Mahmoodreza Tabatabaei,; Karim Solaimani; Ali Akbar Noroozi
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
A watershed stream network consists of a collection of rivers and streams that drain surface water flows within a watershed. These spatial data are key in calculating various aspects of a watershed, such as physiography, hydrology, soil erosion, sediment, etc. One of physical parameters in a watershed ...
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A watershed stream network consists of a collection of rivers and streams that drain surface water flows within a watershed. These spatial data are key in calculating various aspects of a watershed, such as physiography, hydrology, soil erosion, sediment, etc. One of physical parameters in a watershed is the “bifurcation ratio”, which shows the level of roundness or elongation of a watershed related to a stream network. The bifurcation ratio is calculated on the basis of an ordered stream network and it is one of the main criteria used to evaluate watershed flood hydrograph patterns. The main problems in ordering watershed stream networks are the discontinuity in stream networks of topography maps and differences with water flow model maps. These deficiencies create problems in calculating other watershed parameters such as length, ordering, and density of streams. As current GIS software is not able to compensate for these shortcomings, the present research used a previously designed GIS model (ArcGIS environment, using ESRI ArcObjects), applying a new approach for ordering watershed stream networks. The results of this study showed that this methodology could be applied to conduct a more accurate ordering of stream network (based on Strahler’s Algorithm) where there is no discontinuity between streams in a network, and to gain better harmony with water flow model of a watershed.
Reza CyrusSabri
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
Traditional wisdom in vernacular design can be a guiding light for our design approach today. All of the important pressing issues of our time, such as environmental sustainability, ecology, and meaning are an intricate part of a vernacular process of design. Vernacular architecture is the physical manifestation ...
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Traditional wisdom in vernacular design can be a guiding light for our design approach today. All of the important pressing issues of our time, such as environmental sustainability, ecology, and meaning are an intricate part of a vernacular process of design. Vernacular architecture is the physical manifestation of a specific culture. The consideration of patterns of behaviour in the design process ensures the reflection of cultural identity and meaning in the proposed alternatives. In vernacular design the range of ideas are constrained in advance and are limited to a specific community or intended audience. The sustainable approach is embedded in a vernacular design which stems from a sense of oneness with nature. This article includes a variety of case studies related to vernacular architecture. Vernacular ways of building stem from a vernacular lifestyle and belief system. Lessons from this design process show us how to bring the sense of place back to any context.
Hamid Reza Pourkhabbaz; Ali Reza Pourkhabbaz
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
Acute toxicity testing of contaminants, continually released into the aquatic ecosystems from industrial and residential areas and representing a potential risk to the aquatic biota is important. Mercury is a highly toxic metal to which, due to its wide usage in agricultural, industrial, medical and ...
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Acute toxicity testing of contaminants, continually released into the aquatic ecosystems from industrial and residential areas and representing a potential risk to the aquatic biota is important. Mercury is a highly toxic metal to which, due to its wide usage in agricultural, industrial, medical and other fields, exposure cannot be avoided.The purpose of this study was to examine the acute toxicity of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on a freshwater species of fish, Capotea fusca,according to the static testfor calculating LC50(lethality concentration for 50%).For this purpose,fish were exposed to mercuric chloride and were not fed for approximately 96 h by adding no food. Ten different concentrations in three replicates were chosen. For each treatment, 10 fish specimens were used. The solutions were prepared by dissolving mercuric chloride (Merck) in distilled water. Results represented that mortality decreased as exposure time increased, so that most of the mortality occurred during the first 24 h. Finally, the Conclusion showed that the LC50value at 72 h and 96 h were 0.539 mg/L.
Omid Nouri Roudsari,; Kazem Arzani,; Aziz Moameni; Mehdi Taheri
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
An experiment was carried out in order to study the spatial variability of soil fertility variables in an irrigated mature olive tree (Olea europea cv. `Zard’) orchard. The orchard is located in the Tarom area of Zanjan Province (48° 56′ to 50° 5′E and 36° 47′ to 37° ...
