Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development

Brine Water Management of Reverse Osmosis

Seyedeh Mahtab Pormazar — 2025-03-30

The Article Abstract is not available.

Impact of Micro and Nanoplastics on Inflammatory and Antioxidant Gene Expression in the Gastrointestinal System

Nayereh Rezaie Rahimi — 2025-03-30

The Article Abstract is not available

Microplastics Origins and Risks: A Methodological Protocol for Source Identification, Apportionment, and Environmental Risk Assessment in Ahvaz Metropolis, Iran

Neda Kaydi — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Airborne microplastics (MPs) pollution poses substantial risks to environmental and human health. This research protocol outlines a framework for investigating airborne MPs in Ahvaz, Iran, with objectives including their identification, characterization, and source attribution using chemical signature tracing and receptor modeling.

Methods and Analysis: The study employs a dual approach of passive and active sampling supported by laboratory analysis and multivariate modeling. Sampling locations were selected to represent diverse urban settings, ensuring comprehensive spatial coverage and data reliability. The protocol included meticulous sample collection, volume estimation, and laboratory analysis to ensure the accurate identification and assessment of MPs pollution.

Expected Outcomes: This protocol aims to reveal types, distribution, sources, and potential health risks of airborne MPs in Ahvaz. Insights provided strategies to mitigate MPs emissions in urban areas and a foundation for future research.

Water Health in Drought: A Model Integrating Indigenous and Modern Knowledge

Azadeh Fatehpanah — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Drought is a natural hazard that limits access to water and threatens health. This study was conducted to present a combined model of indigenous and modern knowledge to combat the effects of drought on water health.

Materials and Methods: This study was a mixed-method design with four phases. In the first and second phases, the components of indigenous and modern knowledge were obtained through qualitative interviews using content analysis method and literature review using narrative method. In the third phase, components obtained from the two previous phases were sent to relevant field experts for validation using Delphi method. Two rounds of Delphi were conducted until reaching a consensus of views of the elites. The components that obtained a sufficient score were used to design the research model.

Results: The final model consisted of three main components including household water management, community water management, and water health in drought conditions.

Conclusion: Indigenous and modern knowledge are complementary and their integration creates synergy for the health of individuals, provided that they are studied in a principled way and integrated correctly. The present model was designed with a realistic view and considered the role of culture and indigenous knowledge in people's behavior and could be reasonably used by managers in the field of water health, passive defense, and various plannings.

Exponential Global Health Hazards of Pharmaceutical Pollution and Its Preventive Measures: A Comprehensive Review

Renu Tushir — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Antimicrobial agents from different categories like antibiotics, anti-parasitic agents, and other agents such as Xeno (estrogens) can exert some intimidating effects on the environment that can be ecotoxicological as well. Disposal of chemicals in the form of drugs in various water bodies such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and commonly used drinking water might cause potential health damage to human, animal, and aquatic life via environmental pollution. Thus, production of such waste requires proper disposal and supervision, which might be a hurdle for the medical personnel, city administrators, workers working in the industry involved in recycling, and planners of policies.

Materials and Methods: The review is taken the help of resources for getting appropriate information are PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science very carefully. The period of time for article search in databases varied from 2001-2023. The articles between this time range were included.

Results: In the present study, an effort was made to pinnacle sources, categories, and information regarding various drugs and regulatory bodies across the globe to control these functions. To overcome the pharmaceutical pollution issues, functions, categories of wastes, and strategies to resolve were elaborated.

Conclusion: The study highlighted the crucial function of pharmacists in reducing pharmaceutical waste and evaluated current water management policies, emphasizing the necessity for cohesive efforts to diminish pollution. Moreover, an examination of existing regulatory frameworks revealed inadequacies and provided suggestions for improved monitoring and enforcement. This comprehensive report aimed to offer practical recommendations for the advancement of sustainable pharmaceutical waste management techniques, aiding in the protection of world health and the environment.

Impact of Gamma Radiation on Physical Characteristics of Packaging Film Made from Chitosan, Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers, and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Fariborz Pirnia — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Notwithstanding the numerous benefits associated with chitosan biopolymer in the fabrication of biodegradable films, its limited mechanical properties and susceptibility to moisture represent significant barriers to its broader application within the packaging sector. Therefore, in this study, chitosan film was combined with bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNF) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and then exposed to different doses of gamma rays to investigate its effect on physical properties of films.

