Showing 171 results for Waste
Abdolrahman Gharanjic, Ramazan Ali Dianati Tilaki, Samaneh Dehghan, Abutaleb Bay, Fathollah Gholami-Borujeni,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Proper operation and maintenance of hospital waste sterilization devices are crucial for preventing the spread of infections and hazardous diseases, as well as for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aims to assess the operational and maintenance status of medical waste sterilization devices in public and private hospitals in Golestan Province.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 17 public and 6 private hospitals in Golestan Province, all of which were equipped with vacuum steam autoclaves (without shredders) for medical waste sterilization. Monthly microbiological sampling was performed by an accredited environmental laboratory. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and personal interviews, with results analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, and central tendency measures.
Results: The overall microbial sterilization performance of the devices was 97.07%, indicating high efficacy in waste treatment. When comparing hospital types, public hospitals demonstrated a 96.93% satisfactory sterilization rate, while private hospitals performed slightly better at 97.22%. Regarding preventive maintenance, compliance was suboptimal, with public hospitals adhering to maintenance protocols 68.62% of the time, compared to 77.77% in private hospitals. Additionally, the sanitary conditions of sterilization device locations met required standards in 94.11% of public hospitals but only 69.05% of private hospitals, suggesting variability in facility upkeep.
Conclusion: To ensure device effectiveness and minimize risks in hospital waste management, implementing preventive maintenance programs and providing continuous staff training on proper device use are essential.
Kiandokht Ghanati, Amirali Aghamohammadi, Nader Akbari, Gazal Mirzaei, Mahsa Karimi-Sarzameleh, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Parisa Sadighara,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: A large amount of waste is generated from shrimp farming, primarily consisting of shrimp heads and shells. These wastes are often discharged into aquatic environments, where they act as pollutants and threaten the survival of other aquatic organisms. Therefore, reusing shrimp waste can help reduce water pollution and mitigate its environmental impact.
Material and Methods: In this study, carotenoids from shrimp waste were extracted using three methods: acidic, enzymatic, and alkaline. The amount of carotenoids was quantified for each extraction method. Their antioxidant effects on crude sunflower oil, in the presence of copper sulfate, were then evaluated using the TBARS assay. In this method, malondialdehyde levels are measured as an indicator of lipid oxidation. For this purpose, equal amounts of the extracted carotenoids were added to crude sunflower oil along with copper sulfate and placed on a shaker for 24 hours. Subsequently, the malondialdehyde content was measured.
Results: The highest carotenoid yield was obtained using the alkaline extraction method. In the TBARS assay, the alkaline method also demonstrated the greatest inhibition of lipid peroxidation in the presence of copper sulfate.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that the alkaline method is a simple and cost-effective approach for extracting carotenoids from shrimp waste. These carotenoids are bioactive and valuable compounds with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Farhad Khosravani, Enayat Abbasi, Shahla Choobchian,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although cultural and educational challenges contribute to the rising levels of food waste, public participation plays a crucial role in its fundamental management. This study aims to investigate the significance of citizen engagement and to develop a behavioral model for sustainable household food waste management in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: This study adopts a quantitative research paradigm and was conducted using a survey method. The statistical population comprised 2,239,907 households in Tehran, from which a sample of 384 households was selected based on Krejcie and Morgan’s sampling table, using a stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation. Data were collected through a researcher-designed questionnaire, the content and face validity of which were confirmed by a panel of professors in agricultural extension and education, as well as experts in waste management. The reliability of the questionnaire was supported by Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.78 to 0.92. Path analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) in LISREL software was employed to evaluate the predictive power of the independent variables on the dependent variable.
Results: According to the results of the path analysis and the R² statistic, the variables of citizens' intention toward sustainable food waste management, environmental attitude, environmental awareness and knowledge, place attachment, satisfaction, and social trust collectively explained 67% of the variance in citizens' participatory behavior related to sustainable food waste management.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that citizens' environmental awareness and attitudes play a significant role in their participation in sustainable food waste management. In other words, individuals with greater knowledge of the environmental consequences of food waste are more likely to adopt effective waste management practices. Therefore, the development and implementation of targeted educational programs aimed at enhancing public awareness and fostering positive environmental attitudes are essential. Such initiatives can significantly contribute to encouraging participatory behaviors in sustainable food waste management.