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An experiment was carried out in order to study the spatial variability of soil fertility variables in an irrigated mature olive tree (Olea europea cv. `Zard’) orchard. The orchard is located in the Tarom area of Zanjan Province (48° 56′ to 50° 5′E and 36° 47′ to 37° 36′ N) and is under olive with trees planted 7×7 m. Soil parameters - including K, P, Na, Cl, EC and OM - were determined in soil samples from 0-60 cm depth in late February 2011. A regular 98×98 m sampling grid was established and the intersection points were georeferenced. The data were analyzed using both classical statistics and geostatistical methods. Maps were created as a basis for orchard soil site-specific management. Interpolations were realized according to thresholds and standard deviation of every parameter. Estimates were used to draw variation maps of each soil fertility component based on Kriging method. High geo-distribution variation was detected. The results showed that an important area is menaced by K deficiency. Indeed, in this area soil K was revealed to be under the 70 ppm threshold level. The geostatistical analysis indicated different spatial distribution models and spatial dependence levels for the soil properties. Sodium and OM were strongly distributed in patches. Phosphorous was moderately spatial dependent, and K did not follow a spatial correlated distribution.
Masoud Bijani,; Dariush Hayati; Behrooz Abdolvand
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
Agricultural water conflict describes conflicts among water stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this study was to investigate regional water experts’ opinions towards agricultural water conflicts. The research was conducted in Doroodzan dam irrigation network in Fars Province, ...
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Agricultural water conflict describes conflicts among water stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The purpose of this study was to investigate regional water experts’ opinions towards agricultural water conflicts. The research was conducted in Doroodzan dam irrigation network in Fars Province, Iran. The study was carried out by using a descriptive, correlative method. All regional water experts who worked downstream of Doroodzan dam formed the population of this study (75 experts) of whom 66 people were recruited as a sample from this population. A questionnaire was used as a tool for gathering data and its validity was confirmed by a group of professionals. A pilot study was conducted and Cronbach's alpha test was applied to determine the data collection instrument reliability. Findings revealed that, among groups involved in water conflicts, the main conflict was between farmers in downstream and upstream. Downstream farmers were the main losers in water distribution. The dominant form of water conflict was "open conflict" as well. This result shows water conflict in this area is groing more gradually. The main reasons for increasing water conflict were "drought", "water scarcity" and "the style of water management by the government". According to the experts' opinions, the best type of water management must be a combination of governmental monitoring and local management by farmers. There were no significant differences among different groups of experts in regard to agricultural water conflict.
Fatemeh Darijani,; Hadi Veisi,; Korous khoshbakht,; Houman Liyaghati; Ali Alipour
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the energy equivalents of input and output in greenhouse cucumber production in Varamin County of Tehran Province, Iran. A survey methodology with a sample of 200 greenhouse farms was employed in 2010. The results showed that the output–input ratio, specific ...
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The aim of this study was to examine the energy equivalents of input and output in greenhouse cucumber production in Varamin County of Tehran Province, Iran. A survey methodology with a sample of 200 greenhouse farms was employed in 2010. The results showed that the output–input ratio, specific energy and energy productivity were 0.017, 46.84MJ/kg and 0.02 kg/MJ, respectively. In this sense, diesel (99.03%), human labour (0.37%) and fertilizer (0.34%), had the highest proportion of energy consumption. Based on the results obtained, twostrategies including input substitution and using technical progress were recommended for the best energy efficiency.
Shahindokht Barghjelveh; Nima Sayad
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
The focus of this study has been the application of the concept of eco-hydrology through the rehabilitation of Tehran’s Farahzad River-valley’s urban landscape. The key element in the implementation of the concept has been the ecological management of the river-valley as the spatial link ...
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The focus of this study has been the application of the concept of eco-hydrology through the rehabilitation of Tehran’s Farahzad River-valley’s urban landscape. The key element in the implementation of the concept has been the ecological management of the river-valley as the spatial link between geomorphology, vegetation, hydrology and land use. The study follows the proposition that to attain more qualified public spaces resulting from the development of urban river-valleys’ natural environments, it is necessary to stop the continuous ecological destruction of landscapes and to take steps to improve their ecological connectivity. Based on the potentials and the limitations of the region, the solutions for enhancing the quality of Tehran’s Farahzad River-valley’s public space, are derived from different levels of landscape management: System Ecology, Urban Ecology and Human Ecology. According to principles of landscape ecology, these strategies are provided to manage landscape’s resource allocation (level of construction and use), landscapes’ socio-spatial programming (level of ground coverage), and landscapes’ bio-socio-spatial networkfunction (level of recreational infrastructure). In this study, the analytical framework of the proposed component model is used for examining the quality of Tehran’s Farahzad River-valley’s Public Space. The information regarding this assessment is collected through observations and statistics gathered from relevant organizations.
