Mohammad Khodaverdizadeh; Babollah Hayati; Mohammad Kavoosi Kalashmi
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Kandovan village which is located at Osco region in East Azarbayjan province named as one of the important tourism and promenade zone of Iran due to its numerous natural places. Studying tourism value of this place could be useful in predicting needs, remove scarcities and development of tourism. The ...
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Kandovan village which is located at Osco region in East Azarbayjan province named as one of the important tourism and promenade zone of Iran due to its numerous natural places. Studying tourism value of this place could be useful in predicting needs, remove scarcities and development of tourism. The aim of this research is estimating the outdoor recreation value of Kandovan village with the use of contingent valuation method. For investigating effective variables on willingness to pay of individuals, logit model estimated with the use of maximum likelihood approach. Requested data set were obtained by completing questionnaires and interviewing with 180 individuals who visit mentioned village. Results revealed that 83 percents of individuals were ready for paying as a use of the mentioned village. Also, results showed that variables include education, village absorption, revenue and bid had a significant effect on probability of willingness to pay of individuals but variables include age, gender, family size were not statistically significant but had expected signs. Mean willingness to pay for each visitor per year was 3905 RLs and annual outdoor recreation value of Kandovan village was 1171500000 RLs.
Ebrahim Izadi; Mohammad Hassan Rashed Mohassel; Eskandar Zand; Mehdi Nassiri mohalati; Amir Lakzian
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Atrazine is the most important triazine herbicides with moderately persistence in soil. The objective of this investigation was to study the degradation of atrazine (50 ppm) in two soils different in texture. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with factorial arrangement and 3 replications. ...
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Atrazine is the most important triazine herbicides with moderately persistence in soil. The objective of this investigation was to study the degradation of atrazine (50 ppm) in two soils different in texture. Experiment was conducted in completely randomized design with factorial arrangement and 3 replications. Experimental factors included, soil texture(sandy loam and silty clay) and organic manure (0, 2 and 5 percent(w/w)). Soil samples were incubated at 30 oC and dark conditions for 0, 20, 40 and 60 days. At the end of each incubation period, atrazine residue was measured with HPLC. Data was fitted to first order kinetic equation for analysis. Results showed that soil texture and organic manure had significant effects on atrazine degradation rate. Atrazine degradation rate in clay soil with no organic amendment was 1.54 times higher than sandy soil and its half life were 138.6 and 90 days in two soil respectively. Atrazine degradation coefficient increased by 1.14 , 1.8 times in sandy loam soil and by 1.54 , 2.46 times in silty clay soil with 2 percent and 5 percent organic amendment, and the half-life decreased from 138.6, days to 121.57 and 77 days in sandy soil and from 90, days to 58.22 and 38 days in clay soil. It seems that atrazine degredation in silty clay soil is more than sandy loam soil and soil organic manure have an important role in atrazine bioremediation.
Morteza Saeedifard; Mohsen Hosseini; Reza Moradi; Mohammad Naghi Padasht Dehkaei
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Lilium ledebourii (Baker) Boiss.(Liliaceae), locally named “Susan -e Chelcheragh” is an endemic and rare species that grows on the high lands of Damash in Gilan Province, and It is under surveillance of DOE (Department of Environment). Habitat of Chelcheragh lily in Damash is one of the protected ...
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Lilium ledebourii (Baker) Boiss.(Liliaceae), locally named “Susan -e Chelcheragh” is an endemic and rare species that grows on the high lands of Damash in Gilan Province, and It is under surveillance of DOE (Department of Environment). Habitat of Chelcheragh lily in Damash is one of the protected areas of Iran's DOE and is placed in Category III (Natural Monument) of IUCN. Lack of information about the biology and specially ecology of this rare plant species is because of severe conservation and limited spatial distribution. In order to determine the ecological needs of Chelcheragh lily or white lily, the habitat of this species in Damash was studied and different ecological resources including: elevation, geographical aspect, slope, soil, vegetation cover, etc. Study of the other habitat in Dorfak (Gilan) was performed based on field investigation and literature review which was in order to determine ecological needs of Chelcheragh lily. Topographic data in geographic information system (GIS) was analyzed and land form characteristics were provided. Results were analyzed (logical) and effective factors on spatial distribution of Chelcheragh lily were introduced.