Ali Salimifard, Kamyar Yaghmaeian, Mina Aghaei, Nazanin Dastjerdi, Fazlollah Changani Khorasgani,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (9-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: This descriptive-analytical study examined 21 years of data from Iran’s sugar industry. Waste production data were extracted from the Iranian Sugar Factories Association, and statistical analyses, including normality tests and Spearman correlation, were conducted using R software. Additionally, ArcGIS software was used to create a distribution map of active sugar beet industries in the country.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study analyzed 21 years of data from Iran’s sugar industry. Waste production data were obtained from the Iranian Sugar Factories Association. Statistical analyses, including normality testing and Spearman correlation, were performed using R software. In addition, ArcGIS software was used to generate a distribution map of active sugar beet industries across the country.
Results: The results indicated a positive correlation between sugar beet consumption and the production of sugar beet pulp and filter mud. The estimated production coefficients were 0.29 and 0.08 tons per ton of raw material, respectively.
Conclusion: Efficient management of these wastes allows for their beneficial use in animal feed, biogas production, and soil amendment. Developing comprehensive waste management strategies is essential to minimize environmental impacts and improve the overall efficiency of the sugar industry.
Sara Ghobadi, Farhad Khosravani, Zohreh Bahmani,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Managing municipal solid waste in megacities like Tehran, which generates approximately 8,500 tons of waste daily, presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Notably, biodegradable organic materials constitute an estimated 60–70% of this waste, necessitating effective management strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic viability of implementing rapid composting technology as an innovative approach to managing Tehran's organic waste.
Materials and Methods: A composting system with a daily processing capacity of 1,000 kilograms of organic waste was analyzed. Economic evaluation employed cost-benefit analysis, calculating financial indicators such as Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Payback Period, and Profitability Index.
Results: The rapid composting technology demonstrated an NPV of 56.6 billion Iranian Rials, an IRR of 20.48%, and a PBP of 3 years and 5 months. The PI was calculated at 3.52, indicating strong economic attractiveness. Environmentally, this technology contributes to reducing landfill volume, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, producing high-quality compost, and decreasing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Conclusion: Implementing rapid composting technology for processing 1,000 kilograms of organic waste daily in a residential complex of 2,000 inhabitants in Tehran is both economically and environmentally justifiable. This approach offers a practical and sustainable solution for urban organic waste management.
Ali Almasi, Samaneh Khademikia, Fatemeh Rajati,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Public participation is fundamental to sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM). This structured review analyzed participation levels, determinants, and barriers in developing countries, focusing on Iran.
Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SID using terms: Municipal Solid Waste Management, Public Participation, Developing Countries, Iran. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies (2019–2025) were included. Data were synthesized via narrative synthesis and thematic analysis (Clarke & Braun, 2006).
Results: Of 2,310 records, 30 studies (20 Iran, 10 others) were included. Most were moderate to high quality. Participation was moderate in 73.3% of studies. Iran’s average was 43.5%. Key determinants: awareness (individual), municipal trust (social), infrastructure/transparency (managerial). Main barriers: institutional distrust (23 studies), lack of source-separation infrastructure (20), recycling opacity (18). A conceptual model with three domains (determinants, barriers, strategies) was developed.
Conclusion: Despite high willingness (up to 70%), actual participation remains moderate to low (43.5%). The core issue is institutional distrust and recycling opacity, not merely awareness deficits. Without trust-building via feedback, infrastructure upgrades, and shifting education from segregation to waste reduction, single-strategy approaches fail. The model offers policymakers a framework to shift from top-down to participatory, trust-based governance.
Bahram Naeimi, Maryam Haddadi, Mahmood Alimohammadi, Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Mina Aghaei, Fazlollah Changani,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (6-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The rapid expansion of industrial and urban activities in recent decades has led to the increased use of electroplating processes and the generation of wastewater containing heavy metals and toxic compounds such as cyanide and phenol. These pollutants can pose significant risks to human health and the environment. This study aims to conduct a quantitative and qualitative assessment of wastewater from electroplating industries and to evaluate its compliance with discharge standards, thereby providing a basis for improving wastewater management and mitigating environmental impacts.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two nickel–chromium and zinc electroplating units equipped with on-site treatment systems in Tehran Province. Following an assessment of the electroplating processes and treatment units, grab sampling was performed twice on both raw wastewater and effluent samples. In each sampling event, six samples were collected, resulting in a total of 12 samples. Physical and chemical characteristics were measured, and the performance of the treatment systems in removing pollutants was evaluated.