Mohammad Rezaipour; Moslem Akbarinia; Masoud Tabar Kochaksaraei
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
Of the 49 samples taken, the relationship between surface soil factors with understory vegetation diversity was investigated (Shannon's- H/, diversity index) along with the species tree by Canonical Components Analysis (CCA). Soil samples were taken and analyzed for pH, EC, C, K, Na, Mg, N, P, clay, ...
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Of the 49 samples taken, the relationship between surface soil factors with understory vegetation diversity was investigated (Shannon's- H/, diversity index) along with the species tree by Canonical Components Analysis (CCA). Soil samples were taken and analyzed for pH, EC, C, K, Na, Mg, N, P, clay, sand, loam and organic matter. Major soil gradients of the study area were determined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and were used in additional analyses rather than the original factors, thus avoiding the co-linearity problem. The relationship between understoryspecies diversity with soil gradients were studied by multiple regressions and the species tree by CCA. Results showed that the relationship of soil gradients with understory diversity was best described by a unimodal curve and the species tree by a CCA graph. The most important variables were the soil gradients with understory diversity, clay percentage, silt percentage, N and Mg. Also, within the species tree were clay, silt, sand and organic matter. However, there were unexplained variations in the relationship between soil factors and understory diversity. The remaining variation could partly be explained by thecanopy cover.
Janet Blake
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
There exists an intimate and mutually-reinforcing relationship between linguistic and biological diversity. In order to safeguard biological diversity, then, it is vital also that we find ways to protect linguistic diversity under international law – as a common heritage – while also seeking ...
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There exists an intimate and mutually-reinforcing relationship between linguistic and biological diversity. In order to safeguard biological diversity, then, it is vital also that we find ways to protect linguistic diversity under international law – as a common heritage – while also seeking national language policies that encourage it. There are approximately 6,800 different languages worldwide, of which the large majority are indigenous. Many of these are endangered and 6,500 of these languages are spoken by only 10% of the world’s population, placing many of them in a situation of extreme endangerment: as many as 90% will become extinct by the next century. Biological diversity faces a similarly dramatic decline and so it is a matter of extreme urgency to respond to various factors – including language loss – that contribute to this. This article aims to present the relationship of linguistic and biological diversity – with an emphasis on local and indigenous languages – in a way that can provide the basis for law- and policy-making. In so doing, it will also provide an analysis of the existing international law national policy frameworks relevant to the effective safeguarding of linguistic diversity and, in particular, with a view to fostering the contribution of the world’s languages to preserving biodiversity.
Ghodratollah Heydari; Reza Tamartash; Mohammadreza Tatian; Mohsen Baghestanifar
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
The intensive grazing of livestock of is one of the physical destroyer pressures on the rangeland ecosystems that cause reduction of vegetation and species variations. The basis for this study was to investigate the grazing effect of livestock on the plant characteristics in the grazed and non-grazed ...
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The intensive grazing of livestock of is one of the physical destroyer pressures on the rangeland ecosystems that cause reduction of vegetation and species variations. The basis for this study was to investigate the grazing effect of livestock on the plant characteristics in the grazed and non-grazed area. The Mountain rangelands of Gorgan, which have been moderately and heavily grazed areas, were selected. The systematic sampling was done randomly on four plots with three transects in each area. Simpson, Shannon, Menhinick and Margalef indices in PAST Software, recorded the species characteristics as diversity and richness in each plot. The data method used to analyzed there data was analysis of variance and means comparison in MINITAB Software. The results showed that the vegetation indices in heavily grazed area were less than the non-grazed area. The species diversity did not show significant difference in the moderately grazed areas comparable to other regions.