Mehdi Minbashi Moeini; Hamid Rahimian; Mohammad Ali Baghestani; Hassan Mohammad Alizadeh; Mir Masood Kheirkhah; Seiid Hossein Nazer Kakhki; hmad Dieh-Ji
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
In order to study the phenology of weeds in the wheat fields and determining suitable indices for predicting phenology events and using the results for improvement chemical control, a trial was conducted in 2006-2007 growting season at Zanjan, Karaj, Varamin and Mahmoud Abad (Mazandaran). The seeds of ...
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In order to study the phenology of weeds in the wheat fields and determining suitable indices for predicting phenology events and using the results for improvement chemical control, a trial was conducted in 2006-2007 growting season at Zanjan, Karaj, Varamin and Mahmoud Abad (Mazandaran). The seeds of weeds (Broadleaved and grasses) were gathered in previous season. For satisfied emergence, the weed seeds were treated for breaking dormancy 24 hr before planting. Phenological events of wheat and weeds were recorded during growth season. Thermal time based on growing degree days (GDD) was calculated for each growth stage. Phenological and thermal time results of wheat and weeds compare with the optimum time application of recommended herbicide for weed control of weeds. Integrated results showed that GDD was a suitable index for determining and predicting of wheat and weeds growth stages. Also GDD could use for precision time of application of herbicides and could recommend that 400 GDD and 1200 GDD were minimum and maximum of herbicide application in wheat fields, respectively. Irrigation of field before planting and tillage applicable for control of the weed seeds without dormancy.
Koroush Golkar
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Semiotically speaking, the visual environments of cities manifest the societies' socio- cultural and economic values through an intricate system of 'signs'. Acting as an "interface" between man and environment, the visual settings of cities set the ground for environmental perception, cognition and evaluation ...
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Semiotically speaking, the visual environments of cities manifest the societies' socio- cultural and economic values through an intricate system of 'signs'. Acting as an "interface" between man and environment, the visual settings of cities set the ground for environmental perception, cognition and evaluation to be made by citizens and visitors alike. The cities blessed with great visual environments enhance the aesthetic experience of their inhabitants, improve the self- image of the concerned communities as well as their image at the national and international level, and foster the cities competitiveness to attract more economic investment and larger number of creative – class- people. This article aims to explain the significance of the city visual environment, to provide a typology of different notions of "Cityscape, and to model the evolutionary trajectory of the concept of visual environment. In this study, the "urban visual environment" is discussed as a dynamic concept, complying with the evolving nature of urban design discourse, the sustainable development paradigm and the Green (ecological) aesthetics model. The findings indicate that urban visual environment, as a concept, has been subject to fundamental change and modification in parallel to the sophistication process of urban design discourse as a whole. The article concludes the increasingly decline of "Abstract Environmental Aesthetics" and its associated cosmetic approach and highlights the rise of "Ecological Environmental Aesthetics" and its pertaining sustainable approach towards urban visual environment. The study, ultimately suggests a conceptual model to encompass and represent different notions of urban visual environment spanning from cosmetic/ ornamental position right through to ecologically sustainable stand.
Zahra Yaghoubzadeh
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Naphthalene is PAHs and is distributed in aquatic and soil ecosystems. Different microorganisms are able to degradate various concentration of naphthalene. Sampling was done from two Noshar and Amirabad harbors. Samples were transferred to Ecological Academy of Caspian Sea and then were cultured in minimal ...
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Naphthalene is PAHs and is distributed in aquatic and soil ecosystems. Different microorganisms are able to degradate various concentration of naphthalene. Sampling was done from two Noshar and Amirabad harbors. Samples were transferred to Ecological Academy of Caspian Sea and then were cultured in minimal basal medium included naphthalene and trace elements and were incubated in 30°C for 24-72 h. Finally, isolated colonies were identifical as primary and biochemical test. The most important of isolated positive gram bacteria were Bacillus sp, Micrococcus sp and Pediococcus sp. The results showed that concentration of 30 ,40 mM of naphthalene after 312h have been decreased to 9/45 (68/8%) and 3045(91/42%) respectively for Bacillus .