Results: The analytical results indicated that in the effluent from unit 1, the concentrations of COD and nickel, and in the effluent from unit 2, the concentration of zinc, exceeded the established permissible limits. The treatment system in the nickel–chromium electroplating unit exhibited the highest removal efficiency for chromium (100%) as well as for zinc, phosphate, and nickel (94–99%), whereas the removal efficiencies for COD and TSS were estimated at 45% and 69%, respectively. In the zinc electroplating unit, the removal efficiencies for nickel, zinc, COD, and phosphate were approximately 98–99%, while the lowest removal efficiencies were observed for cyanide (50%) and copper (33%).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the concentrations of several parameters in the treated effluents exceeded the permissible limits established by Department of Environment (DoE) of Iran standards, highlighting the urgent need to upgrade treatment processes and improving wastewater management.
Hadi Niknejad, Babak Kakavandi, Reza Saeedi, Mehrnoosh Abtahi, Mohsen Hesami Arani, Fereshteh Talebi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Contamination of water resources with malachite green (MG) is considered a significant environmental concern. In this study, a magnetic nanocomposite composed of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash/cobalt ferrite/graphitic carbon nitride (FA@CF@GCN) was synthesized and evaluated for the photocatalytic removal of malachite green from aqueous solutions under visible light irradiation.
Materials and Methods: The FA@CF@GCN nanocomposite was synthesized via a co‑precipitation method and characterized using XRD, FESEM, TEM, VSM, and UV–Vis DRS. The effects of operational parameters, including pH (3–11), malachite green concentration (5–30 mg/L), nanocomposite dosage (0.025–0.125 g), and contact time (10–120 min), on the removal efficiency were investigated. The residual dye concentration was measured at a wavelength of 620 nm using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer.
Results: Characterization results confirmed the successful formation of the nanocomposite, preservation of the crystalline phases of the components, uniform distribution of nanoparticles, and suitable magnetic properties for catalyst recovery. The removal efficiencies of FA, CF, and GCN were 45.17 percent, 38.28 percent, and 32.12 percent, respectively, whereas the FA@CF@GCN nanocomposite achieved a higher degradation efficiency of 68.02 percent, indicating a synergistic effect among its components. Operational parameters, including pH, catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, and irradiation time, significantly influenced the degradation efficiency. Increasing the pH from 3 to 9 enhanced the removal efficiency from 51 percent to 77 percent, whereas increasing the initial dye concentration from 5 to 30 mg/L reduced the efficiency from 83 percent to 62 percent. The optimal conditions were obtained at pH 9, dye concentration of 5 mg/L, catalyst dosage of 0.125 g, and irradiation time of 120 min, under which the removal efficiency exceeded 93 percent.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the fly ash based magnetic FA@CF@GCN nanocomposite can serve as an efficient visible light photocatalyst for the removal of dye pollutants from aqueous environments.
Hamid Fadaei, Gholamhossein Abdollahzadeh, Ahmad Abedi Sarvestani, Mohammad Reza Mahboobi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Waste management in rural areas is particularly important due to its direct impact on community health. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of source-separation behavior and waste disposal options among rural residents of Mashhad County, Razavi Khorasan Province.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 387 householders in Mashhad County, selected using a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and multinomial logistic regression in SPSS 26 software.
Results: Factor analysis of motivations revealed six factors (economic, environmental, socio-cultural, educational, institutional, and religious-ethical), explaining 66.37% of the variance. Barriers to separation were similarly classified into six factors (infrastructural-executive, economic, awareness-educational, cultural-behavioral, social-institutional, and health-related), accounting for 74.04% of the variance. Multinomial logistic regression results showed that the strongest positive predictors for waste management methods were: environmental motivations for "separation and sale" (OR=3.914), educational motivations for "separation and disposal in bins" (OR=1.979), and economic motivations for "reuse" (OR=3.762). Conversely, cultural-behavioral barriers (OR=0.197 to 0.368) and health-related barriers (OR=0.198 to 0.321) emerged as the most significant obstacles to adopting all three methods compared to non-separation.
