Mahnaz Eskandari; Mehdi Homaee; Shahla Mahmodi; Ebrahim Pazira
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill site selection is an important task in waste management, because the optimal siting must consider numbers of evaluation criteria. The objective of this study was to propose a new quantitative method for reducing the number of evaluation criteria inputs for landfill ...
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Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill site selection is an important task in waste management, because the optimal siting must consider numbers of evaluation criteria. The objective of this study was to propose a new quantitative method for reducing the number of evaluation criteria inputs for landfill siting, simplifying the siting process and reducing the time needed as well as enhancing the multi-applicability of available soil maps. Consequently, after presenting the proposed method, it was applied to select a suitable landfill site for Marvdasht city and was compared to the common environmental siting method afterwards. At the first step, the necessary criteria for landfill siting including four constraint and eight factor criteria was specifically obtained from land classification map of the study area. In the next step, the criteria were standardized by rating approach and were then weighted. Thereafter, by using simple additive weighting method, the suitability map for landfill siting was obtained in a 0-1 domain and divided into five suitability classes. Comparing the results of the proposed method with the common environmental siting approach indicated that the best suitable lands for landfill siting based on both methods are located almost in the same region. Despite the fact that the numbers of evaluation criteria in the proposed method were less than the traditional methods, the weighting method was much easier and constructing the database for landfill siting was more convincing. Further, the results obtained from land classification map can well consider the productivity of soils.
Mohammad Faraji; Nadia Ahmadi; Roya Noorbakhsh
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for removal of basic dye, namely Basic Yellow 28 (BY 28), from synthetic wastewater sample of textile’s company, using sodium dodecyl sulphate coated magnetite nanoparticles (SDS-Fe3O4 NPs). The effects of various experimental parameters (e.g. initial ...
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Batch adsorption experiments were carried out for removal of basic dye, namely Basic Yellow 28 (BY 28), from synthetic wastewater sample of textile’s company, using sodium dodecyl sulphate coated magnetite nanoparticles (SDS-Fe3O4 NPs). The effects of various experimental parameters (e.g. initial pH, SDS amount, ion strength) were examined and optimal experimental conditions were obtained. The results showed that adsorption process onto the adsorbent is very fast and nearly 30 min of contact time was found to be sufficient for the dye adsorption to reach equilibrium. Equilibrium isotherm data were analyzed according to Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The characteristic parameters for each model have been determined. The Langmuir isotherm gave the best correlation for the adsorption of the BY 28 onto the adsorbent. On the basis of the Langmuir analysis, the maximum adsorption capacities were determined to beand 140.8 mg g-1. Also, regeneration studies showed that Fe3O4 NPs can be regenerated and reused at least for six times.
Saeed Motesaddi Zarandi; Ashraf Mazaheri Tehrani; Mohammad Reza Assoudinejad
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Biofiltration is an efficient, easy and cost effective, environmental friendly process for treating of ammonia from air. The aim of this study is a comparative study of ammonia removal from air by biofilters with porous compost and processed soil. In order to remove ammonia, two columns with 14 cm inner ...
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Biofiltration is an efficient, easy and cost effective, environmental friendly process for treating of ammonia from air. The aim of this study is a comparative study of ammonia removal from air by biofilters with porous compost and processed soil. In order to remove ammonia, two columns with 14 cm inner diameter were used. One of the columns is filled with porous compost and another column is filled with processed soil and scallop (scallop: processed soil, 1:4). The performances of biofilters were studied under 10 different flow rates (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 lit/min) and 5 different NH3 concentrations intervals (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 ppm) in the 25 degree Celsius temperature and optimum moisture (40-80%) interval. The results of this study show that efficiency is decreased when flow rate or concentration is increased. The efficiency of porous compost was changed between 84.6 - 98.2% and the efficiency of processed soil was changed between 91.5 – 100%. Maximum efficiency for both of the beds occurred on 0.19 g/(m3.h) loading rate. Efficiency of processed soil and porous compost was in 0-20 concentrations intervals at 1 lit/min flow rate and beds attained 240 seconds. According to the results, for ammonia removal, the processed soil bed is more efficient than the porous compost bed.
