Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development

Bio-Nanorobots With Smart Targeting in Producing Biodiesel from Wastewater

Behnam Hatami — 2026-06-29

The Article Abstract is not available.

Recent Advances in Hospital Wastewater Treatment Technologies for Controlling Antibiotic Resistance: A Systematic Review

Sakineh Raeisi — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Hospital wastewater is a key source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes, driving the spread of environmental antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review assessed the effectiveness of advanced treatment technologies in removing these resistance determinants from wastewater.

Materials and Methods: This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the PECOS framework. A comprehensive systematic search of six major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect) was conducted between April and June 2025. Of the 412 records initially identified, 89 studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. Relevant data on treatment technologies, antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), resistance gene (ARG), and geographical–economic contexts were extracted and synthesized qualitatively.

Results: Conventional treatment methods (e.g., activated sludge and chlorination) fail to fully remove ARB/ARGs and may even promote horizontal gene transfer via oxidative stress. In contrast, advanced technologies, such as MBR, advanced oxidation process (AOPs), and hybrid systems (MBR+ozone, MBR+GAC), achieve much higher removal efficiencies (>95%). Numerous critical ARGs (blaNDM, blaCTX-M, sul1, tetM, mcr-1, and vanA) have been detected in major pathogens (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and Enterococcus spp.) in hospital wastewater worldwide. Research is largely focused on China, India, and Europe, while neglecting sludge and biofilms as important secondary reservoirs of ARGs, limiting accurate risk assessment.

Conclusion: Effective AMR control in hospital wastewater requires integrated treatment technologies, molecular monitoring, and a One Health approach. Smart, sustainable solutions are essential to reduce risks to public health and ecosystems.

Analysis of Healthcare Waste Trends in Qazvin Province, Iran: A 9-Year Assessment with ARIMA-Based Forecasting and Evaluation of the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

Armita Mansouri — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Healthcare waste management poses significant environmental and public health challenges in Qazvin Province, Iran, particularly following increased infectious waste during the 2020–2022 COVID-19 pandemic. This study characterized HCW production patterns across hospital types and seasons and projected future trends using time-series modeling.

Methods: A descriptive-epidemiological design was used to analyze 108 monthly records (2013–2022) from all 16 hospitals in Qazvin Province. Waste was categorized into general, infectious, chemical, and pathological categories. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and independent t-tests were used for the analysis. An ARIMA model forecasted waste volumes through 2024, while an Interrupted Time Series analysis assessed the pandemic impact with March 2020 as the intervention point.

Results: The ARIMA (4,1,1) model predicted an increase in total HCW, from 8,500 kg/day in 2022 to 12,000 kg/day by 2024, driven by rising infectious and chemical waste. ITS analysis revealed a significant surge in infectious waste (β=+153.29, p<0.001) and a decline in general waste (β=-3571.59, p=0.001) post-pandemic. Seasonal variation was significant only for pathological waste (p=0.000), peaking in summer and autumn.

Conclusion: HCW generation in Qazvin is dynamic and influenced by institutional, seasonal, and epidemiological factors. This projected upward trend necessitates the implementation of adaptive, data-driven waste management strategies. Proactive policies must incorporate flexible capacity planning and enhanced segregation protocols to ensure environmental protection and public health safety, while accommodating healthcare expansion and future pandemic preparedness. These interventions should align with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 12, respectively.

Assessment of Ambient Ionizing Radiation Dose Rates and Radiological Risks in Selected Municipal Dumpsites of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Dianabasi N kereuwem Akpan — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Over the years, some municipal dumpsites have been found to exhibit ionizing radiation due to indiscriminate dumping of hazardous refuse.

Materials and Methods: An ionizing radiation survey of five municipal dumpsites in Akwa Ibom State was conducted to measure elevated radiation levels. The five dumpsites were Uyo Village Road, Nung Udoe, Nwaniba Road, Abak Road, and Udo Street. Radiation exposure at each dumpsite was measured using a Digilert 200 radiation survey meter.

Results: For the Uyo Village Road dumpsite, the mean Absorbed Dose Rate (D), mean Annual Effective Dose Rate (AEDR), and mean Excess Lifetime Cancer Rate (ELCR) were 8.2 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.10 mSv/yr, and 0.35 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Nung Udoe dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 1.0 x 10^-4 nGy/hr, 0.12 mSv/yr, and 0.43 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Nwaniba Road dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 9.9 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.12 mSv/yr, and 0.43 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Abak Road dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 8.9 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.11 mSv/yr, and 0.38 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Udo Street dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 8.2 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.10 mSv/yr, and 0.35 x 10^-3 respectively. The mean Ds and AEDRs were far below the world average limit of 59 nGy/hr and 1 mSv/yr for the public, respectively.

Conclusion: The reported values do not have any immediate radiological health hazards; however, residents and workers should reduce the hours spent at the dumpsites.

Household Wastewater Management in Arid Urban Areas: Assessing Behavioral Practices and Systemic Barriers in Yazd, Iran

Behnaz Lookzadeh — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Rapid urbanization and improving living standards have increased domestic wastewater generation, placing additional pressure on water resources in arid regions. This study investigated the knowledge, practices, and perceived barriers related to household wastewater management among women in Yazd, Iran, a water-scarce city with limited sewerage infrastructure.

Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 491 participants using a validated questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, wastewater management knowledge, self-reported behaviors, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics and Pearson ’s correlation analysis were applied to analyze the data.