Rohaolah Noori; Bita Ayati; Hossein Ganjidoust
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor has been taken less attention in treatment of surfactants. In this research with consideration of its advantages and suitable efficiency in industrial wastewater treatment, three 5L-reactors at different retention times were used to investigate the removal efficiency of sodium ...
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Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor has been taken less attention in treatment of surfactants. In this research with consideration of its advantages and suitable efficiency in industrial wastewater treatment, three 5L-reactors at different retention times were used to investigate the removal efficiency of sodium dodecyle benezene sulfonate (SDBS), sodium dodecyle sulfate (SDS) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The results indicated that the best removal efficiency in batch loadingsystem with filling ratio of 50% of the reactor volume by LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) was 90, 95, and 93 percent for SDBS (COD=900 mg/l),SDS (COD=1200 mg/l)and CTAB (COD=1200 mg/l), respectively. NMR test results confirmed biodegradation ability of compounds in MBBR. In the study of filling ratio effect in the reactors, the volumes of the carriers were decreased to 30% and the removal efficiency were improved by 2% for SDBS and CTAB systems but no change was observed for SDS system. In the study of temperature effect no considerable change has been observed in the removal efficiency. Finally, biological modeling of the reactors using Stover-Kinkannon, first order and Grau models have shown that the reactors followed both Stover-Kinkannon and Grau ones.
Hamid Reza Rahmani
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
Knowledge of quality and chemical composition of industrial effluent water (EW) for safe and lawful reuses is required. The effect of application of Zob-Ahan (ZA) industrial EW on agricultural land and irrigated grape plants were studied. The compound EW samples were seasonally collected during a two-day ...
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Knowledge of quality and chemical composition of industrial effluent water (EW) for safe and lawful reuses is required. The effect of application of Zob-Ahan (ZA) industrial EW on agricultural land and irrigated grape plants were studied. The compound EW samples were seasonally collected during a two-day period. In addition, the soil and grape plant irrigated with EW were also sampled. Three fields were selected, and in each field soil from 0 to 30 cm, grape plant leaf, and grape samples were collected in three replicates. For each soil, leaf and fruit sample three sub samples were collected and were compounded. Also soil samples of virgin land (control) adjacent each field were collected. In addition the well water in vicinity of EW ponds were sampled seasonally. The results show that the industrial EW COD, TSS, BOD, TDS, NO3-, Cl-, SO4-- and heavy metals concentration of Co, Cr, and Cd is limiting for discharge into absorbtion well and irrigation. The available heavy metals concentration of land irrigated with EW were higher than control (Virgin adjacent land) and total heavy metals concentration of land irrigated with EW were in the critical range. The grape leaf Mn concentration was higher than normal range, but grape fruit heavy metals concentration were in normal range. The heavy metal concentration of Fe in all unwashed plant samples were higher than washed ones. Therefore the air pollution and aerosol fall out of Fe is an additional factor to EW application in land and plant contamination in the vicinity of Zob-Ahan industrial complex.
Ali Abolhasani; Gholamhosein Ebrahimipour
Volume 5, Issue 4 , July 2008
Abstract
The effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) concentrations on crude oil biodegradation by two bacterial strains PG01 and PG02, previously isolated from Persian Gulf, was assessed. In order to determine the optimum concentration of N and P sources for oil consumption bye the isolates, bacteria were cultured ...
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The effect of nitrogen (N) and phosphate (P) concentrations on crude oil biodegradation by two bacterial strains PG01 and PG02, previously isolated from Persian Gulf, was assessed. In order to determine the optimum concentration of N and P sources for oil consumption bye the isolates, bacteria were cultured in mineral salt medium containing crude oil as sole carbon source and with different concentrations of ammonium chloride (N source) and di-sodium hydrogen phosphate (P source). Culture flasks were incubated at 30 degree centigrade agitating 150 rpm for 5 days. Measuring total protein, as an indicator of petroleum biodegradation, revealed that the optimum N and P concentrations for oil consumption by strain PG01 are equal to 0.146 gram ammonium chloride and 0.024 gram di-sodium hydrogen phosphate per gram crude oil. The other strain, PG02, needed more N source for optimum growth and the results were 0.146 gram ammonium chloride and 0.024 gram di-sodium hydrogen phosphate per gram crude oil.