Mohammad Yazdi,; Esmaeel Ramazani; Bahador Aminian
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
The Arak Alumina Plant (Iralco) is located in the city of Arak in Central Province, Iran. The industry is of great social, economic, and political importance only for this province but for Iran as a whole. On the other hand, the industry is one of the environmental challenges of the province and the ...
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The Arak Alumina Plant (Iralco) is located in the city of Arak in Central Province, Iran. The industry is of great social, economic, and political importance only for this province but for Iran as a whole. On the other hand, the industry is one of the environmental challenges of the province and the country. Hence, it is a typical case for understanding the relationship between national security and environmental problems. The following paper is the first attempt to set an example on how to deal with such issues. There is a growing perception that environmental degradation, inequitable access to natural resources and hazardous materials increase the probability of conflict and thereby pose a risk to human rights and even national security. This environmental security research seeks to facilitate a process to motivate action to advance and protect local peace and the environment at the same time. The following research focuses on assessing environmental problems in Iralco, which threaten security, societal stability and peace, human health and sustainable livelihoods within the country and the city of Arak. The results show the positive effect of the close collaboration of Government, security and environment offices, environmental and security experts and even local NGOs. Also, this research has carried out assessments for understanding the linkages between the environment and security in the political and socio-economic aspects of Iralco in Arak. The research also contributes to increasing the perception of the interdependency of natural resources, socio-economic development and political stability in Iran and other similar local industrialized regions.
Nasrin Otadi; Amir Hesam Hassani
Volume 10, Issue 1 , October 2012
Abstract
Pars Oil Refinery, situated 22 km away from metropolitan Tehran, is one of the most important motor oil refineries in the country. Currently, the refinery is composed of various sections including the Furfural, Separation, Storage, Blending, Can-making, Barrel-making and Dyeing, Loading and Unloading, ...
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Pars Oil Refinery, situated 22 km away from metropolitan Tehran, is one of the most important motor oil refineries in the country. Currently, the refinery is composed of various sections including the Furfural, Separation, Storage, Blending, Can-making, Barrel-making and Dyeing, Loading and Unloading, Antifreeze, Grease-making, Boiler, Repair, and Laboratory Units. In the study area, because of such reasons as the high groundwater table the company has failed to launch the biological section of its wastewater treatment plant. In addition, with the possibility of effluents from residents’ sanitary wastewater as well as those from agriculture lands penetrating the soil and ending up in the underground water of the studied area, the present research was conducted on such an environmental dilemma. In order to investigate the hypothesis of effluent penetration into underground water, four stations were selected from among water wells existing throughout the area, and then the parameters of pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, colour, nitrite, electrical conductivity (EC), sulfate, dissolved solids, ammonia, furfural, heavy metals, and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were analyzed. It is noteworthy that the analyses were conducted on water samples seasonally from December 2006 to May 2009. Afterwards, through comparison of the results obtained from the forenamed tests and using standard values, the research hypothesis was confirmed. In other words, effluents do penetrate the wells and pollute the underground water.
Mohammad Hossein Sharifzadegan,; Naghmeh Mobarghaei; Pouya Joudi
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
The creation of environmental problems in both developing and developed countries has attracted more attention to the question of environmental conservation during the decision making process. Rapid development and its effect on the environment have resulted in impact assessment to become a part of development ...
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The creation of environmental problems in both developing and developed countries has attracted more attention to the question of environmental conservation during the decision making process. Rapid development and its effect on the environment have resulted in impact assessment to become a part of development activities and it has been necessary to assess strategies for selecting the best one. The implementation of sustainable development requires several support instruments of which the main one is environmental impact assessment which places more emphasis on access to sustainable forms in the development process. Recently, Regional Environmental Assessment (REA) has become known as an effective instrument in supporting the local sustainable development process. In this research, effort has been given to analyzing unsustainable socio-economic development patterns by applying REA in Sahand region.In addition some strategies have been created for localizing Agenda 21 and promoting sustainable and multi-sectoral development in this region. These results indicate that most environmental problems in the region are due to unsustainable socio-economic activities and too little attention being paid by the responsible institutions at the regional level. Hence, in order to minimize environmental problems and supporting the local sustainable development, not only is it necessary to propose development actions by considering the environmental parameters at the beginning of plans and policies, but we should also proceed to develop the necessary strategic actions in order to modify the causes of environmental problems due to unsustainable socio-economic development.