Results: The findings revealed moderate levels of knowledge (6.92 ± 2.27 out of 11) and suboptimal wastewater management behavior (35.8 ± 7.8 out of 60). Although participants demonstrated relatively high awareness of the environmental impact of wastewater, important gaps were identified in practical water conservation knowledge and greywater reuse concepts. The most frequently reported barriers were the high cost of water-saving equipment (60.7%), insufficient water pressure (46.0%), and limited public awareness of water conservation methods (43.6%). Perceived barriers showed a strong negative association with household wastewater management behaviors (r = −0.625, p < 0.001), whereas knowledge alone was not significantly associated with behavior.

Conclusion: Improving household wastewater management in arid urban areas requires integrated behavioral and infrastructural interventions. Public education, financial incentives, and expanded sewerage infrastructure could promote sustainable practices and advance Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) in water-stressed regions.

Pre Treatment of PFOA Laden Synthetic Wastewater Via UV/Peroxydisulfate, UV/Peroxymonosulfate, and UV/Sulfite Processes: A Comparative Evaluation

Ali Behnami — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a persistent and toxic contaminant that requires effective degradation and defluorination strategies. Although several UV-based advanced oxidation and reduction processes have been investigated, direct comparisons under identical conditions are limited. In this study, we compared the degradation efficiency, mechanisms, and defluorination potential of three UV-based systems: UV/persulfate (UV/PDS), UV/peroxymonosulfate (UV/PMS), and UV/sulfite (UV/SS).

Materials and Methods: PFOA degradation experiments were conducted under 254 nm UV irradiation with an initial PFOA concentration of 0.24 mM and oxidant/reductant dosages of 1.0 mM. Reaction kinetics, transformation products, and fluoride generation were analyzed using LC‑MS/MS and ion chromatography over a 6‑hour treatment period.

Results: Direct UV photolysis was ineffective, achieving only 4% removal. Among the tested systems, UV/SS exhibited the highest performance, achieving 47% PFOA removal, compared with 24% and 31% for UV/PDS and UV/PMS, respectively. UV/PDS and UV/PMS primarily proceeded through oxidative radical pathways (sulfate and hydroxyl radicals), resulting in chain shortening and accumulation of shorter-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFHpA, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFBA, and TFA). In contrast, UV/SS operated through reductive pathways mediated by hydrated electrons, promoting sequential C–F bond cleavage and enhanced defluorination.

Conclusion: The UV/SS process demonstrated the greatest potential for PFOA pretreatment due to its ability to achieve true defluorination, whereas oxidative systems mainly transformed PFOA into persistent short-chain intermediates.

Trend and Geographical Distribution of Diabetes Mellitus Mortality Attributed to Air Pollution in Iran from 1990 To 2021

Saeed Hosseini — 2026-06-29

Introduction: The escalating incidence and mortality rates of diabetes, coupled with the growing threat of air pollution, pose a substantial threat to public health in Iran. This study seeks to examine the geographical distribution and temporal trends of diabetes-related deaths specifically linked to air pollution across the country.

Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, we employed Joinpoint regression analysis to identify significant shifts in the mortality trends of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) linked to air pollution. Furthermore, spatial distribution patterns for the year 2021 were mapped and analyzed using ArcMap GIS v.10.

Results: The mortality rate of T2DM attributable to air pollution in Iran exhibited an upward trend between 1990 and 2019, after which a subsequent decline was observed from 2019 to 2021. The highest annual percentage change in females occurred between 2011 and 2016 (5.134, 95% UI: 4.704–5.563), whereas in males, it occurred between 2012 and 2015 (6.275, 95% UI: 4.867–6.934). The highest average annual percentage change in females was observed in Gilan (4.427, 95% UI: 4.305–4.535), and in males, it was observed in Bushehr (4.125, 95% UI: 3.873–4.320). Geographical analysis revealed that in 2021, Tehran and Khuzestan had the highest mortality rates, whereas the lowest rates were recorded in Zanjan, Kohgiluyeh, and Boyer-Ahmad for females and Kohgiluyeh, Boyer-Ahmad, and Hamadan for males.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the continued need for stronger environmental control measures, especially in high-risk areas, to further reduce the burden of air pollution-related diabetes mortality in Iran.

Environmental Health Risk Analysis of Microplastics Pollution Due to Bullet Tuna (Auxis Rochei) In Coastal Communities in Banyuwangi Regency

Muhammad Addin Rizaldi — 2026-06-29

Introduction: Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental concern that threatens both marine ecosystems and human health, particularly in coastal regions with high fish consumption rates. This study aimed to analyze microplastic contamination in bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) consumed by coastal communities in the Muncar District, Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia, and to evaluate its potential health risks using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach.

Methods: Fish samples were collected from local fish auction sites and analyzed in both raw and fried forms using FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy.

Results: The results revealed microplastic contamination in all samples, with a total concentration of 0.05 particles per gram, predominantly composed of polyethylene (PE) polymer. Frying reduced the microplastic abundance by 75%, although complete elimination was not achieved. Risk assessment indicated an average HQ of 0.47985, with a maximum value of 30.660, exceeding the safe threshold (HQ > 1) in extreme consumption scenarios. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between microplastic concentration and carcinogenic intake, indirectly increasing the HQ.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the consumption of Auxis rochei contributes to carcinogenic exposure and poses long-term health risks, especially among coastal populations with high consumption. This study underscores the urgent need for effective plastic waste management, food safety monitoring, and public education to safeguard marine food security and community health.