Mohammad Reza Labbafi; Assadollah Hejazi; Fariba Meighani; Hamideh Khalaj; Mohammad Ali Baghestani
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
The 'equal compartment-agar method' was used to evaluate the allelopathic potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars on the seedling growth of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and rye (Secale cereale). The experiment was carried out during 2005 at the Weed Research Department of the Iranian ...
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The 'equal compartment-agar method' was used to evaluate the allelopathic potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars on the seedling growth of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and rye (Secale cereale). The experiment was carried out during 2005 at the Weed Research Department of the Iranian Crop Protection Research Institute, in a factorial form on a completely randomized design with three replications. Wheat cultivars in four levels (Shiraz and Niknejad, as more competitive cultivars; Tabasi and Roshan, as less competitive cultivars) and the density of wheat seedlings on four levels − 0 (control), 8, 16 and 24 − were considered as factors. Mean comparison showed that higher seedling density (at 24) had the greatest effect on decreasing rye growth (seedling, radicle, and hypocotyl) and all of the wheat cultivars showed a decrease in seedling, radicle and hypocotyl length in comparison with the control. All the wheat cultivars, especially at the highest density, decreased seedling and radicle length, but increased the hypocotyl length of field bindweed.
Farhang Mozaffar; Seyed Bagher Hoseini; Mohammad Soleimani; Abbas Tarkashvand
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Vahab Vaezzadeh; Ali Mashinchian Moradi; Abbas Esmaili Sari; Seyyed Mohammadreza Fatemi
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides including lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin and DDT were analized in muscle tissue of two commercial fish species, (Cyprinus carpio and Rutilus frisii) from five stations in the southwest Caspian Sea (Astara-Hashtpar-Anzali-Kiashahr and Ramsar). There was no pesticide contamination ...
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Organochlorine pesticides including lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin and DDT were analized in muscle tissue of two commercial fish species, (Cyprinus carpio and Rutilus frisii) from five stations in the southwest Caspian Sea (Astara-Hashtpar-Anzali-Kiashahr and Ramsar). There was no pesticide contamination in fish samples of Astara. Heptachlor in muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio from Anzali had the highest concentration (11.964 mg/kg - lipid weight basis) among all fish samples. Mean level of each pesticide was calculated in all fish samples. The results showed that among other pesticides, heptachlor is the main contaminant in southwest of Caspian Sea (2.6479 mg/kg - lipid weight basis). Generally, in comparison with Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) established by FAO/WHO, the levels of heptachlor in muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio from Anzali and Ramsar, Rutilus frisii from Hashtpar and level of dieldrin in muscle tissue of Rutilus frisii from Kiashahr can have health risk to consumers. The concentration of above mentioned pesticides in the same fish samples are higher than Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). In addition, level of DDT in muscle tissue of Rutilus frisii from Ramsar exceeds the MRL values.
Javad Mirzaei; Maliheh Khanlarian khatiri
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Alireza Khodashenas; Alireza Koocheki, Parviz; Parviz Rezvani Moghadam; Amir Lakzian
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
Soil nematodes and bacteria play an important role in soil function. In order to evaluatethe effects of agricultural practices on these organisms, a study was conducted in winter wheat fields of Shirvan, Mashhad and Gonabad, three regions of Khorasan Province. In each region, high and low input fields ...
