated compounds such as chloroform, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and chlorobenzene were detected as the degradation intermediates. According to the obtained results, electrolysis in the divided cell with cellulosic membrane is a practical, cost-effective method for advanced treatment of tannery effluents.