Farid Moore; Saman Khabazi; Behnam Keshavarzi; Mohammad Saraji
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
In order to examine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in surface water and wastewater of Isfahan metropolis, 18 samples were collected sixty kilometers from the center of Isfahan City. The highest level of Total PAH (Σ PAH) occurred in treated wastewater, discharged by wastewater ...
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In order to examine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in surface water and wastewater of Isfahan metropolis, 18 samples were collected sixty kilometers from the center of Isfahan City. The highest level of Total PAH (Σ PAH) occurred in treated wastewater, discharged by wastewater treatment plant of Mobarake steel plant (3.04μg/l). Based on different isomer ratio in most of the samples, pyrolysis was considered to be the possible source of PAH compositions. Profiles of the total carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs in sampling stations showed that in most samples the concentration of carcinogenic compounds was higher than that of non-carcinogenic ones. PAHs composition, according to the number of rings, displayed the following trend: 4 rings >3 rings> 5, 6 rings > 2 rings. The potentially toxic PAH compositions, in water and wastewater samples, were assessed using TEQ. Pierson correlation coefficient of PAHs in water and wastewater samples indicates that compositions, having the same number of rings, displayed good correlation. Cluster Analysis of water and wastewater samples indicated that the samples belong to three main clusters.
Fariba Zamani Hargalani; Abdolreza Karbassi; Seyed Masoud Monavari; Parviz Abroomand Azar
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Anzali, one of the most important international wetlands, is located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran. This wetland receives discharges of domestic, agricultural and industrial wastewater, which affect the distribution of elements. In this study, ten sediment samples from the Anzali wetland ...
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Anzali, one of the most important international wetlands, is located on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran. This wetland receives discharges of domestic, agricultural and industrial wastewater, which affect the distribution of elements. In this study, ten sediment samples from the Anzali wetland were collected and analyzed for total concentration of metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Fe). The results showed relatively higher concentrations of most elements in comparison to that of crust. The chemical partitioning of metals in each sample was determined in four fractions (Loosely bonded, Sulphide bonded, Organo-metallic bonded, Resistant bonded). Based on the chemical partitioning of metals, As and Cd were the most abundant in the loosely bonded, so these elements were major hazard for the aquatic environment and were a major pollutant in this area. Cd is the metal that showed the highest percentages in the Organo-metallic bonded. As, Fe and Cr are displayed in the greatest percentages in the resistant bonded; this imply that these metals are strongly linked to the sediments.
Fatemeh Yazdani nejhad; Hossein Torabi
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of kriging and inverse distance weighting (IDW) estimators for determination of spatial variability and mapping of iron, zinc, copper and manganese heavy metals in 196 points of surface soil(0-30cm) with a distance of 1000 m in 20,000 hectares of Southern ...
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This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of kriging and inverse distance weighting (IDW) estimators for determination of spatial variability and mapping of iron, zinc, copper and manganese heavy metals in 196 points of surface soil(0-30cm) with a distance of 1000 m in 20,000 hectares of Southern area of Tehran. The best models for iron and manganese were exponential and spherical for zinc and copper. For determining the accuracy of estimator, Jack Knife technique, the mean error (ME) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSE) were evaluated. For estimating the inverse distance weighting (IDW) the powers of 1 to 5 were used. The contents of ME and RMSE in kriging were less than the IDW for four elements. The results showed that the total average concentrations of iron, zinc, copper and manganese, respectively were 29.37 g.kg-1, 131.2 mg.kg-1, 46.1 mg.kg-1 and 682.6 mg.kg-1`. Manganese and zinc pollution in soils were widespread. Iron and copper levels were below the critical limit. Comparison of the land use map with continuous map of iron, zinc, copper and manganese showed the land use, distance and proximity to the highways, industrial and residential areas and irrigation with wastewater had significant effect on the contents of heavy metals to different extent.
Leila Rahimi Blouchi; Bahram Malekmohammadi
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
This study has been done to provide a method for vulnerability assessment of wetland ecosystems based on their ecological and hydrological values and threatening factors. At first, wetland values and their threatening factors have been reviewed and rated. Next, the relations between wetland values and ...