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Soil nematodes and bacteria play an important role in soil function. In order to evaluatethe effects of agricultural practices on these organisms, a study was conducted in winter wheat fields of Shirvan, Mashhad and Gonabad, three regions of Khorasan Province. In each region, high and low input fields of winter wheat were selected, along with a natural system for comparison. Use of agricultural inputs was the criterion for the selection of low and high input fields in each region. Soil sampling was undertaken on fields and natural systems. Organic matter and the number of nematodes and culturable bacteria in soil samples were measured. The percentage of soil organic matter in all systems was low but, in agro-ecosystems, it was greater than in natural systems. Results showed that organic matter, soil moisture and mean annual temperature has an affect on soil nematodes. The number of nematodes in agro-ecosystems was reater than in natural systems in all three regions. The mean number of soil nematodes in 100g dry weight of soil in the natural systems of Shirvan, Mashhad and Gonabad was 166, 184 and 132, respectively; in the low input systems of Shirvan, Mashhad and Gonabad it was 550, 459 and 1067, respectively and in the high input systems of Shirvan, Mashhad and Gonabad it was 348, 1084 and 485, respectively. Agricultural practices had no negative effects on soil bacterial numbers and the number of soil bacteria increased in some agro-ecosystems. Results showed that agro-ecosystems improved the conditions for nematodes and bacteria and increased the number of these organisms in soil.
Mehrzad keshavarzi fard; Ali Mashinchian Moradi; Seyyed Mohammad Reza Fatemi; Abbas Esmaili Sari
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides are very important, due to their carcinogenic and delayed toxic function and their effect on nervous system of fish and human. In this study concentration of organochlorine pesticides including Lindane, Heptachlor, Dieldrin, Aldrin and DDT was measured in muscle tissues of stellate ...
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Organochlorine pesticides are very important, due to their carcinogenic and delayed toxic function and their effect on nervous system of fish and human. In this study concentration of organochlorine pesticides including Lindane, Heptachlor, Dieldrin, Aldrin and DDT was measured in muscle tissues of stellate sturgeon of southern coasts of the Caspian Sea from Astara, Hashtpar, Bandare Anzali, Kiashahr, Ramsar, Chalous, Noor, Feraidoun Kenar, Khazarabade Sari and Bandare Turkman stations. In sampled stellate sturgeon, Heptachlor with an average concentration of 3.933 mg/kg on lipid weigth basis and Aldrin with an average concentration of <0.288 mg/kg on lipid weigth basis had the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively. The order of these pesticides according to average of concentration are as follow: Heptachlor > DDT > Lindane > Dilderin > Aldrin. Comparison of measured concentrations with Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) established by FAO/WHO showed that the average concentration of Heptachlor in all sampling stations exceeded the MRL value, also concentration of DDT in samples from Chalous and Bandare Turkman exceeded the MRL value.
Seyed Mahmoud Aghili; Pooneh Rasooli; Leila Abdoli
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine probable impacts of construction of Alamut Dam on the status of the fish community of the Alamut and Taleghan Streams in autumn 2000. The fish species found were: Alburnoides bipunctatus, Barbus capito, B.lacerta, B.mursa, Capoeta capoeta, Leuciscus cephalus, Salmo ...
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A study was conducted to determine probable impacts of construction of Alamut Dam on the status of the fish community of the Alamut and Taleghan Streams in autumn 2000. The fish species found were: Alburnoides bipunctatus, Barbus capito, B.lacerta, B.mursa, Capoeta capoeta, Leuciscus cephalus, Salmo trutta, Onchorhynchus mykiss, Nemachilus bergianus.B.capito and B.mursa are both highly prized taxa in terms of their population status and for sport fishing; the latter needs full habitat protection to survive.Salmo trutta will face little impact from the Alamut Dam construction since its habitat is mainly confined to a stretch of river well upstream of the construction site. It should be kept in mind, however, that the Manjil (Sefid Rud) Dam has some affect on the operation of the Alamut Dam, both being constructed on the same water body. Therefore, any interpretation of the possible impact of the Alamut Dam on hydrobiology of the area must be focused on the entire water basin ecology.
Javad Mirzaei; Moslem Akbarinia; Seyed Mohsen Hosseni; Mehrdad Kohzadi
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between biodiversity and the richness of woody and ground vegetation species, soil physicochemical and physiographic characteristics of the Zagros forests. This study was conducted at Arghavan reservoir in the North of Ilam Province in Iran. For this ...
