University of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Impact of fertilizers on the uptake of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K by pot-grown rice plants1105587310.7508/pj.2016.01.001ENMohammed SaadAlsaffarSchool of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Penang, 11800, MalaysiaMohamadSuhaimi JaafarSchool of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Penang, 11800, MalaysiaNorlailiAhmad KabirSchool of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Penang, 11800, MalaysiaNisarAhmadSchool of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Penang, 11800, MalaysiaJournal Article20150801Fertilizers usually enhance potassium (K) content and other naturally occurring radioactive materials in agricultural fields that eventually enter the human food chain through plants. In this study, pot-grown rice plants planted in soil that is relatively high in natural radioactive content was used to estimate the individual influence of fertilizer applications on the uptake of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K using gamma-ray spectrometry. Three types of common fertilizers used in rice cultivation (with percentages) 17.5N:15.5P:10K, 17N:3P:25K+2MgO, and 46N (i.e., urea) were separately added to the potted-rice plants which were in three different growth stages: emergence stage (10 days), maximum tillering stage (40 days), and initiation stage (70 days). Fertilizers at various concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg kg–1) were applied in the first stage of plant growth, whereas only 200 mg kg–1 fertilizer was applied in the second and third stages. Results showed that the uptake of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K by rice grains was affected by different concentrations of fertilizer and its application time. However, these findings suggested insignificant health risk related to the ingestion dose of grains treated with selected fertilizers.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55873_87197094d63916aa18ee5315bea2cb54.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101A prediction distribution of atmospheric pollutants using support vector machines, discriminant analysis and mapping tools (Case study: Tunisia)11235587410.7508/pj.2016.01.002ENSouhirBedouiResearch Laboratory on Electronics and information Technologies: LETI National School of Engineers Sfax, University of Sfax, TunisiaSamiGomriMicro Electro Thermal Systems METS Laboratory National School of Engineering of Sfax, University of Sfax, TunisiaHekmetSametResearch Laboratory on Electronics and information Technologies: LETI National School of Engineers Sfax, University of Sfax, TunisiaAbdennaceurKachouriResearch Laboratory on Electronics and information Technologies: LETI National School of Engineers Sfax, University of Sfax, TunisiaJournal Article20150806Monitoring and controlling air quality parameters form an important subject of atmospheric and environmental research today due to the health impacts caused by the different pollutants present in the urban areas. The support vector machine (SVM), as a supervised learning analysis method, is considered an effective statistical tool for the prediction and analysis of air quality. The work presented here examines the feasibility of applying the SVM to predict the ozone and particle concentrations in two Tunisian cities, namely Tunis and Sfax. We used the SVM with the linear kernel, SVM with the polynomial kernel and SVM with the RBF kernel to predict the ozone and particle concentrations in Tunisia for one year. The RBF kernel produced good results for the two pollutants with 0% error rate. Polynomial and linear kernels produced sufficiently low errors for the pollutants, at 9.09% and 18.18%, respectively. Discriminant Analysis (DA) was selected to analyze the datasets of two air quality parameters, namely ozone O3 and Suspended Particles SP. The DA results show that the spatial characterization allows for the successful discrimination between the two cities with an error rate of 4.35% in the case of the linear DA and 0% in the case of the quadratic DA. A thematic map of Tunisia was created using the MapInfo software.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55874_911339d698f3d6af00388c8c0b9b2c54.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101DO-BOD modeling of River Ganga from Devprayag to Roorkee, India using BMKB model25345587510.7508/pj.2016.01.003ENRakeshBhutianiDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, IndiaD.R.KhannaDepartment of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, IndiaJournal Article20150810The idea of systems analysis and mathematical modeling for formulating and resolving river pollution issues is of relatively recent vintage and has been applied widely in the last 3 decades. The present study illustrates the utility of Beck-modified Khanna–Bhutiani model (BMKB) to determine the pollution load due to the presence of organic matter in River Ganga from its course from Devprayag to Roorkee through the holy city of India, Haridwar. The study was conducted over a period of 3 years between 2010 and 2013. The study was aimed to verify the BMKB model for River Ganga. This model was simulated and calibrated through the data obtained by model by comparing it with the field data observed manually. Paired T-test were performed for dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) between the titrated value and modelled value to determine if there was any statistically significant difference between the means of respective values. The results of T-test revealed statistically significant difference between DO and BOD, i.e., DO t (11)= 3.819, P= 0.003, BOD t(11)= 14.635, P= 0.000. The model presented with a good agreement between the calibrated and observed data, thereby actualizing the validity of the proposed model.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55875_ec5f2f31e40ae110b5175fbdac53101b.