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This study has been done to provide a method for vulnerability assessment of wetland ecosystems based on their ecological and hydrological values and threatening factors. At first, wetland values and their threatening factors have been reviewed and rated. Next, the relations between wetland values and their threats have been assessed. By multiplying the scores achieved by all factors studied, the vulnerability of wetland values are calculated, and finally management strategies to deal with the most important threats are presented. Shadegan international wetland, which is located in Khuzestan Province, was chosen as a case study and according to the proposed method was assessed. According to the results of this study, ecological values such as aquatic fauna, aquatic flora, ecologically sensitive areas, wetland biodiversity, and hydrological values such as hydrological stability, storing the overflow water and preventing from flooding are the most important wetland values that are exposed to threats such as variation of hydrological regime due to upstream activities, inflow industrial contaminants to the wetland, indiscriminate exploitation of the vegetation and aquatic resource of the wetland and land use change in wetland habitats to agricultural land. By developing vulnerability assessment for Shadegan Wetland, the most effective strategies in the ecosystem approach for the best management were presented.
Mohammad Agha pour Sabaghi; Simin Masih; Hadi Moaazed
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Because of excessive use of chemical fertilizer at Khuzestan province farms, each year volume equivalent 2 milliard meter cube drainage water import directly to Karun. With attention to high volume of agriculture’s pollution, determination factors affecting on farmers attitude to improve system ...
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Because of excessive use of chemical fertilizer at Khuzestan province farms, each year volume equivalent 2 milliard meter cube drainage water import directly to Karun. With attention to high volume of agriculture’s pollution, determination factors affecting on farmers attitude to improve system planning in order to reduce water pollution have special importance. In recent study, in order to estimate wheat grower's tendency to payment in Province Molasanifor reduction of pollution in Karun river, contingent valuation method inclusive two method, Logit and two-step Heckman are used. The needed data collected with use of questionnaire and verbal interview with120 person and stochastic sampling method. Study result show that in both two Logic and Heckman models variable involve age, proposed price, river pollution reason, family size have negative effects on agricultures willing to pay. Also results show that each family willing to pay amount1880000 and 1640000 Rails in year for water pollution reduction. Reception farmers for assigned partial of own income in order to reduce Karun river pollution suggest of importance and position of this river between region`s farmers. At this meantime, to factors affecting amount of farmer’s payment in order to reinforcement farmers role to reduce river pollution have especial importance.
Reza Bashiri Khuzestani; Bubak Souri
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Emission of dust-fall particles in western Iran has been considered as one of the most important environmental issues in recent years. Additionally, presence of heavy metal in these particles due to their toxicity and health problems has been an issue of interest by researches. Therefore evaluation of ...
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Emission of dust-fall particles in western Iran has been considered as one of the most important environmental issues in recent years. Additionally, presence of heavy metal in these particles due to their toxicity and health problems has been an issue of interest by researches. Therefore evaluation of the contamination level of this kind of pollution and then determination of proper management strategies for controlling their emission is very important. In fact, the main scope of this research was to evaluate the contamination level of heavy metals in dust-fall particulates precipitated in western Iran using Geo-accumulation index (Igeo). In this research these particles were sampled through passive deposit gauge method for a period of one year, from April 2010 to March 2011, in Sanandaj city, western Iran, where has been reportedly the third highly polluted city of the world in 2010 for dust-fall particles. The results demonstrated that mean ± SD of the concentration of heavy metals were 14003.570±915.3 for Fe, 497.731±29.817 for Mn, 61.307±5.414 for Cu and 18.287±1.955 for As in mg/Kg based on dry weights of dustfall particles. Also the analysis of the Geo-accumulation index showed that the maximum amounts of Igeo values were -1.751 for Fe, -0.63 for Mn, 0.848 for Cu and 1.249 for As, which were evaluated as uncontaminated for Fe and Mn and moderate contamination Cu and As.
Alireza Koocheki; GhorbanAli Asadi; Reza Ghorbani; Elham Azizi
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
In order to investigate the role of marigold (Tagetes erecta) interference effects on weed composition and diversity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), an experiment was conducted as split plot based on complete randomized block design with 3 replications at Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University ...
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In order to investigate the role of marigold (Tagetes erecta) interference effects on weed composition and diversity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), an experiment was conducted as split plot based on complete randomized block design with 3 replications at Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during 2010 to2011. Treatments included three tomato varieties (Jina, Flat and strain hitack Tork) and five cropping patterns (tomato monoculture and marigold- tomato intercropping with 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 ratio). Results indicated that in the first sampling, the highest weed density was observed in tomato monoculture (78.96 plants per m2). The lowest weed density was obtained in marigold and tomato intercropping with 1:3 ratio (37.62). In the second sampling, the lowest weed density was in marigold and tomato intercropping with 1:3 ratio. In the first sampling, total dry weight of weed was more than that in the second sampling. In two sampling, the highest total dry weight of weed was observed in the marigold and tomato intercropping with 1:3 ratio. By altering the cropping pattern, Shannon, Margalof and Simpson diversity indices of weed were changed. The lowest weed diversity indices were observed in the marigold and tomato intercropping with 1:1 ratio. Also, significant positive regressions were obtained between insect diversity indices (Shannon, Margalof and Simpson) and weed diversity indices. y Indices, Intercropping, Monoculture, Weeds.
Mehdi Ghanbarzadeh Lak; Nader Shariatmadari; Mohamad Reza Sabour; Reza Ghanatiyan-Najafabadi; Mehdi Heydari
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Selecting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management alternatives, adaptable to local conditions as well as environmental, technical, and economical concerns, would be a time consuming and complicated task without carrying out modern methods of site selection and decision making. The horizontal development ...
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Selecting Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management alternatives, adaptable to local conditions as well as environmental, technical, and economical concerns, would be a time consuming and complicated task without carrying out modern methods of site selection and decision making. The horizontal development of settlement areas which in turn may enforce high costs of waste collection and transportation, beside the lack of unconstructed fields in the vicinity of large cities, enacting rigorous legislation contributing to the minimum distances of waste processing facilities by dwelling areas, and finally, the social objections, are the most noticeable challenges facing solid waste management practices. The main objective of the present research is to develop a computerized model facilitating MSW disposal site selection task, in addition to the determination of best applicable management scenarios capable with environmental, technical, and economical concerns. Tehran city was chosen as a case study to implement the model and to interpret its sensitivity to the factors affecting the overall decision making process. At the first stage of the current research, data layers, such as protected regions, military areas, historical and cultural areas, topography, rivers and lakes, faults, geology and land use information, was provided about the study area. By the means of a GIS based software, and superimposing the above-mentioned layers, acceptable areas were determined in the second stage. Finally, several scenarios including Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), compost production systems, incineration units, Waste-Derived Fuel (RDF) facilities, and landfilling sites were allocated to any acceptable area, according to the quality and quantity of wastes generated in the city of Tehran. These scenarios were evaluated using developed ANP model in this paper. Results showed the superiority of the first scenario (with normal weight of 0.3079), while the normal priority of other scenarios were as 0.2441, 0.2393 and 0.2087 for the second, fourth and third alternative, respectively. As the priority values of the second and forth scenarios were approximately the same, sensitivity analysis based on selective changes in the weight of main clusters were performed. Due to the fact that the fourth scenario, in which the bulk of collected wastes would be landfilled, might impose the greatest environmental risks among other scenarios, by any amplification in the weight of environmental criteria, the preference of this option would decrease. However, increasing the weight of technical criteria, might prefer the forth scenario because of its simplest technology used. Other scenarios have shown to be less sensitive to changes in the weights of the main criteria, so that the first scenario was usually dominant to the second one and the second scenario had always the top priority comparing to the third scenario.
Gholamali Sharzeie; Matin Borghei
Volume 11, Issue 2 , July 2013
Abstract
Fresh water is one of the main resources which have special importance in achieving sustainable development. The water footprint of a country is defined as the volume of water needed for the production of the goods and services consumed by the inhabitants of the country. A nation’s water footprint ...
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Fresh water is one of the main resources which have special importance in achieving sustainable development. The water footprint of a country is defined as the volume of water needed for the production of the goods and services consumed by the inhabitants of the country. A nation’s water footprint has two components; the internal and the external water footprint. As countries go through industrialization, it is valuable to be able to predict the impact of economic growth on consumption habits. In this paper, the relationship between national income and water use were studied. National water footprint per capita was analyzed as a function of per capita income. We utilized cross sectional data to estimate the above relations. Results show that income is an important factor in increasing the water footprint per capita in the industrial sector and the external water footprint.
Seyyed Moeinoddin Zamani; Roghayeh Zolfaghari
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
The Zagros forests are important and valuable forest ecosystems in Iran. In order to study plant species diversity and its relationship with environmental factors in the central Zagros forest ecosystems, 600 hectares of forest of the western Dena protected area were selected near Yasuj City. 50 plots ...
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The Zagros forests are important and valuable forest ecosystems in Iran. In order to study plant species diversity and its relationship with environmental factors in the central Zagros forest ecosystems, 600 hectares of forest of the western Dena protected area were selected near Yasuj City. 50 plots of 450 square meters were then established with dimensions of 15× 30 meters. So, 200 microplots of one square meter, 200 microplots of 10 square meters and 50 microplots of 45 square meters were established within the main plots. All physiographic factors, such as slope, aspect, altitude, and the physical and chemical soil properties of each plot, were collected and measured. All tree and grass species on each plot were recorded. The results showed that factors such as lime, potassium and soil texture had diverse effects on trees and grasses. Thus, by increasing lime and decreasing potassium and larger soil particles, grass biodiversity increased, while tree diversity decreased. Altitude and aspect had an affect on tree richness, and slope affected grass diversity. Lower altitudes and northern aspects showed a higher amount of richness, and the middle slope had the highest value of grass diversity. Also, the effects of soil factors on grass biodiversity were more than physiographic factors. The present study also determined that biodiversity, especially grass biodiversity, despite protection, was low in the available areas and lower slopes, due to human harvests and livestock grazing.
Seyed Mohammad Shobeiri; Hossein Meiboudi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
The main purpose of this research is the study and analysis of the evolution of environmental education from its beginnings to the present time in Iran. The evolution of environmental education in Iran over the past 40 years has not been straightforward. Although Iran does not have a lengthy history ...
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The main purpose of this research is the study and analysis of the evolution of environmental education from its beginnings to the present time in Iran. The evolution of environmental education in Iran over the past 40 years has not been straightforward. Although Iran does not have a lengthy history of environmental education, over the past three decades, steps forward have been taken and remarkable progress has been made. In this research, we use the case study method of historical analysis to describe and analyze the overall situation, as well as the major projects, policies and programs implemented to date in Iran. Data and information were compiled using various sources, including environmental education office performance reports, and documents, records, books and articles published in this field.Environmental education in Iran has experienced 4 major phases, and forward momentum is improving.This research also illustrates recommendations for optimal development of this scientific expertise in the future.
Sadegh salehi; Atefeh Qolamdoust
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
Wetland habitats are natural ecosystems, which play a significant role in the development of surrounding communities. Due to their importance, the Convention on Wetlands Protection was ratified on 2nd February, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Guilan, Iran. Anzali wetlands are registered as freshwater wetlands, ...
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Wetland habitats are natural ecosystems, which play a significant role in the development of surrounding communities. Due to their importance, the Convention on Wetlands Protection was ratified on 2nd February, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Guilan, Iran. Anzali wetlands are registered as freshwater wetlands, and, currently, more than a million people either work or live around the lagoon. To consider the role of local people in the conservation of wetlands, in this paper, we ask, “What is the level of awareness sustained by local people regarding the Anzali Wetlands”? The Model of Collaborative Management for Wetlands has been used to assess the community viewpoint in this regard.In terms of methodology, the current study uses a survey method to study 50 sample cases of local people living in the area of wetlands, as well as wetland stakeholders. Using statistical tests, the results showed that the local community was more aware of the collaborative management of wetlands than public administration employees
Azadeh Kashani; Hemmatollah Pirdashti; Mohammad Ali Bahmanyar; Vahid Akbarpour; Arastoo Abbasian
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
In order to evaluate the effect of different municipal solid waste composts (MSWC), either enriched or non-enriched, on some macronutrient concentrations in basil, in 2009, a field experiment was arranged as a split plot based randomized complete block design, with three replications. Main plots consisted ...
