@article { author = {Sekhavati, Eghbal and Jalilzadeh Yengejeh, Reza}, title = {Investigation and Optimization of Air Pollution Risk by a Multi-criteria Decision Making Method Using Fuzzy TOPSIS: A Case Study of Construction Workers}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {265-276}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1229}, abstract = {Background: Investigating human health during work importantly affect the safety and efficiency of the society. Different types of activity, including industrial, constructional, heavy duty ones, etc., affect the health of workers during their activities. In this study, the Multi-Objective Decision-Making (MODM) method was combined with fuzzy TOPSIS to investigate and optimize the air pollution risk affecting the health and safety of construction workers of Lar City, Fars Province, Iran.Methods: The comparison matrices (binary) and the Phillips–Perron test of different criteria and sub-criteria of health risk, including safety view, safety efficiency, understanding the risk, and risk investigation, were assessed to find the most influential factors for the optimization of the health risk of the workers.Results: Accordingly, the results indicated that “understanding the risk” followed by “safety efficiency” affected the health risk of the construction workers the most. However, among the sub-criteria, the most effective ones were “worker knowledge”, “manager knowledge”, “logistic specialized managers”, “modern facilities”, and “modern technology”. The selection of the linear and non-linear models was conducted according to the F values, and the model parameters were estimated using the Newton-Raphson test. Most coefficients were significant at P= 0.99. The model also has a high describing value of 0.97. The final estimated homogeneity coefficient was equal to 1.31, and it ranged from 0.86 to 2.72 for the critical risk investigation. The significance of the present research is to increase the health and safety of workers during work resulting in a more sustainable and healthier environment.Conclusion: Accordingly, the managers could handle the risks, determine the tolerable risks, indicate the risk of each process to control expenses, and take the essential measures for optimization.}, keywords = {Risk Assessment,MODM,Fuzzy TOPSIS,Air Pollution Risk,Construction Workers}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137302.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137302_5a2abc057f45e8b8c76cc79388cbe205.pdf} } @article { author = {Ostadi, Fatemeh and Mortezazadeh, Fatemeh and Gholami-Borujeni, Fathollah}, title = {Comparing and Prioritizing Different Methods of Collection and Decontamination of Waste in Decentralized Healthcare Centers}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {277-284}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1217}, abstract = {Background: One of the most critical problems in the safe management of healthcare wastes is using different methods in decentralized centers in Iran. This study aimed to compare and prioritize different methods of collection and decontamination of healthcare waste in decentralized health centers in Iran.Methods: In this descriptive-analytical research, we studied various methods of collecting and decontaminating the healthcare waste of decentralized healthcare centers in Iran in terms of administrative, health, economic and environmental. Also, the opinions and the preferences of experts for selecting each method were collected and analyzed.Results: According to environmental health experts, health issues had the highest priority for decontamination of waste from decentralized health centers. Waste collection by special vehicles with the help of the private sector and transfer to centralized disinfection centers is the best method of collecting waste (33%). Also, decontamination by autoclave was the most desirable method (56%) of decontamination. According to the experts’ opinions, landfilling is the most harmful, and autoclave/hydroclave is the least harmful method to the climate and soil. Based on the environmental health experts, the health aspect was the most important priority in waste management of decentralized healthcare centers (54%).Conclusion: The most appropriate way to decontaminate this type of waste is autoclaving after collection at a centralized location. It is suggested that further studies be conducted on modern collection and disinfection systems along with localization and determination of workplace health policies.}, keywords = {Waste decontamination,Health care waste,Decentralized health centers}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137299.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137299_ede6d7c0a250d78a84fe934105007546.pdf} } @article { author = {Mahdipour, Azam and Zaeimdar, Mojgan and Sekhavatjou, Mohammad Sadegh and Jozi, Sayed Ali}, title = {Investigating the Non-carcinogenic Risk and Hazard Quotient of Heavy Metals in High-traffic Districts of Tehran Metropolis, Iran}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {285-298}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1219}, abstract = {Background: This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals bound to airborne Particulate Matter (PM) in high-traffic districts of Tehran, Iran, and to determine the carcinogenic risk and Hazard Quotient (HQ) of these metals using a descriptive-applied method.Methods: Six indoor/outdoor stations were established in three high-traffic districts of Tehran. Each station was sampled with six replicates in winter 2018 (36 samples in total). After extracting the metals from fiberglass filters by acid digestion based on the ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials method), the concentrations of heavy metals were determined by an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES) device. The human health risk was evaluated according to the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standard method. The obtained data were analyzed by the Spearman correlation and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) in SPSS.Results: Districts 2, 3, and then 15 were the most high-traffic areas of Tehran in descending order. Average heavy metal concentrations were detected in order of Al>Fe>Pb>Mn>Cu>Zn>Cr>As>Ni>Cd. Also, the heavy metals concentrations were significantly different between indoor and outdoor environments. The correlations between heavy metal concentrations, carcinogenic risk, and HQ were significant in all three districts (P<0.05). Mean carcinogenic risk variables, HQ levels, and heavy metal concentrations in all three regions were in order of districts 15>2>3 and outdoors>indoors.Conclusion: Based on the results, serious measures are recommended to control traffic congestion in Tehran to prevent cancer risk and other health hazards caused by heavy metal bonded TSP (total suspended particulate matter).