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The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between biodiversity and the richness of woody and ground vegetation species, soil physicochemical and physiographic characteristics of the Zagros forests. This study was conducted at Arghavan reservoir in the North of Ilam Province in Iran. For this study, plots with a systematic distribution across the northern (n =24), southern (n =20) and western (n =13) aspects were selected and vegetation, soil and physiographic data were measured. Results showed that, in the southern aspect, ground vegetation diversity had a negative relationship with clay and sand while it had positive correlation with silt. In the northern aspect, ground vegetation diversity had a negative correlation with elevation above sea level. In the western aspect, ground vegetation diversity had a positive correlation with CaCo3 while it had negative correlation with salinity and elevation above sea level. Results also showed that, in all the aspects, woody species only had a relationship with physical factors. These results suggest that in ecological studies for assessing the relationship between vegetation and environment, soil factors should be measured for the assessment of ground vegetation and, for woody species, physical and physiographic factors.
Ali Reza Astaraei; Fereshteh Almasian
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
The amount of municipal waste leachate produced during the process of composting of solid waste refuse is high, due to its higher moisture content. Therefore, improper collection methods and uses can cause environmental problems. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of municipal ...
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The amount of municipal waste leachate produced during the process of composting of solid waste refuse is high, due to its higher moisture content. Therefore, improper collection methods and uses can cause environmental problems. This study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of municipal soild waste compost leachate (MSWC leachate) on yield and yield components of wheat (Triticum aestivum) with four irrigation treatments of different leachate-to-water ratios (T0=water, T20=20%,T40=40%, T60=60% V/V basis) in a completely randomized design with three replications under greenhouse conditions. Results obtained indicate the significant effect of different leachate to water ratios on ECe, pH, TN, available P and OC of soil, yield and yield components of wheat. ECe, TN, available P and OC of soil increased, but the soil pH decreased with MSWC leachate concentrations and the maximum was recorded for the T60 treatment. The number of grains per spike (more than 1.4 times), plant height(13.8%), grain weight per spike (more than 1.6 times), grain and straw yields (more than 1.5 and 1.6 times, respectively), and the ratio of grain weight to straw weight in a leachate-to-water ratio of 20/80 (T20) treatment increased when compared to their respective controls and the other treatments (p≤0.05). Spike length and 1000 grain weight in a leachate-to-water ratio of 20/80 (T20) treatment were not significantly different from their respective controls. Increasing the leachate concentrations to more than 20%, reduced yield and yield components of wheat compared to control, probably due to a soil salinity increase and its negative impacts on the parameters studied (p≤0.05).
Ali Abolhasani; Gholamhosein Ebrahimiopour; Hosein Kermanian
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
Screening experiments were carried out to isolate bacterial strains capable of solubilizing coal tailings for use in biofuel production from these byproduct wastes. Using enrichment in medium containing coal as sole carbon source, seven bacterial strains able to grow on coal hydrocarbons were isolated. ...
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Screening experiments were carried out to isolate bacterial strains capable of solubilizing coal tailings for use in biofuel production from these byproduct wastes. Using enrichment in medium containing coal as sole carbon source, seven bacterial strains able to grow on coal hydrocarbons were isolated. The bacterial consortium was then cultured in mineral salt liquid media containing 1% (w/v) hard coal or coal tailings and incubated for 15 days at 25 degree centigrade on an orbital shaker (150 rpm). Spectrophotometric analysis of supernatants resulted from centrifugation of cultures showed 1.475 increases in absorbance at 450 nm for coal tailing and 0.832 for hard coal, compared to blank lacking bacteria. Gravimetric measurements also performed wich confirmed the solubilization of coal by bacteria.
Behrouz Behrouzi Rad; Bahram Hasan Zadeh Kiabi
Volume 5, Issue 3 , April 2008
Abstract
Tiab and Kolahy estuaries are regarded as part of the Ramsar sites, that are located in the delta of Rud Shirin, Rud Shour and Minab River 37o 05' N 56o 50' E. The total area of the region is about 20000 ha. In this study, 96 species from 27 families of the birds of Iran were recognized at these wetlands.Fifty ...