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In order to evaluate the effect of different municipal solid waste composts (MSWC), either enriched or non-enriched, on some macronutrient concentrations in basil, in 2009, a field experiment was arranged as a split plot based randomized complete block design, with three replications. Main plots consisted of six levels of fertilizer (control, recommended chemical fertilizer or CF as 70, 60 and 50 kg ha-1 of urea, potassium sulphate and superphosphate triple, respectively, MSCW as 20 and 40 ton ha-1 alone or plus ½ CF), and sub plots were four application periods including one (2006), two (2006-2007), three (2006-2008) and four (2006-2009) continuous years of MSWC application. Results showed that there was a highly significant interaction between MSWC and application periods in terms of dry matter yield and N, P and K concentrations. Orthogonal comparisons indicated that all studied traits significantly increased in plant leaf (approximately 14 to 36%) with higher application periods compared to CF. Using 20 ton ha-1 of MSWC for three or four continuous years recorded the highest N and K concentrations. Generally, application of 20 ton ha-1 MSWC, either enriched or non-enriched, dramatically improved the studied traits in the plant leaf, except P concentration.
Hadi Nadimi; Mohammad Reza Faghihi Habib Abadi; Mohammad Taghi Nazarpour
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
Today's industrial and technological development has led human beings further away from nature. However, man has always been influenced by nature, and human nature has naturalistic tendencies. Many studies indicate a direct correlation between the levels of enjoyment of natural scenery and people’s ...
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Today's industrial and technological development has led human beings further away from nature. However, man has always been influenced by nature, and human nature has naturalistic tendencies. Many studies indicate a direct correlation between the levels of enjoyment of natural scenery and people’s happiness. Various studies mention the benefits of natural landscapes as a therapy for daily stress, anxiety and depression. A student residence is often among the first environments a student experiences away from home. He/she will be required to spend a lot of time at this location and, therefore, its design and location are extrememly important for student wellbeing. A more attractive environment will increase comfort and, thus, learning productivity.The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the landscape and design of residential environments on student satisfaction. To this end, the female student residences of the Hakim Sabzevari Sabzevar University were used as a case study. The methods used in this study are from the library and in the field. Using stratified sampling and random distribution, 663 questionnaires with three residential types, including a linear scheme, a central courtyard scheme and a flat scheme, each of which has a different view of nature and green space, were completed. The hypothesis of this study is that the environmental design and suitable landscaping of student residences can have a great effect on the wellbeing and comfort of students who live there, and lead to an increase in their sense of security and their feeling of “belonging”. The results indicate that the majority of students prefer to see natural environments, untapped visions and perspectives, natural horizons, sunrises and sunsets, and green spaces around the residences. Therefore, it is suggested that natural landscape architecture should be an important principle in the design of student residential areas.
Ferial Ahmadi; Mohammadreza Bemanian; Majid Makdoum
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
In the current research, a case study method has been applied to evaluate the landscape quality of the Margoon protected area in order to develop sustainable tourism. In the first step, theoretical basics and approaches were scrutinized using library and internet resources. Then, above average, average ...
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In the current research, a case study method has been applied to evaluate the landscape quality of the Margoon protected area in order to develop sustainable tourism. In the first step, theoretical basics and approaches were scrutinized using library and internet resources. Then, above average, average and poor landscapes were identified and the quality of perspectives evaluated. After that, using GIS software, the ranges using visible and invisible perspectives were investigated. The results of the paper emphasized that the landscapes should be improved by creating new green patches using native trees and shrubs, developing widespread tourist activities in the range of the above average landscape by designing appropriate walking, hiking and climbing paths, removing concentrated tourist activities such as camping, and designing appropriate places for this activity in the range of the average landscape.