Shahram Jafarnia; Seyed Mohammad Hojjati; Yahya Kooch
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
In this study, a statistical survey of the mangrove habitat of Qeshm Island was carried out for better public recognition and its structure and the vegetative mangrove forest components as well as their relationship to the physical and chemical characteristics of soil and water were examined. In order ...
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In this study, a statistical survey of the mangrove habitat of Qeshm Island was carried out for better public recognition and its structure and the vegetative mangrove forest components as well as their relationship to the physical and chemical characteristics of soil and water were examined. In order to do this, six transects were chosen in three regions of mangrove with closed, medium, and low canopy density, respectively. In 60 sample plots, the vegetative parameters, tree density per hectare, canopy percentage, aerial root density and height, regeneration, and tree height were measured per unit area. In the center of each sample, fifteen physical and chemical soil and water parameters were measured. Finally, the relationship between the various vegetative characteristics at different cover densities and soil-water characteristic levels was studied using principal component analysis (PCA). The results of PCA on fifteen recorded environmental variables showed that the first and second principal components explain 86.63% and 13.36% of the evaluated parameter changes, respectively. Generally, the soil organic matter and clay percentage as well as the sodium level in areas with high densities of cover are considered to be factors impacting on the vegetative characteristics of Hara trees.
Ali Akbar Matkan,; Mohammad Yazdi,; Davood Ashoorloo; Narges Sadati
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
The Siyah Bisheh area is located in the central part of Alborz zone, 40 km to the south of Amol. Rock units exposed in the area consist of sedimentary (carbonates, sandstone, siltstone), volcano-sedimentary (andesite to andesitic tuff, tuff), ignimbrite and basalt. Once erosion and tectonism have rendered ...
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The Siyah Bisheh area is located in the central part of Alborz zone, 40 km to the south of Amol. Rock units exposed in the area consist of sedimentary (carbonates, sandstone, siltstone), volcano-sedimentary (andesite to andesitic tuff, tuff), ignimbrite and basalt. Once erosion and tectonism have rendered volcanic structures undetectable, remote sensing provides an invaluable tool for their identification and identifying the relationship between lithology and vegetation has shown that the integrated use of remote sensing techniques and field studies can be a powerful tool for distinguishing and mapping the relationships between rock units, structures and alteration zones associated with mineral deposits along the Seyih Bishe area. The main image analysis techniques involved in this study were principal component analysis (PCA) and false color composite (FCC).
Parviz Gholami,; Jamshid Ghorbani; Maryam Shokri
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
The conversion of natural ecosystems into artificial or man-made ecosystems due to land use change can alter both ecosystem structure and function. The soil seed bank contains a source of viable and germinable seeds which can germinate under suitable environmental conditions. This can produce a new population ...
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The conversion of natural ecosystems into artificial or man-made ecosystems due to land use change can alter both ecosystem structure and function. The soil seed bank contains a source of viable and germinable seeds which can germinate under suitable environmental conditions. This can produce a new population or renew the present plant community. Information about the soil seed bank for Iranian flora is scarce and this study aimed to study the soil seed bank in rangeland which has been excluded from livestock grazing and the nearby area with a history of rangeland conversion into arable lands. We measured the seed bank in soils taken from two depths (0-5 and 5-10 cm) and how soil seed diversity and richness changes with land use changes. The results of this study showed that land use change significantly influenced soil seed bank diversity, species richness indices and functional group. The exclosure area showed the highest species richness, diversity and functional group while these indices significantly declined as rangeland became converted into arable lands. However, the abandoned area did not show significant differences from other two sites. Moreover, some functional groups such as annuals, therophytes, Gramineae and forb significantly reduced from the exclosure to the dryland area. This may show that abandoned areas have a potential according to their diversity and richness for returning into rangelands.
Sara Tajdoost,; Ramezan Ali Khavari-Nejad; Fariba Meighani,; Eskandar Zand; Zahra Noormohammadi
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
The genetic diversity of 17 Cuscuta campestris ecotypes collected from different regions of Iran was assessed using ISSR and protein markers. Ten ISSR primers generated a total of 361 bands, of which 347 bands were polymorphic. PIC (polymorphism information content), based on ISSR and protein data, averaged ...
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The genetic diversity of 17 Cuscuta campestris ecotypes collected from different regions of Iran was assessed using ISSR and protein markers. Ten ISSR primers generated a total of 361 bands, of which 347 bands were polymorphic. PIC (polymorphism information content), based on ISSR and protein data, averaged 0.66 and 0.4 per primer, respectively. Cluster analysis and PCA plots derived from Dice’s similarity coefficientof the two-marker systems were highly concordant. The analysis of molecular variance allowed us to partition variation into: 81% (variance among populations) and 19% (variance within populations) based on ISSR data; and 85% (variance among populations) and 15% (within populations) for protein data. This high variation among ecotypes could be due to the high self fertilization, limited gene flow or the low rate of pollen and seed migration among ecotypes. Knowledge of the genetic variability of the weed acquired through using different molecular tools can be helpful in developing management programs in order to effective control of the weed in crop fields.
Azadeh Majdodin,; Mohammad Reza Nili; Hadi Veisi
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to identify and prioritize the educational needs of women teachers of environment at primary school level who, as the target population for the study, were selected from the 17th district of the City of Tehran (Iran). 196 teachers were selected through the stratified random ...
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The purpose of the study was to identify and prioritize the educational needs of women teachers of environment at primary school level who, as the target population for the study, were selected from the 17th district of the City of Tehran (Iran). 196 teachers were selected through the stratified random sampling technique from16 primary schools. The Borich needs assessment model was used to assess the perceived level of importance given by and competence of women teachers regarding 36 professional competencies. Training needs were analyzed and ranked using Mean Weighted Discrepancy Scores (MWDS). From the results of the Borich needs assessment model, four competencies were identified as having a greater requirement for environmental education by women primary school teachers, as follows: teaching methodologies, experiments and activities to facilitate the teaching of environmental subjects, ways of infusing motivation in field trips and evaluation of environmental education. All of these competencies refer to the competence of designing and implementing environmental education.
Hajar Rahimi,; Hamid Reza Pakzad; Mehrdad Pasandi
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
The fine grained sediments of Gavkhoni Playa Lake have the potential for concentrations of heavy metals due to climatic conditions, petrology and the presence of lead and zinc ores in the drainage basin and the passage of Zayandehrud River through industrial and agricultural regions. In this research, ...
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The fine grained sediments of Gavkhoni Playa Lake have the potential for concentrations of heavy metals due to climatic conditions, petrology and the presence of lead and zinc ores in the drainage basin and the passage of Zayandehrud River through industrial and agricultural regions. In this research, muddy sediments from the delta and playa of Gavkhuni Playa Lake were sampled to determine the levels of concentration of heavy metals and the geochemical/sedimentological parameters. Calcium carbonate, pH and organic matter increase while clay and Eh decrease from North to South of the playa. Clay minerals of muddy sediments in their order of frequency include, respectively, illite, chlorite, kaolinite and montmorillonite and the amount of these minerals does not vary from the delta to the south of the playa.Average concentrations of the heavy metals in ppm in order of abundance are: Zn (46.96), Pb (39.25), Co (8.14) and Cd (3.53). Cd and Pb concentrations are greater than normal while the Co and Zn concentrations are almost equal to the usual concentrations of these elements in shale. The Geoaccumulation index shows that the sediments are highly polluted by Cd, slightly to unpolluted polluted by Pb and not polluted to the other heavy metals. Exchangeable cation contents are much lower than the total concentrations. Organic matters play a more important role in the exchangeable concentration of the heavy metals relative to the type and content of clay minerals and their increase has augmented the exchangeable concentrations.
Sadegh Salehi,; Hossein Mahmoodi,; Narges Dibaei; Sara Karimzadeh
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
This paper investigates the relationship between environmental attitudes and environmental behavior (namely, household energy consumption) in Urumia. In this study, attitudes of individuals at two levels of general environmental attitude and specific environmental attitude (energy consumption) have been ...
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This paper investigates the relationship between environmental attitudes and environmental behavior (namely, household energy consumption) in Urumia. In this study, attitudes of individuals at two levels of general environmental attitude and specific environmental attitude (energy consumption) have been studied. According to the research hypotheses, there is a positive and significant correlation between general environmental attitudes and specific environmental attitudes. General environmental attitudes were evaluated based on NEP and, methodologically, a survey method was applied with cluster sampling to choose the samples. The overall results showed that subjects for both attitudes received a high score, and there is a significant and positive relationship between general environmental attitudes and significant environmental behavior (energy consumption). The possible reasons for this result are discussed later in the paper and several suggestions are put forward for further studies.
Mansoureh Karimi,; Gholamreza Savghebe; Babak Motesharezadeh
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
ntensive agriculture and industrial activities in several parts of Iran have reduced soil quality. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of organic and mineral amendments on polluted soil around the Angouran zinc and lead mines. The experimental treatments included two organic treatments: ...
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ntensive agriculture and industrial activities in several parts of Iran have reduced soil quality. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of organic and mineral amendments on polluted soil around the Angouran zinc and lead mines. The experimental treatments included two organic treatments: bagasse and rice husk at three levels, namely 1.25%, 2.5% and 5%, and three minerals treatments as follows: zeolite in three levels (5%, 10% and 15%); phosphate rock at three rates (1%, 3% and 5%); and triple superphosphate in three ratios (0.0075%, 0.015% and 0.3%) accompanied with the control treatment. After three months incubation, the heavy metal (lead, zinc, iron, manganese) concentrations were measured. After that, garden cress was planted in pots and, after completing its vegetative period and harvesting it, heavy metals in the garden cress shoots were measured. The results of data Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the treatments had a significant effect on the reduction of heavy metal concentration in the soil and in garden cress shoots. The least lead concentration (28.17 mg kg⁻¹) was observed in the first level of rice husk and the highest reduction percentage of zinc concentration (34%) in garden cress shoots was found in the second level of rice husk. According to the effect of organic treatments on heavy metals fixation in soil and reduction of plant uptake, usage of organic matter in polluted soils can be a useful way to control the transfer of pollutants.
Saeed motesaddi Zarandi,; Maryam Alipour; Faramarz Moatar
Volume 9, Issue 4 , July 2012
Abstract
One of the global issues of air pollution is global warming. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) prevent the Sun's rays from returning back into space from the Earth's surface. Transport is the main source of GHG emissions whereby CO2, CH4and N2O gases released into the atmosphere from the consumption of fossil ...
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One of the global issues of air pollution is global warming. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) prevent the Sun's rays from returning back into space from the Earth's surface. Transport is the main source of GHG emissions whereby CO2, CH4and N2O gases released into the atmosphere from the consumption of fossil fuels by cars. This study has been conducted in Tehran, in 2010, with the aim of determining the quantity of emissions resulting from the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems as compared with conventional buses.The research methodology is based on the method of the IPCCand using Global Emission Factors. By employing statistics obtained from the Bus Company in Tehran and the Department of the Environment, emissions per passenger, emissions from the BRT system, baselines emissions, and emission reductions due to the introduction of the BRT system in Tehran, have all been calculated for 2010. The results of this calculation show that emissions per passenger in the BRT System, on Lines 1, 4 and 7, respectively, are 188.9, 189.1 and 282.7 (gr/p). The total amount of the BRT system’s emissions in the same lines is, respectively, 3.3×1010, 0.3×1010 and 3.1×1010(tCO2 e). Baseline emissions would be 7.5×1010, 1.4×1010 and 4.8×1010(tCO2 e) if those passengers wish to be transferred by conventional buses. Emission reductions achieved by the BRT system on these lines are 4.2×1010, 1.1×1010 and 1.7×1010(tCO2 e).Results have shown that the average emissions reductions per passenger made by the BRT System over the conventional system is 300 grams per passenger. The total average amount of emissions reductions has been 2.3×1010(tCO2 e), so the BRT system, in addition to raising the quality of the transport, also reduces the level of GHG Emissions compared to the conventional system.