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Tiab and Kolahy estuaries are regarded as part of the Ramsar sites, that are located in the delta of Rud Shirin, Rud Shour and Minab River 37o 05' N 56o 50' E. The total area of the region is about 20000 ha. In this study, 96 species from 27 families of the birds of Iran were recognized at these wetlands.Fifty seven species were waterbirds. Species of White and Dalmation Pelicans,Great Cormorant, Greazer Flamingo and some Gulls and Terns were counted monthly in this survey. All species were migrant birds. Density of birds population in Kolahy was 2/99 and in Tiab 3,00 per hectare. There was no significant statistical difference between populations and species diversity of any known species in both estuaries. The bird's population in both wetlands were maximum in winter and minimum in summer, from which 60% were Fish-eating, 35% omnivores and the remaining were Plankton-eater.Dalmation Pelican Pelecanus crispus, one of the threatened species observed in winter in both estuaries. Diversity of Sternidae with 9 species was more than the other bird family and Phoenicopterus ruber and Phalacrocorax carbo with one species werethe families with lowest bird species number.
Janet Blake
Volume 5, Issue 2 , January 2008
Abstract
The notion of applying a participatory approach to various areas of both environmental protection and development has gained ground in international policy- and law-making since the adoption of the Rio Declaration in 1992. The Declaration presents the participatory approach as an important procedural ...
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The notion of applying a participatory approach to various areas of both environmental protection and development has gained ground in international policy- and law-making since the adoption of the Rio Declaration in 1992. The Declaration presents the participatory approach as an important procedural aspect of environmental management and decision-making within sustainable development and requires governments to employ it as far as possible. The Declaration also recognises the important and sometimes central role played by local and indigenous communities and their knowledge and practices – their intangible cultural heritage - in ensuring that the use of natural resources is environmentally sustainable. Taken together, these two principles can be understood to require governments to ensure a high degree of local community involvement at all stages of environmental protection (from policy-making to management), an approach endorsed in various environmental treaties adopted in or since 1992. The Convention on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted by UNESCO in 2003 is the most recent treaty in this area to take this approach and it is interesting both for the way it places the community at the centre of actions for its implementation and also since it establishes an intergovernmental Committee whose main task involves the development of operational directives for this treaty. Since employing a participatory approach that requires the direct involvement of local communities in areas traditionally reserved to government is a complex and difficult question, it is hoped that the future practice of the intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention may provide guidance on this not only for that treaty but also for other environmental treaties. Given the uncertainty surrounding both the identification of these “communities” referred to in environmental treaties and, more problematically, the exact content of their “participation” in environmental protection, I wish here to examine these further in an attempt to give them more clarity.
Khadjeh Moradi; Kiumars Zarafshani
Volume 5, Issue 2 , January 2008
Abstract
In developing countries poverty is more prevalent and usually deeper in rural regions than in urban areas. The rural poor depend on natural resources for their subsistence, and their behaviour affects a significant portion of those resources. In many developing countries such as Iran, environmental resources ...
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In developing countries poverty is more prevalent and usually deeper in rural regions than in urban areas. The rural poor depend on natural resources for their subsistence, and their behaviour affects a significant portion of those resources. In many developing countries such as Iran, environmental resources are used mainly as inputs in household production or in small-scale production units. Among small-scale rural technology, biogas plants present a suitable alternative option for preserving environmental resources from deforestation, land degradation, and desertification. The purpose of this qualitative research is to introduce biogas technology to one of the poor and degraded communities in Qezel village of eastern Kermanshah Province. A focus group of twenty rural residents was organized to identify potential users of the polyethylene biogas plant. During focus group discussions, one household who showed interest in the project was specifically selected. A four step cyclical action research process was used as a guiding principle to introduce and set up a biogas plant among a Qezel rural household. Recommendations are given based on the result of the study. Results revealed that a rural household in Qezel village welcomed biogas technology and found it to be useful in their cooking tasks. The implications of this study suggest that policy makers should launch a national biogas programme across the country
Gholam Hossein Kiani; Seyed Kazem Sadr; Iraj Saleh
Volume 5, Issue 2 , January 2008
Abstract
Water markets have been introduced recently as an appropriate alternative to bureaucratic control and allocation of water resources. Water markets increase water use efficiency through the transfer of water to higher value uses. Several studies have been carried out to simulate hypothetical water markets ...