Conclusion: The success of waste separation programs in rural areas calls for an integrated approach that not only strengthens environmental and economic motivations but also addresses cultural-behavioral and health-related barriers. Educational initiatives should be designed to reshape habits and alleviate health concerns.
Niloofar Nazeri, Shima Nasri, Mohammad Mahdi Sadeghi, Negin Moradizade, Hamid Karyab,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Textile wastewater poses a significant environmental challenge due to the chemical stability of its dyes, which hinders their degradation via conventional treatment methods. This study focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of a novel TiO₂@MMT@DCD nanocomposite aimed at enhancing the removal efficiency of reactive dyes from textile effluents and improving photocatalytic performance in dye degradation.
Materials and Methods: The TiO₂@MMT@DCD nanocomposite was synthesized through a two-step process, including the preparation of the TiO₂@MMT composite via a modified co-precipitation method, followed by surface modification using DCD resin. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The dye removal performance was evaluated using a jar test under optimized conditions (pH 6.5, adsorbent dosage 1.5 g/L, contact time 32 min, at ambient temperature). Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity was assessed by monitoring the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.
Results: BET analysis revealed that the synthesized nanocomposite possessed a specific surface area of 23.94 m²/g, a total pore volume of 0.0877 cm³/g, and an average pore diameter of 14.66 nm. The maximum removal efficiency for reactive dyes reached 99.25% under optimized conditions, significantly surpassing the 84.75% achieved by the TiO₂@MMT composite. This highlights the effective synergistic interaction between montmorillonite, TiO₂, and the DCD polymer. Additionally, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of methylene blue under UV light reached approximately 99%, confirming the essential role of TiO₂ in the photocatalytic oxidation process.
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the DCD@MMT@TiO₂ nanocomposite exhibits superior dye removal performance by simultaneously leveraging coagulation, adsorption, and photocatalytic degradation mechanisms. The significant enhancement in removal efficiency compared to the MMT@ TiO₂ counterpart underscores the synergistic effect among the nanocomposite's constituents, highlighting its efficacy for the treatment of dye-laden wastewater.
Elaheh Mosharrafi Zanouzi, Davood Kahforoushan, Sahar Esmaeili,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (9-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The agricultural reuse of landfill leachate requires effective removal of both organic and inorganic pollutants. Due to its high organic load (COD) and elevated concentrations of toxic ions such as ammonia and chloride, landfill leachate poses a significant threat to soil and water resources. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Fenton process, adsorption, and a combined Fenton–adsorption process for the removal of these contaminants and to assess the feasibility of reusing the treated effluent for agricultural purposes.
Materials and Methods: The effects of iron dosage (0.5–4.5 g/L), hydrogen peroxide dosage (2–12 mL/L), pH (2–4), and reaction time (15–120 min) were investigated forthe Fenton process. For the adsorption process, the effects of zeolite particle size (0.074–3 mm), zeolite dosage (12.5–22.5 g/L), pH (5.6–9.6), and contact time (1–3 h) were evaluated. Subsequently, the combined Fenton–adsorption process was performed under optimal operating conditions and its performance was compared with that of each individual process.
Results: The maximum COD removal efficiency in the Fenton process (56%) was achieved at pH 3, an iron dosage of 3.5 g/L, a hydrogen peroxide dosage of 10 mL/L, and a reaction time of 60 min. In the adsorption process, the highest COD removal efficiency (21%) was obtained using a zeolite particle size of 1–3 mm and a zeolite dosage of 12.5 g/L. Ammonia removal reached 91% in the Fenton process and 94% in the combined process, indicating a synergistic effect. The highest chloride removal efficiency (46%) was achieved by the combined process, whereas the Fenton process alone showed a lower chloride removal efficiency.
Conclusion: Although the Fenton process exhibited superior performance in removing organic pollutants, its integration with zeolite adsorption significantly improved the removal of inorganic contaminants, particularly ammonia and chloride. Therefore, the combined process can be considered an efficient treatment option for the polishing of landfill leachate and for improving its quality for potential agricultural reuse.