Ebrahim Mahmoodabadi; Fereidon Sarmadyan; GHolamreza Savaghebi firouzabadi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
Industry and road traffic, the main causes of environmental pollution in Tehran city, have been growing in recent decades. This study was conducted to investigate the situation of soil heavy metals in Tehran, and Chitgar Forest Park and surrounding land were chosen as the study area. Soil was sampled ...
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Industry and road traffic, the main causes of environmental pollution in Tehran city, have been growing in recent decades. This study was conducted to investigate the situation of soil heavy metals in Tehran, and Chitgar Forest Park and surrounding land were chosen as the study area. Soil was sampled at 116 sites using a squared grid sampling strategy with a distance of 250 meters. The total concentration of seven heavy metals: lead, nickel, cadmium, zinc, iron, manganese and copper, were measured and analyzed by geostatistical techniques in GIS and GS+ software. The results of variogram analysis and a study of generated maps revealed that spatial variations of metal cadmium, zinc, lead, nickel, manganese and copper in soils were affected by industrial activity. Among all metals, cadmium, with the highest value of Nugget to sill ratio (71%), narrow range of 800 meters and variation coefficient of 0.59, was more affected by industrial activity than other elements. By contrast, total iron concentration, with a wide range of 2638 meters and a very low variation coefficient (0.14), was less affected by anthropogenic activity, suggesting that its distribution is controlled by parent materials. With respect to the total amount of global indices, no heavy metal reached a toxic level, but the indices were clearly affected by industrial activity in the area. This indicates a warning about the risk of toxicity in the future and, therefore, this should be considered in urban and industrial planning and management.
Mohsen Kheirollahi; Mansour Ghanian; Forozan Farrokhy
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
In this paper, more than half a century of successful implement-tation of a collaborative management industry, particularly in the field of managing natural resources by a sustainable human approach, is emphasized. The present study (design, operation and management mechanism), is based on the participation ...
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In this paper, more than half a century of successful implement-tation of a collaborative management industry, particularly in the field of managing natural resources by a sustainable human approach, is emphasized. The present study (design, operation and management mechanism), is based on the participation of the residents of Shadegan. Research methods include a descriptive survey and a statistical study of five rural residential areas placed in and around wildlife sanctuaries. Shadegan has a population of 6,000 people, and a sample of 361 individuals was determined according to Morgan and Takman.Regarding the outlook of residents and local farmers of different regions, concerning economic, social, and cultural issues, and the environmental sustainability rate of participation incentives, the results of correlation analysis show that in regard to the current management of wetlands, the difference in the percentage level, relative to the obstacles and challenges facing participants in activities associated with wetlands, is five percent.
Alireza Amobeigy; Dariush Hayati
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
Environmental impact assessment is a planning tool that estimates the environmental impact of projects on the environment. This research was conducted to assess the environmental impact of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Comprehensive Project in the west of Shiraz county (Bunrode Zangeneh ...
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Environmental impact assessment is a planning tool that estimates the environmental impact of projects on the environment. This research was conducted to assess the environmental impact of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Comprehensive Project in the west of Shiraz county (Bunrode Zangeneh sub watershed) from its users’ viewpoint. The results are intended to provide solutions to enhance the appropriateness of the project, in the aspect mentioned, using qualitative and quantitative research methods, survey techniques and semi-structured interviews. The sample group in this study included 268 members of the local Natural Resources and Watershed Management Cooperative. Stratified random sampling was used to select cooperative members. In the qualitative section of the research, according to the users’ viewpoint, internal and external factors affecting the project were recognized and classified using SWOT analysis. Twenty members of the cooperative were selected as the sample group for the qualitative part of the research. The findings of the quantitative part of the research revealed that the project did have an affect on environmental factors (soil quality, water and vegetation), based on the users’ viewpoint. Internal analysis of the project, based on the users’ viewpoint, revealed that the following factors were recognized as the important environmental strengths of the project: Reduction in surface flow, nutrient leaching and soil erosion, whereas, the important environmental weakness of the project included an inability to determine the precise boundaries between areas. External analysis of the project from the users’ viewpoint revealed that an important opportunity provided by the project included determination of the limits of national territories and the separation of private land, whereas, important environmental threats of the project included the shortage and poor distribution of rainfall. Several recommendations have been presented at the end of the paper for better project management in the future.