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Water markets have been introduced recently as an appropriate alternative to bureaucratic control and allocation of water resources. Water markets increase water use efficiency through the transfer of water to higher value uses. Several studies have been carried out to simulate hypothetical water markets under conditions of both certainty and uncertainty to show the potential gains that can be achieved by market participants. However, the effect of water supply and price risk has seldom been analyzed by the water market models presented. This study endeavours to introduce output and water input price risks into the water market models. For this purpose, an econometric mean-variance model, under output price risk and water market price risk is theoretically developed to derive demand and supply functions. This approach facilitates empirical estimation of demand and supply functions in actually formed water markets.
Hassan Hoveidi; Gholamreza Nabi Bidhendi,; Hamid Reza Jafari,; Touraj Nasrabadi; Toktam Shahriari
Volume 5, Issue 2 , January 2008
Abstract
During recent years, surface water resources supplying Tehran's potable water – Karaj, Lar and Jajrood Rivers – are contaminated with different microorganisms due to population growth. Additionally, the amount of organic materials generating odor, taste and color in the surface water has ...
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During recent years, surface water resources supplying Tehran's potable water – Karaj, Lar and Jajrood Rivers – are contaminated with different microorganisms due to population growth. Additionally, the amount of organic materials generating odor, taste and color in the surface water has increased sharply. By considering the trihalomethane (THM) production potential of dissolved chlorine in reaction with innocuous humic substances, future use of chlorine as a disinfectant in Tehran's drinking water is clouded in uncertainty. Accordingly, the use of ozone as another alternative was taken in to consideration for disinfection of drinking water in this mega city. In order to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of water ozonation a pilot with a generating capacity of 4 gr ozone per hour was designed. This study was performed between April and September 2005 and Tehran Pars water treatment plant in the Northeast of Tehran was chosen for the case study. Bacteria removal was considered to be at highest level in all monthly samples. Different ozone contact times and dosages were tested in the deactivation of nematodes and the results showed the perfect removal in specified periods. Although the initial investment for construction and implementation of the required apparatuses is relatively high, since the raw material for ozone generation is air, the use of ozone is financially justifiable during the predicted time of operation. Moreover, the transfer and storage of ozone is much easier in comparison with chlorine which is currently in use. Unlike chlorine, the use of ozone as a disinfectant does not have the potential of THMs generation. On the other hand, ozone must be generated on site and is instable in water. Therefore, a continuous and precise monitoring and maintenance process must be taken in to consideration. Furthermore, due to high corrosive potential of ozone, special resistant materials must be used in the applied instruments.
Hadi Veisi; Hadi Hematyar; Hadi Azar Kerdar
Volume 5, Issue 2 , January 2008
Abstract
This study determines the relationship between students’ knowledge and their perceptions towards sustainable agriculture. 100 senior agricultural students from 10 different majors at the University of Tehran were selected by simple random method. A 10-point scale was used to measure students’ ...
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This study determines the relationship between students’ knowledge and their perceptions towards sustainable agriculture. 100 senior agricultural students from 10 different majors at the University of Tehran were selected by simple random method. A 10-point scale was used to measure students’ perceptions and knowledge towards sustainable agriculture. The validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and the scale was subjected to reliability testing using data collected in the pilot study. The Cronbach alpha coefficients were 0.62 and 0.86 for the scales of perception and knowledge, respectively. Students rated themselves as a group having limited knowledge of sustainable agriculture policy but high for their attitudes, especially for environment and livelihood (security food). The findings revealed that attitude dimension of environment and food security, and the knowledge dimension of practice and sustainable agricultural systems had specifically a greater role in determining relationship between students’ attitudes and their knowledge towards sustainable agriculture. Overall, to enhance students’ attitudes towards sustainable agriculture, it is suggested that more attention be paid to the concepts of policy determination and familiarize students with sustainable agriculture in agricultural curriculum development. Keywords:
