Density assessment and mapping of microorganisms around a biocomposting plant in Sanandaj,Iran

Exposure to microorganisms can cause various diseases or exacerbate the excitatory responses, inflammation, dry cough and shortness of breath, reduced lung function, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergic response or allergic immune. The aim of the present study was to investigate the density of microorganisms around the air of processing facilities of a biocomposting plant. Each experiment was carried out according to ASTM E884-82 (2001) method. The samples were collected from inhaled air in four locations of the plant, which had a high traffic of workers and employees, including screen, conveyor belt, aerated compost pile, and static compost pile. The sampling was repeated five times for each location selected. The wind speed and its direction were measured using an anemometer. Temperature and humidity were also recorded at the time of sampling. The multistage impactor used for sampling was equipped with a solidified medium (agar) and a pump (with a flow rate of 28.3 l/m) for passing air through the media. It was found that the mean density of total bacteria was >1.7 × 10³ cfu/m³ in the study area. Moreover, the mean densities of fungi, intestinal bacteria (Klebsiella), and Staphylococcus aureus were 5.9 × 10³, 3.3 × 10³, and 4.1 × 10³ cfu/m³, respectively. In conclusion, according to the findings, the density of bacteria and fungi per cubic meter of air in the samples collected around the processing facilities of the biocomposting plant in Sanandaj City was higher than the microbial standard for inhaled air.     

Capacity and strategies of energy production from renewable sources in Arab countries until 2030: a review from renewable energy potentials to environmental issues

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Slowing and reversing climate change and keeping energy prices at affordable levels are the main important achievements of the use of renewable...     

Progress and challenges of helical-shaped geothermal heat exchangers

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Among various types of renewable energy, geothermal energy is recognized as an effective method for supplying thermal energy. Ground heat exchangers,...     

Single-step synthesis of N,S co-doped waste-derived nanoporous carbon sorbent for mercury vapor removal

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - As well known, mercury is a toxic trace element due to its bioaccumulation and volatility which results in severe effects in health of ecosystems and...     

Synthesis of vinasse-dolomite nanocomposite biochar via a novel developed functionalization method to recover phosphate as a potential fertilizer substitute

• Nanocomposites were prepared by adding dolomite to vinasse at different ratio. • Textural and morphological features of adsorbents were studied in detail. • CCD based RSM was used for investigation of P ion removal by nanocomposite. • The q_m based on Langmuir model for modified vinasse biochar was 178.57 mg/g. • P loaded nanocomposite improved plant growth and could be utilized as P-fertilizer. The effectiveness of phosphate (P) removal from aqueous solutions was investigated by novel low-cost biochars synthesized from vinasse and functionalized with calcined dolomite. The vinasse-derived biochar, synthesized via pyrolysis at different temperatures, showed easy preparation and a large surface area. The novel vinasse biochar nanocomposites were prepared by adding dolomite to the vinasse biochars with different weight percentages (10, 20 and 30%). The characteristics of the prepared materials were identified for further understanding of the inherent adsorption mechanism between P ions and vinasse biochars. Vinasse-dolomite nanocomposite was very effective in the adsorption of P species from aqueous media. The effect of the operational factors on Vinasse-dolomite nanocomposite was explored by applying response surface methodology (RSM). According to RSM results, the optimum condition was achieved to be contact time 90 (min), 250 (mg/L) of P concentration and pH 7. Thermodynamic isotherm and kinetic studies were applied on experimental data to understand the adsorption behavior. The Vinasse-dolomite nanocomposite revealed preferential P species adsorption in the presence of co-existing anions. The P species could be recovered by 1.0 M HCl where the efficiency was not affected up to the fifth cycle. The P-loaded Vinasse-dolomite nanocomposite was successfully tested on a plant; it significantly improved its growth and proved its potency as a P-based fertilizer substitute.     

Key indicator tools for shallow slope failure assessment using soil chemical property signatures and soil colour variables

Slope failure has become a major concern in Malaysia due to the rapid development and urbanisation in the country. It poses severe threats to any highway construction industry, residential areas, natural resources and tourism activities. The extent of damages that resulted from this catastrophe can be lessened if a long-term early warning system to predict landslide prone areas is implemented. Thus, this study aims to characterise the relationship between Oxisols properties and soil colour variables to be manipulated as key indicators to forecast shallow slope failure. The concentration of each soil property in slope soil was evaluated from two different localities that consist of 120 soil samples from stable and unstable slopes located along the North-South Highway (PLUS) and East-West Highway (LPT). Analysis of variance established highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the locations, the total organic carbon (TOC), soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil texture, soil chromaticity and all combinations of interactions. The overall CIELAB analysis leads to the conclusion that the CIELAB variables lightness L*, c* (Chroma) and h* (Hue) provide the most information about soil colour and other related soil properties. With regard to the relationship between colour variables and soil properties, the analysis detected that soil texture, organic carbon, iron oxide and aluminium concentration were the key factors that strongly correlate with soil colour variables at the studied area. Indicators that could be used to predict shallow slope failure were high value of L*(62), low values of c* (20) and h* (66), low concentration of iron (53 mg kg^?1) and aluminium oxide (37 mg kg^?1), low soil TOC (0.5%), low CEC (3.6 cmol/kg), slightly acidic soil pH (4.9), high amount of sand fraction (68%) and low amount of clay fraction (20%).     

Analyzing pedestrian crash injury severity under different weather conditions

Objective: Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users due to the lack of mass, speed, and protection compared to other types of road users. Adverse weather conditions may reduce road friction and visibility and thus increase crash risk. There is limited evidence and considerable discrepancy with regard to impacts of weather conditions on injury severity in the literature. This article investigated factors affecting pedestrian injury severity level under different weather conditions based on a publicly available accident database in Great Britain.

Method: Accident data from Great Britain that are publicly available through the STATS19 database were analyzed. Factors associated with pedestrian, driver, and environment were investigated using a novel approach that combines a classification and regression tree with random forest approach.

Results: Significant severity predictors under fine weather conditions from the models included speed limits, pedestrian age, light conditions, and vehicle maneuver. Under adverse weather conditions, the significant predictors were pedestrian age, vehicle maneuver, and speed limit.

Conclusions: Elderly pedestrians are associated with higher pedestrian injury severities. Higher speed limits increase pedestrian injury severity. Based on the research findings, recommendations are provided to improve pedestrian safety.     

Optimization of copper recovery from electronic waste using response surface methodology and Monte Carlo simulation under uncertainty

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Electronic waste (e-waste) production is currently the largest growing waste stream in the world. These wastes contain the precious metals such as...