}, keywords = {Cancer risk,Hazard Quotient,PM2.5,Particulate Matter,Traffic Congestion}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_140970.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_140970_2024777123f96bf27e30853cd2710bcf.pdf} } @article { author = {Mohammadian, Farough and Mehri, Ahmad and Abedi, Kamaladdin and Ebrahimi, Hossein and Laal, Fereydoon and Falahi, Hamed}, title = {A Simplified Approach to Evaluate Retinal Blue Light Hazard Using the Correlated Color Temperature of LED Light Sources}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {299-310}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1226}, abstract = {Background: Visible light of short wavelength (blue light) can damage the retina cells, called blue light hazard. To protect the retina, permissible exposure limits have been determined by ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) and other health and safety agencies. These limits include complex physical concepts, and their evaluation requires light measuring instruments equipped with a blue light hazard function filter, which is not available at the moment in developing countries. This study aims to assess retinal blue light hazard using the correlated color temperature of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) light sources.Methods: In this study, a new method was proposed for evaluating the retinal blue light hazard using only the Correlated Color Temperature (CCL) of LED light sources for which concern on blue light hazard has currently been reinforced. In the proposed method, the radiometric quantity (blue light effective radiance) in W.m-2.sr-1 was converted to the corresponding photometric quantity (blue light effective luminance) in lm.m-2.sr-1. Then a computer code was developed for relevant calculations.Results: The estimated permissible exposure times applying the new photometry approach were highly reliable and supported by the literature. The proposed method is particularly useful because it eliminates the need to utilize any light measuring device.Conclusion: The new approach makes the concept of blue light hazard straightforward and understandable for all specialists dealing with optical radiation safety.}, keywords = {Blue light hazard,Permissible exposure time,Light-Emitting Diode (LED),Correlated color temperature}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_140441.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_140441_920e43b51a0af37d99f45983138a3a78.pdf} } @article { author = {Baghaie, Amir Hossein}, title = {Effect of Drought Stress, Soil Salinity, P. indica, and MWCNs on Biodegradation of Diesel Oil in the Pb- and Cd-Polluted Soil Under Cultivation of Triticale Plant}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {311-320}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1232}, abstract = {Background: Today, soil pollution with heavy metals and petroleum compounds is one of the main environmental problems. This research was done to investigate the effect of drought stress, soil salinity, Piriformospora indica (P. indica), and MWCNs on biodegradation of diesel oil in the soil that contaminated with Pb and Cd under cultivation of triticale plant.Methods: Treatments consisted of applying MWCNs (2% [W/W]) in the Pb- and Cd-polluted soil that was simultaneously polluted with diesel oil (0, 5, and 10% [W/W]), and the plants used in this study were inoculated with P. indica. After 70 days, plants were harvested, and plant and soil Cd were measured using AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry). In addition, the degradation percentage of diesel oil in soil was determined.Results: Soil application of MWCNs at the rate of 2% (W/W) significantly increased the biodegradation of diesel oil in the soil in the drought and salinity (6 dS/m) stress by 11.3% and 15.6%, respectively. In addition, plant inoculation with P. indica significantly increased the biodegradation of diesel oil in the soil by 12.3%. For salinity (6 dS/m) and drought stress, it was increased by 8.3% and 9.4%, respectively. In addition, the Pb and Cd concentrations decreased by 14.3% and 12.8%, respectively, when the MWCNs were added to the soil (2% [W/W]).Conclusion: Soil application of MWCNs and plant inoculation with P. indica not only increased the biodegradation of diesel oil but also decreased the plant Pb and Cd concentrations.}, keywords = {Drought,Salinity,Diesel oil,Bio-degradation,P. indica}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137560.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137560_5298cacf683fba28f1d3fca06aa2e13d.pdf} } @article { author = {Bineshpour, Meghdad and Payandeh, Khoshnaz and Nazarpour, Ahad and Sabzalipour, Sima}, title = {Assessment of Human Health Risk and Surface Soil Contamination by Some Toxic Elements in Arak City, Iran}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {321-332}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1233}, abstract = {Background: Population growth, numerous factories, and many vehicles are the primary sources of environmental pollution and toxic elements in the industrial city of Arak, Iran.Methods: In June 2016, a total of 30 toxic element samples were taken from surface soils to examine their contents of lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd). The samples were collected from 0 to 20 cm depth and measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) (PG990 Model).Results: The results showed that the mean concentrations of all toxic elements except arsenic had a higher value than the background values in the world. The Top Enrichment Factor (TEF) of toxic elements of nickel, chromium, lead, and copper was higher than other elements. The Potential Ecological Risk (PER) index showed high and very high risk for the elements. For all elements, the Hazard Index (HI) values were higher for children than for adults. Moreover, the results of carcinogenic health risk assessment (Carcinogenicity Risk [CR]) of the toxic elements for Cr in children with an average value of 0.001 and adults with an average value of 3.81e-04 showed that the CR of chromium for children poses a serious threat to the health of children and adults.Conclusion: In general, the toxic element pollution for the surface soil of Arak is of concern, and significant measures should be taken to reduce the pollutants.