Ali Bali; Seyyed Masoud Monavari; Borhan Riazi; Nemat Khorasani; Mir Masoud Kheirkhah
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
In the last two decades, the increase in technology and global population has led to environmental change and degradation. Remote sensing is a new technology which provides accessibility and the ability to extract basic information for managing earth resources. In this study, land use changes in the ...
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In the last two decades, the increase in technology and global population has led to environmental change and degradation. Remote sensing is a new technology which provides accessibility and the ability to extract basic information for managing earth resources. In this study, land use changes in the Anzali watershed in Gilan province has been detected using GIS/RS. Initially, we produced land use maps using satellite images of Landsat (MSS 1975, TM 1989, ETM+ 2000) and IRS (LISS III) in six land use classes. Then, land use changes were compared over 32 years using the post classification method. Studies showed that the urban area has rapidly increased from 4878 ha in 1989 to 19089 ha in 2007.
Seyed Mohammad Moghimi; Amir Alambeigi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
In this article, with regard to the little empirical research undertaken on enviropreneurship and leadership, drawing from a relational perspective, we explore the relationship between enviropreneurship and leadership. The research method was descriptive correlation, and data were collected from 51 environmental ...
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In this article, with regard to the little empirical research undertaken on enviropreneurship and leadership, drawing from a relational perspective, we explore the relationship between enviropreneurship and leadership. The research method was descriptive correlation, and data were collected from 51 environmental NGOs engaged in environmental issues using the random sampling method. A questionnaire was employed for variable measurements, and its content validity confirmed by a panel study. An alpha coefficient of 0.94 for enviropreneurship and 0.96 for leadership confirmed that the reliability is satisfied. Structural equation modeling (SEM), as a multivariate technique, and PLS-Graph software were used. According to path analysis results, four dimensions of leadership have significant roles to play in the enviropreneurship development of environmental NGOs. Empirical results showed that enviropreneurship competency in environmental NGOs is dependent upon transformational leadership (TL), and 33% of enviropreneurship in environmental NGO variance can be explained by TL. Research findings offer a new theoretical framework for future theory development.
Mahmoud Ahmadi; Prastoo Azimi
Volume 11, Issue 1 , April 2013
Abstract
During last decades the environmental and economic effects of climate changes have been very important for environmental scientists. According to temperature fluctuation studies, the minimum, maximum, and average temperatures are to be increased. So, the objective of this study is the investigation of ...
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During last decades the environmental and economic effects of climate changes have been very important for environmental scientists. According to temperature fluctuation studies, the minimum, maximum, and average temperatures are to be increased. So, the objective of this study is the investigation of variations of the number of freezing days during a 57 years data set and modeling the data by multivariable statistics methods. The applied models were ARIMA time-series, Regressions, and Correlation coefficient. The results showed that the variations of temperature were very disorder from 1951 to 1975 and they were not following a specific model. However, it showed the decreasing in freezing days during 1976-2007 which could be due to urban warming and crating island effect in this duration.
Saeed MirRiahi,; Saed Farajnejad Ghadi; Maryam Ghasemnejad
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
In this study, topographic as well as rural texture parameters were analyzed in the form of spatial layers. For this purpose, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was first prepared and then, based on the classification of the land form parameters and overlaying them with the land use/land cover layer, the ...
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In this study, topographic as well as rural texture parameters were analyzed in the form of spatial layers. For this purpose, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was first prepared and then, based on the classification of the land form parameters and overlaying them with the land use/land cover layer, the relationship of the physical parameters with the structural context of Malfe and Andargoli villages was analyzed. Finally, both compatible and non-compatible forms of exploitation of the natural bed of the two villages were identified. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest that GIS with the possibility of developing data can be an efficient tool in the process of rural and urban planning.