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Assessment of combined Noise-Air quality and combined exposure to Noise-Air pollution at the curbside open-air microenvironment of Kolkata city, India35475587610.7508/pj.2016.01.004ENAnirbanKundu ChowdhuryDepartment of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering Division), Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, West-Bengal, India0000-0001-8812-6721AnupamDebsarkarDepartment of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering Division), Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, West-Bengal, IndiaShibnathChakrabartyDepartment of Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering Division), Jadavpur University, Kolkata – 700032, West-Bengal, IndiaJournal Article20150522A four year long research programme divided into four phases has been designed for the first time to assess the combined Noise-Air quality and combined exposure to Noise-Air pollution at the curbside open-air microenvironment of Kolkata city, India. The results and the findings of the different phases of study had already been published. The objective of the review work is to fuse the findings of the different phases of studies; to identify the factor(s) influences the degree of correlation between concentration of the air pollutant(s) and traffic noise level at the microenvironment of the city. Incidence of moderate to very strong positive Pearson’s correlation coefficients between concentration of the air pollutant(s) and traffic noise level indicated chances of correlated exposure to these environmental stressors at the microenvironment of the city. Average combined Noise-Air quality and combined exposure to Noise-Air pollution of the microenvironment of the city was very poor (0.17) to fair (0.50) and poor (-0.06) to excellent (3.33) respectively. The best combined Noise-Air quality and the best level of combined exposure to Noise-Air pollution at the microenvironment of the city was prominently evidenced in after-noon, in summer and under variable road geometry. However, the worst combined Noise-Air quality and the worst level of combined exposure to Noise-Air pollution at the microenvironment of the city was prominently evidenced in evening, in winter and under constant road geometry. A principal component analysis revealed that intensity of wind determines the degree of correlation between the environmental stressors at the microenvironment.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55876_fafbcf36fbde4c4eae466c70f2b8c3a6.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Analysis of Chemical and Microbial Contents of Public Swimming Pools’ Water in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria49565587710.7508/pj.2016.01.005ENMfonAntiaBuilding Department, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Uyo, NigeriaAkaninyeneUmohBuilding Department, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Uyo, NigeriaJournal Article20150814This study assessed the chemical and microbial contents in the water of public swimming pools in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A total of 16 public pools were selected through probability sampling from the 32 pools that existed in the five urban areas of Akwa Ibom State. Water samples were collected from the sampled pools and tested in the laboratory for chemical and microbial contents. Results showed that the chemical contents of most pools in the study area were less than the values recommended for effective disinfection of the pools. Average free chlorine ranged from 0.05 mg/L to 1.15 mg/L 200 Cfu/ml permissible, except for pools L and M, with 1.8×102 Cfu/ml and 1.7×102 Cfu/ml, respectively. Mean fecal coliform ranged from 2.0×103 Cfu/ml to 4.4×103 Cfu/ml >10 Cfu/100 ml permissible, except for pools L and M, with 0.0 Cfu/ml. It could therefore be concluded that only one out of every eight public swimming pools in Akwa Ibom State meet the minimum requirement for both chemical and microbial contents. This simply implies that most public swimming pools in the study area are not safe for users.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55877_69478b20a7d83aa055689aac17095605.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Investigation of Spatial Structure of Groundwater Quality Using Geostatistical Approach in Mehran Plain, Iran57655587810.7508/pj.2016.01.006ENHassanKhosraviAssistant Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranKamranKarimiPhD Student of Combating Desertification, Gorgan Agriculture and Natural Resources University, IranSaraNakhaee NejadfardPhD Student of Combating Desertification, Hormozgan University, IranTayebehMesbahzadehAssistant Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranJournal Article20150819Groundwater is a major source of water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors in many countries. The main objective of this research was to provide an overview of present groundwater quality using parameters such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulfate, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) in the Mehran plain, Ilam province using GIS and geostatistical techniques. A total of 23 deep and semi-profound wells were selected based on the classified randomized sampling method. The sampling locations were obtained by GPS. Plastic containers were used for the collection of water samples. These samples were transferred to the laboratory for analyzing water quality parameters. Statistical characteristics, qualitative data interpolation, and zoning were investigated using SPSS 20 ،GS+5.3 and ArcGIS10.1. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test were used to test data normality. In order to normalize parameters, logarithm, and 1/x were used for sulfate, EC, cation, and anion. Then the variogram analysis was performed to select the appropriate model. Results showed that co-kriging is the best method for cation and anion, whereas local polynomial interpolation is suitable for sulfate. The results of the interpolation of groundwater quality factors showed that there is approximately good adaption among groundwater factors and geomorphology and topology of the region. Because of inappropriate irrigation system, the highest concentration is in the northwest and western parts of the region, where there is the minimum height and maximum agricultural land. Growth of arable land and agricultural activities has caused increasing concentrations of studied elements, especially EC.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55878_1e220516024e8274444f4d7f72304cb2.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Isolation and characterization of diesel-degrading Pseudomonas strains from diesel-contaminated soils in Iran (Fars province)67755587910.7508/pj.2016.01.007ENZaharNiazyDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranMehdiHassanshahianDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranAhmadAtaeiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranJournal Article20150725In this study, among the 21 diesel-degrading bacteria that were isolated from an oil-polluted area in Fars (Iran), 6 bacterial strains were tested for their capability to metabolize and grow on diesel oil by degrading its hydrocarbons content. The biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence analysis of diesel-degrading bacteria showed that these strains were related to the genus Pseudomonas. Among the six isolates, five strains (L1, I2, D1, D2, and G1) were clustered with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whereas only one strain (K3) was clustered with Pseudomonas fragi. Gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of the diesel oil that was remaining in the culture medium after 10 days of culture at 30°C showed that P. aeruginosa I2 presented the highest growth rate and diesel-oil degradation (88%) between all isolates. P. aeruginosa I2 also presented the best emulsification activity, but the best hydrophobicity was seen in P. aeruginosa G1. By applying these bacteria in bioremediation processes, diesel oil contamination in soil can be counteracted.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55879_8966602d269fdc8f8643107882447cf3.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Alterations in the Plasma Thyroid and Cortisol Hormones in Yellowfin Sea bream, Acanthopagrus latus, following exposure to Benzo(α)Pyrene77825588010.7508/pj.2016.01.008ENRashidAlijani ArdeshirDepartment of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, P.O. Box: 669, IranSaraRastgarDepartment of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, P.O.Box:669, IranAbdol-AliMovahediniaDepartment of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, P.O.Box:669, IranZahraYarahmadiDepartment of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, P.O.Box:669, IranJournal Article20150909The goal of this research is to study the effect of benzo-alpha-pyrene (BαP) as a pollutant on the plasma levels of cortisol, thyroxin (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones, and the T3/T4 ratio in the yellowfin sea bream, Acanthopagrus latus. The BαP (50 mg kg-1) in vegetable oil was peritoneally injected. Blood samples were obtained from the treated and control groups after 3 and 72 hr, respectively. The amounts of cortisol, T3, and T4 were measured using the ELISA techniques. The results showed that during both the 3 and 72 hr BαP exposures, the T4 hormone levels significantly decreased, although the cortisol levels increased (P<0.05). However, the T3 hormone levels and T3/T4 ratios compared with their control groups showed a significant difference just after 72 hr (P<0.05). The disruptive effects of the BαP exposure on T4 was stronger than that on the T3, being more evident in long-term stress. Thus, the BαP exerts a significant effect on the thyroid endocrine system and consequently on fish metabolism and growth.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55880_3ecd9f4c2e7ef8e444b203c055d56725.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Application of Driving force- Pressure- State- Impact- Response (DPSIR) framework for integrated environmental assessment of the climate change in city of Tehran83925588110.7508/pj.2016.01.009ENEsmaeelSalehiGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, IranLobatZebardastGraduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Iran0000-0001-5660-9665Journal Article20150612Climate change is a complicated issue with many factors playing role in its formation and distribution. Considering this complication, a comprehensive and holistic approach is needed for a better understanding and management of those factors. The causal frameworks are among systemic and integrated methods for addressing the causes of environmental problems and the relationships that exist between the environmental systems in order to propose proper solutions. The DPSIR model is a functional analysis framework that depicts the cause-effect relationships that exist in creating environmental problems. Tehran is one of the major megacities in the Middle East that faces environmental consequences of overpopulation and unplanned urban sprawl, and being located in an arid region, makes it vulnerable to rise of temperature and reduction of precipitation. In this research, by using the DPSIR framework, different aspects of climate condition of Tehran are analyzed and later with the help of this conceptual framework, strategies for controlling climate change are presented.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55881_60b12e18131d2a901fc01dd7f56f87ed.pdfUniversity of TehranPollution2383-451X2120160101Contamination by trace elements of agricultural soils around Sidi Bou Othmane in abandoned mine tailings in Marrakech, Morocco931015588210.7508/pj.2016.01.010ENBarkouchYassirLaboratoire de Toxicologie et d’hygiène Industrielle, 1 rue Gaston Veil, 44035, Nantes Cedex, France; Laboratoire Régional du diagnostic épidémiologique et d’hygiène du milieu, Avenue des hôpitaux, Marrakech, Maroc0000-0003-0683-9141El FadiliSanaDépartement de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Bd Moulay Abdellah Bp, 2390-40001, Marrakech, MarocPineauAlainLaboratoire de Toxicologie et d’hygiène Industrielle, 1 rue Gaston Veil, 44035, Nantes Cedex, FranceJournal Article20150807This study was carried out for the purpose of investigating the issue of tailings dams as a potential source of contamination by trace elements in soils at the Sidi Bou Othmane mine in the Marrakech Region, Morocco. Soil samples taken from depths of up to 15 cm and within a radius of 50 m from the tailings dams, were analyzed for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn using atomic absorption spectrometry. Average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in soils around the abandoned tailings dams were, respectively, 157.2±8.8, 969.1±38.7, 1640.7±42.7 and 2846.8±84.6 mg/kg. Soils in the vicinity of the decommissioned tailings dams registered increased values for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Contamination factors (CF) and pollution index (PI) were calculated in order to estimate the anthropogenic contribution of target pollutants which determined Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn as the main pollutants in this region. The results revealed the polluted areas in the vicinity of the mine, especially two rural communities apparently linked to the lack of appropriate measures to counteract the effects of these mine tailings, which were causing a progressive contamination of the soil with residues of heavy metal emissions in this region under study. Improved strategies for the management of tailings, among other factors, might have influenced the reduced level of contamination by trace elements at the abandoned mine tailings dam sites.https://jpoll.ut.ac.ir/article_55882_ede062c7bc0702bedd48ec30ac9017a0.pdf