}, keywords = {Arak,Toxic elements,Pollution indicators,health assessment}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_138179.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_138179_22ca654148371a2135fee2e552db446f.pdf} } @article { author = {Mohammadi, Mahmoud and Ghasemi, Saber and Parvaresh, Hossein and Dehghani Ghanateghestani, Mohsen}, title = {Comparing the Performance Evaluation Models of Gas Refineries Using AHP and TOPSIS}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {333-344}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1238}, abstract = {Background: To basically solve the critical environmental problems, macro and infrastructural perspectives of rational development should be designed following environmental protection rules. Creating the proper performance measurement systems in every organization has had a promising interest in university studies, and many researchers are working on it.Methods: This research intends to compare and rank 4 evaluation performance models used in gas refineries. To achieve the desired model in this study, we employed the grounded theory. The study research consisted of 20 professionals and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) managers of gas refineries who had relevant experience and skills in this area. The normal score was estimated based on the weight obtained from the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to apply the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) process and prioritize the models.Results: The pairwise comparison matrix of 4 research models of the balanced scoring card, European foundation for quality management business excellence model, Iran national quality award, and environmental performance evaluation depicted that the geometric mean of the evaluation criteria includes the following items: the capability to quantify qualitative data for environmental performance, facilitating, efficient implementing, structuring, and mapping a roadmap of organization maturity to select an environmental performance estimated at 1.22, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. Also, the normal weights of these four criteria are estimated at 0.3039423, 0.2242449, 0.2347026, and 0.2371102, respectively.Conclusion: The findings resulting from prioritizing the organization’s Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE) models based on TOPSIS depicted that the suggested model with relative proximity to 99% is the first choice of EPE for the gas refinery.}, keywords = {Gas refinery,Environmental Performance Evaluation,model,AHP,TOPSIS}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137298.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_137298_49e8262b2acae6a1510cef6f3a475f9e.pdf} } @article { author = {Nikpour, Behzad and Jalilzadeh Yengejeh, Reza and Takdastan, Afshin and Hassani, Amir Hessam and Zazouli, Mohammad}, title = {Studying the Effluent Quality of Enhanced Modified Ludzack Ettinger-oxic Settling Anaerobic Process (E-MLE-OSA) for Treating Real Municipal Wastewater}, journal = {Journal of Advances in Environmental Health Research}, volume = {9}, number = {4}, pages = {345-360}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences}, issn = {2676-3478}, eissn = {2345-3990}, doi = {10.32598/JAEHR.9.4.1243}, abstract = {Background: Wastewater collection, treatment, discharge, additionally as reusing the treated wastewater in urban are critical factors for maintaining public health preventing contamination of water resources. This study aimed to investigate the performance of enhanced modified Ludzack Ettinger process-oxic settling anaerobic (MLE-OSA) process for treating real municipal wastewater in Sari wastewater Treatment, Sari City, Iran.Methods: To combine the OSA process technique with the MLE system, the Sludge Holding Tanks (SHT) were implemented in the return sludge line of designed pilot studies which comprised 1) MLE, which was regarded as the control system similar; 2) MLE-OSA4 with a 70-L SHT operated at 4-h Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT), and 3) MLEOSA6 with a 107-L SHT operated at 6-h HRT. To start the process, the overflow effluent of the primary settling tank of the Sari wastewater treatment plant was used. After 45-60 days, the reactors reached a steady state. The parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP), temperature, pH, Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), and nutrients were analyzed.Results: The results revealed that the average TSS, COD, BOD, phosphorus, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen in MLEOSA4 effluent decreased 20.1, 14.6, 2.97, 10, 51.1, 19.3, and 20.7%, respectively compared to MLE. Similarly, in MLE-OSA6, the values decreased 34.2, 16.1, 14.6, 16.7, 69.6, 31.3, and 25.8%, respectively compared to the control process.Conclusion: Therefore, using natural wastewater, the enhanced MLE-OSA process showed better performance in removing the study parameters and better quality for the effluent. Furthermore, the quality of effluent is following the Iran Department of Environment (IDE).}, keywords = {Municipal wastewater,Wastewater Treatment,MLE process,OSA process,nutrient removal,Enhanced MLE-OSA process}, url = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_140971.html}, eprint = {https://jaehr.muk.ac.ir/article_140971_6c5cff1e765c4a33e419ba03abe7304f.pdf} }