Materials and Methods: In this study, three types of films with three different formulations were prepared along with a control group, and then the effect of gamma rays on their physical characteristics in the first stage and structural properties were investigated in the second stage.

Results: The outcome showed that ZnONPs significantly decreased the water vapor permeability (WVP) and increased the opacity of films (p < 0.05). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) test showed that the presence of ZnONPs and gamma ray irradiation improved the heat resistance of cellulose-chitosan films. The moisture content (MC) of cellulose-chitosan films significantly decreased after being combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles and the irradiation process. The solubility of films showed a significant decrease by adding ZnONPs and increasing irradiation doses. According to the results of FTIR, the samples of the tested films under the influence of irradiation treatments did not show significant difference in the spectrogram.

Conclusion: The addition of BCNF and ZnONPs to chitosan-based films and the simultaneous application of gamma ray irradiation technology improved the physical properties of chitosan films.

Analyzing Environmental Dynamics in the Center of Iran: Impacts of Climatic and Environmental Factors Using Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis in Google Earth Engine and R Software

Mohamad Ali Ghoveh Nodoushan — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Environmental changes driven by anthropogenic and natural factors significantly affect human health, the environment, and economic systems globally. This study investigated the ecological impacts of environmental variables in the Yazd-Ardakan Plain using remote sensing data and geospatial analysis.

Materials and Methods: Google Earth Engine (GEE) and R software were used to assess spatiotemporal trends from 2018 to 2023 using data from Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-5P. Key indices, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), temperature, surface runoff, and concentrations of NO₂, CO, O₃, and SO₂, were calculated to evaluate patterns in green space, air quality, temperature, and precipitation.

Results: Elevated NO₂ and CO levels were observed in the centers of Yazd and Ardakan, with O₃ and SO₂ peaking in 2019-2020 and improving by 2023. The highest aerosol concentrations were in 2019 and 2023, with a decrease in 2022. NDVI values peaked in 2020 but declined until 2023. The spatial analysis identified denser green spaces in Ardakan, elevated temperatures in Steel, and consistent precipitation across the regions. A positive correlation was found between temperature and pollution, whereas NDVI and precipitation showed negative correlations with temperature, indicating that vegetation loss exacerbates the effects of warming and pollution.

Conclusion: This study highlights significant climatic and environmental changes in the Yazd-Ardakan plain from 2018 to 2023, including rising temperatures and pollution, alongside declining precipitation and vegetation. These trends underscore the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate environmental degradation, protect public health, and promote sustainable development through advanced monitoring and policy intervention.

Seasonal Variation and Health Risk Assessment of Cd, Pb, and Nitrate in Vegetables and Fruits Available in North West of Iran

Melika Saeedlunia — 2025-03-30

Introduction: Given the significant role of fruits and vegetables in the Iranian diet, this study aimed to evaluate the health risks linked to the heavy metals in 6+ fruits and vegetables, specifically cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), as well as nitrate in household diets.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1941 fresh samples were collected from East and West Azerbaijan province in Iran across three seasons. Then, the concentration of Cd, Pb, and nitrate were examined.

Results: Analysis using SPSS software version 20 found that all vegetable samples contained heavy metals and nitrates, with Cd levels within permissible limits. Pb concentrations varied by season: 40.4-280.33 ppb in spring, 36.77-283.67 ppb in summer, and 6.21-236.23 ppb in autumn. Pb levels exceeded the national standard organization of Iran (INSO) limit in several samples, including greenhouse cucumbers (48.48%) and conventional cucumbers (62.22%), onions (48.71%). Nitrate concentrations included 45.33-3390 ppb in spring, 9.66-3581 ppb in summer, and 34.28-3281.94 ppb in autumn, with exceedances in samples such as spinach (92%) and leafy vegetables (100%). Despite these exceedances, the target hazard quotient (THQ) for Cd, Pb, and nitrates was below 1, indicating no immediate health risks for the Iranian population.

Conclusion: While the presence of Pb and nitrates in certain vegetable samples raises concerns regarding food safety and compliance with health standards, the overall assessment suggests that the levels of these contaminants do not currently pose a significant health risk. Continuous monitoring and adherence to safety standards are essential to ensure public health safety.