Gholamali Sharzehi; Ahmad Samdeliri
Volume 9, Issue 3 , April 2012
Abstract
In this research, the recreational value of the Radio-darya coast of the Chalous coastline was estimated, alongside the measure of visitors' willingness-to-pay (WTP), by using a contingent valuation (CV) method and dichotomous choice (DC) questionnaire. WTP was measured by using a Logit model which parameters ...
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In this research, the recreational value of the Radio-darya coast of the Chalous coastline was estimated, alongside the measure of visitors' willingness-to-pay (WTP), by using a contingent valuation (CV) method and dichotomous choice (DC) questionnaire. WTP was measured by using a Logit model which parameters were estimated based on the Maximum Likelihood (ML) Model for the year 2009. The results show that 65 percent of investigated individuals will pay for recreational usage of the aforementioned coast. The average WTP is 1169 Rials (about 1 USD) for each visit. Recreational monthly value of this coastal region is more than 37.75 million Rials (about 3230 USD); to be precise, the total annual recreational value of this area is estimated to be about 453 million Rials. Furthermore, the variables of "offer" and "visitors' income" are statistically significant at the level of 1%; so, these two variables are considered as the most important factors affecting visitors' WTP.The next factor influencing their WTP, from the point of view of visitors, is the quality of the coast (coastal neatness and water limpidity) which is significant at the 1% statistical level. Level of education is the next effective factor with significance at the 10% level. Moreover, distance between the coast and place of residence is the next factor affecting WTP negatively at the 10% level.
Morteza Shakeri,; Hossein Ganjidoust; Bita Ayati
Volume 9, Issue 3 , April 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of the USBFprocess for biological nitrogen removal and achieving the optimal hydraulic retention time according to the maximum nitrogen removal in the system. The synthetic wastewater which was used in this research, was a compound of glucose ...
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The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of the USBFprocess for biological nitrogen removal and achieving the optimal hydraulic retention time according to the maximum nitrogen removal in the system. The synthetic wastewater which was used in this research, was a compound of glucose and urea as a carbon and nitrogen source with the COD/N ratio remaining around 10, while the N concentration based on the sum of nitrite and nitrate ions was approximately 50 mg/L. The investigation was carried out over two phases of start up with inoculation, and the operation at differing hydraulic retention times with flow rates of 0.8, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2 lit per hour. The experimental results showed the increasing efficiency of the system in nitrogen removal with increased flow rates, such that 89.4, 92 and 95.1 percent of the initial phosphorus concentrate in the wastewater was removed at flow rates of 0.8, 0.1 and 0.12, respectively; however, at flow rates of 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2 lit per hour, the mean nitrogen removal efficiency was reduced to 93, 88, 83 and 80 percent, respectively. At the end, the hydraulic retention time for the biological nitrogen removal in this process, was determined at 40 hours in the whole system which is equivalent to 5 hours hydraulic retention time in the clarifier. USBF, as an advanced biological process, had an appropriate removal efficiency for the biological treatment of nitrogen.
Ahmad Laleh; Soleiman Amiri,; Gholamhosein Ebrahimipuor; Javad Fakhary
Volume 9, Issue 3 , April 2012
Abstract
The crude oil of various oil reservoirs contain up to 7% sulfur and between 50 - 95 % of this sulfur is in the form of different thiophenes. The combustion of organosulfur compounds produces sulfur oxides that are the main cause of acidic rain and environmental pollution. The current method for desulfurization ...
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The crude oil of various oil reservoirs contain up to 7% sulfur and between 50 - 95 % of this sulfur is in the form of different thiophenes. The combustion of organosulfur compounds produces sulfur oxides that are the main cause of acidic rain and environmental pollution. The current method for desulfurization is hydrodesulfurization which is too expensive and sulfur does not get completely isolated, therefore, the researchers have focused on biodesulfurization method. Dibenzothiophene (DBT) has been used as a molecule model for validation of microorganisms’ ability in desulfurization. There is no report about chemolithoautotrophic bacteria that desulfurizes the crude oil. The isolated ISA4 bacterium which is used in this study does not break the carbon – carbon bond structure, but only removes the sulfur from the skeleton of DBT. From the industrial viewpoint, this bacterium does not require organic materials as energy and a carbon source for desulfurizing the crude oil. ISA4 Bacterium with 100% query and 99% homology is similar to Klebsiella oxytoca
