Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Tardigrades in Wastewater Biomonitoring: Microscopic Organisms with Exceptional Environmental Resilience 2586 2588 EN Behnam Hatami Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran bhatami88@yahoo.com N 0000-0003-0644-9522 Mohammad Mehranpour Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran mohammadmehranpor7@gmail.com Y 0009-0004-3321-3579 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19004 http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-918-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-918-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 The Dual Burden of Air Pollution During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Physical and Psychological Consequences 2589 2607 EN Sakineh Raeisi Environmental Health Engineering Student, Student Research Committee, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran raeisisakineh376@gmail.com N 0009-0004-3044-2237 Ali Mirbalouchzehi Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Allied Medical Sciences, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran Shafa.5712@gmail.com N 0000-0003-1379-3022 Mehran Yazdandoust Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Allied Medical Sciences, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran mehranyazdan20@gmail.com Y 0000-0002-8943-0503 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19005 Introduction: Air pollution affects pregnant women and fetuses, leading to health complications. It increases risks like low birth weight, preterm labor and hypertension. Moreover, mental health issues such as depression and autism spectrum disorders may arise. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted by examining data from four databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus covering the period from 2020 to 2024. The keywords used included "air pollution," "pregnant women," "fetal health," "pregnancy complications," "particulate matter," and "mental health". Using specific criteria, 109 studies were found. After excluding unrelated articles, 63 studies were analyzedand key information was extracted. Results: Air pollution significantly affects the physical and mental health of pregnant women. It increases the risk of depression, anxiety and autism spectrum disorders, with PM2.5 and NO2 being major contributors. Physical complications like preterm labor, gestational diabetes, miscarriage and preeclampsia are strongly linked to pollution. Lower-income women face higher exposure and mental health risks due to socioeconomic factors. Furthermore, living in urban areas and near pollution sources elevates health risks for mothers and fetuses. The second and third trimesters are the most vulnerable periods, highlighting the need for effective interventions. Conclusion: Air pollution severely affects the physical and mental health of pregnant women and fetuses, especially during the second and third trimesters. Preventive measures like air quality improvement and policy-making are crucial to protect maternal and fetal health. Air Pollution, Pregnancy Outcome, Mental Health. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-902-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-902-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Air Pollution Microplastics with the Potential Risk of Lung Disease: A Systematic Review 2608 2631 EN Lalu Muhammad Fikri Wardana Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Prof. Jacub Rais Street, Central Java-50275, Indonesia lalufikriwardana@gmail.com N Nurjazuli Nurjazuli Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Prof. Jacub Rais Street, Central Java-50275, Indonesia nurjazulifkmundip@gmail.com N 0000-0002-0459-4999 Tri Joko Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Diponegoro University, Prof. Jacub Rais Street, Central Java-50275, Indonesia trijokoundip@gmail.com N 0000-0002-2326-4805 Muhammad Addin Rizaldi Public Health Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University, Prof. Dr. HR Boenyamin Street No.708, Central Java-53122, Indonesia muhammad.rizaldi@unsoed.ac.id Y 0000-0003-4280-5176 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19006 Introduction: Airborne microplastics (AMPs), due to their small size and widespread dispersal, pose increasing risks to human respiratory health. Detected in both indoor and outdoor environments, AMPs raise concerns over chronic inhalation exposure. Their accumulation in lung tissue may lead to oxidative stress, inflammation, and epithelial barrier dysfunction. This systematic review evaluates the respiratory health effects of AMPs exposure. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, relevant articles were identified through systematic searches in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Springer Link. A total of 20 studies published between 2019 and 2024 were synthesized. Results: AMPs originate from degraded plastics and industrial emissions and can reach alveoli when inhaled. They induce inflammatory responses via oxidative stress and activation of pathways such as NF-κB. Chronic exposure is associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and tissue damage, contributing to conditions like pulmonary fibrosis and COPD. AMPs also impair epithelial barriers by disrupting tight junctions and increasing tissue permeability. In vitro and in vivo studies confirm their cytotoxic and inflammatory effects. However, knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding chronic low-dose exposure and interactions with other pollutants. Conclusion: This review highlights the health risks of AMPs and the need for stricter environmental policies and public education. Findings inform future research and support interventions to mitigate AMPs exposure and protect respiratory health. Microplastics, Particulate Matter, Inhalation Exposure, Air Pollutants, Lung Injury, Toxicity. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-880-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-880-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Mineralization of Azo Dye from Aqueous Solution via Electro-Activated Persulfate: A Case Study on Direct Red 89 2632 2642 EN Behnam Hatami Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran bhatami88@yahoo.com N 0000-0003-0644-9522 Arezo Rezaie Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran arezorezaie373@gmail.com Y 0000-0002-8553-409x Maryam Malekbala Department of environmental health engineering, school of public health, student research committee, Hamadan university of medical sciences, Hamadan, Iran maryammalekbala@gmail.com N 0009-0003-0755-3468 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19007 Introduction: In recent years, azo dyes, which are widely used in various industries, have attracted attention because of their high production volume, toxicity, and environmental persistence. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as promising alternatives for the degradation of pollutants by generating reactive radicals. This study investigated the degradation of Direct Red 89 (DR 89) using the electrochemical/persulfate (EC/PS) process. Materials and Methods: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted utilizing a 1000 mL electrolytic reactor, which was equipped with aluminum and iron electrodes serving as the anode and cathode, respectively. The reactor contained 500 mL of solution, which was continuously stirred using a magnetic stirrer. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) were used to adjust the pH, while sodium chloride (NaCl) served as the supporting electrolyte. The concentration of DR 89 in the samples was measured using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Results:  The investigation of operational parameters, including pH, reaction time, persulfate concentration, current density, initial dye concentration, and electrolyte concentration, indicated that a maximum removal efficiency of 99.43% was achieved under the optimal conditions: pH 4.0, reaction time of 25 min, current density of 1 mA/cm², electrolyte concentration of 250 mg/L, and persulfate concentration of 30 mg/L, for an aqueous solution containing 80 mg/L of DR89 dye. Conclusion: Compared with other advanced oxidation processes, this approach is more environmentally friendly, with high efficiency, and less pollutant production. Therefore, it can be widely used to treat industrial wastewater containing persistent pollutants. Azo Dyes, Direct Red 89, Electrochemical Persulfate Activation. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-947-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-947-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Phytoremediation Capacity of Egeria Densa for Heavy Metal Contaminated Wastewater and Its Applicability for Constructed Wetland 2643 2655 EN Md. Swadhin Hossain Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh swadhin30-255@diu.edu.bd N 0009-0005-0320-5129 Mahfuza Parveen Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh mahfuza_parveen@yahoo.com Y 0000-0002-1491-0481 Mohammad Rajib Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh rajibmohammad@gmail.com N 0000-0002-0182-4402 S.M Mahmudur Rahman Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh mahmudur.esdm@diu.edu.bd N 0000-0003-1992-8864 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19008 Introduction: Phytoremediation is a process for restoring the environment that utilizes plant physiology and metabolism. The study was performed on a laboratory scale to assess the heavy metal removal efficiency of Egeria densa, its response to contaminated wastewater, and its potential for application in constructed wetlands. Materials and Methods: Synthetic wastewater samples with low, moderate, and high concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn were prepared. E. densa was cultivated in these samples for 14 days under controlled conditions, and parameters such as heavy metal removal efficiency, growth rates, chlorophyll content, and water quality indices were analyzed. Results: Results showed that in low heavy metal-contaminated wastewater, the removal efficiency of the E. densa for Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn was 93.7%, 91.20%, 87.2%, and 100%, respectively. In highly heavy metal-contaminated wastewater, the heavy metal removal efficiency of the E. densa for Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn was 36%, 54%, 35.2%, and 75%, respectively.  Therefore, the study revealed that elevated heavy metal concentrations adversely affected the plant growth rate. Conclusion: E. densa is a viable option for the constructed wetland system in scenarios where wastewater ranges from low to moderately contaminated respecting heavy metals. These findings can serve as a reference for future studies and provide valuable insights for researchers looking to implement E. densa as constructed wetland vegetation. Environmental Pollution, Wastewater, Water Purification, Phytoremediation, Wetlands, Plants. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-917-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-917-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Investigating the Effect of Different Wavelengths of UV Radiation in Disinfection of Airborne and Surface SARS-Cov-2 2656 2665 EN Ali Behnami Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran ali.behnami64@gmail.com N 0000-0001-9113-2102 Ehsan Aghayani Research Center for Environmental Contaminants. Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran ehssanaghayani@gmail.com N 0000-0003-4587-1515 Ali Abdolahnejad Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran a.abdolahnejad1363@gmail.com N 0000-0003-0193-7690 Saber Raeghi Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran Saberraeghi@gmail.com N 0000-0002-8283-6447 Mojtaba Pourakbar Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran ppourakbar@yahoo.com Y 0000-0002-8211-9640 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19009 Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic which is caused by SARS-CoV- 2 has caused focus on reliable and effective disinfection methods such as ultraviolet radiation. There are significant gaps in the literature regarding the effectiveness of various UV wavelengths and its performance on different surfaces for viral RNA destruction. Materials and Methods: This study evaluates the efficacy of UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 in contaminated air streams on various surfaces. The experiment measured cycle threshold (Ct) values of viral RNA under different UV exposure times and airflow rates. Results: UVC radiation achieved complete viral RNA destruction after 5 minutes at an airflow rate of 1 L/min, significantly outperforming UVA and UVB. Higher airflow rates reduced the efficacy of UVA and UVB, but UVC remained highly effective, showing significant viral reduction. On surfaces, UVC exposure increased Ct values over time, indicating reduced viral RNA, with rapid effects on paper and glass, and longer times needed for cloth and iron. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate UV wavelength and optimizing exposure conditions for effective disinfection. UVC, due to its high energy and shorter wavelength, is ideal for rapid and thorough viral inactivation, making it suitable for air and surface disinfection in healthcare and public spaces. In conclusion, UVC radiation is the most effective UV wavelength for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, offering significant advantages in both air and surface disinfection. Future strategies should leverage UVC's high efficacy and optimize exposure conditions to maximize viral inactivation. Antiviral, Corona virus, Inactivation, Ultraviolet. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-904-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-904-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Assessment of Groundwater Quality, Heavy Metal Contamination, and Human Health Risks in Roundhill Municipal Landfill, Eastern Cape, South Africa 2666 2693 EN Timoti Silwani University of South Africa, Department of Environmental Sciences, Florida science campus, Cnr Christian de Wet Road and Pioneer Avenue, Florida 1709, South Africa 55903762@mylife.unisa.ac.za N 0000-0002-3683-2664 Nomathemba Themba University of South Africa, Department of Environmental Sciences, Florida science campus, Cnr Christian de Wet Road and Pioneer Avenue, Florida 1709, South Africa enhle.themba@gmail.com Y 0000-0002-9291-9051 Tlou Bernad Chokwe University of South Africa, Department of Environmental Sciences, Florida science campus, Cnr Christian de Wet Road and Pioneer Avenue, Florida 1709, South Africa tlouchokwe6@gmail.com N 0000-0001-6896-4138 Khomotso Semenya University of South Africa, Department of Environmental Sciences, Florida science campus, Cnr Christian de Wet Road and Pioneer Avenue, Florida 1709, South Africa N 0000-0003-2175-0145 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19010 Introduction: This study evaluates the impact of the Roundhill municipal landfill on groundwater quality in Berlin, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The objective was to assess physicochemical and microbial contamination, identify health risks, and trace pollution sources linked to landfill leachate. Materials and Methods: Groundwater samples were collected from five boreholes and one landfill leachate point. These were analysed for pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, selected heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Hg, Zn), and microbial contaminants (E. coli, Total Coliforms). Results were benchmarked against South African National Standard (SANS) 241 and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Water Quality Index (WQI), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) models were applied. Pearson correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used for statistical evaluation. Results: Significant contamination was observed in boreholes nearest the landfill (BH1 and BH2). Moreover, Cadmium (Cd) (569 µg/L), lead (Pb) (489 µg/L), and chromium (Cr) (451 µg/L) exceeded permissible limits and E. coli concentrations in BH2 reached 12,000 MPN/100 mL. WQI values exceeded 300, indicating water unsuitability for drinking. IWQI revealed potential soil permeability risks. HHRA showed Hazard Quotients >1 and elevated lifetime cancer risks, particularly for children. PCA and correlation analysis implicated landfill leachate as the main contamination source. Conclusion: The Roundhill landfill poses a serious threat to local groundwater quality and public health. Immediate mitigation measures—such as enhanced landfill containment, water treatment systems, routine monitoring, and regulatory enforcement—are necessary to prevent further environmental and health degradation. Groundwater, Water Pollution, Landfills, Metals, Heavy, Escherichia coli, Water Quality, Risk Assessment. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-887-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-887-en.pdf

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 2476-7433 10 2 2025 6 1 Job Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment in the Park Rangers: A Case Study of Shirkooh Wildlife Refuge and the Masjed Mountain Private Protected Area 2694 2708 EN Hesan Akhavan Ghalibaf Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran Hesanakhavan@gmail.com N 0009-0009-0132-4297 Afarin Akhavan Department of Industrial Engineering, Science and Arts University, Yazd, Iran akhavan@sau.ac.ir Y 000-0001-9711-5266 Gholamhossein Halvani Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran halvani39@gmail.com N 0000-0002-9695-0662 Rohollah Fallah Madvari Department of Ergonomics, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran fallah134@gmail.com N 0000-0003-3112-6733 10.18502/jehsd.v10i2.19011 Introduction: The aim of this study was to conduct a risk assessment of environmental protection jobs in Ashkezar and Taft counties. Materials and Methods: This research is an applied-descriptive study. Data was collected and analyzed employing the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) method. Risk assessment of hazards was done applying a semi-quantitative approach which was based on the MIL-STD-882E military industry standard. The number of hazards identified across various categories, entailing physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychological, mechanical, and social risks were 2.102 hazards. Results: According to the risk assessment results, 312 hazards (14.8%) were categorize as high risk, 939 hazards (44.67%) were considered in the warning risk category, and 851 hazards (40.49%) were at a risk level which was acceptable risk level. Based on the Pareto principle, the top 20% of hazards with the highest average Risk Priority Number (RPN) included: inappropriate tools (e.g., heavy and inefficient bulletproof vests), conflicts and retaliation by offenders or individuals with prior motives, natural disasters, animal bites, lack of water and food resources, poisoning, exposure to accidents, traversing difficult and high-altitude routes, and gunfire. A total of 4,321 control measures were proposed to mitigate the risks associated with these hazards. Conclusion: Administrative controls emphasize the importance of employee training, expertise, and experience, as well as the development of reference guides, instructions, and specialized regulations tailored to environmental protection. This database would serve as a valuable resource for analyzing occupational hazards and predicting effective control measures, benefiting environmental protection efforts across Iran. Risk Assessment, Occupational Risks, Safety Management, Conservation of Natural Resources, Occupational Injuries, Parks, Recreational. http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-901-en.html http://jehsd.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-901-en.pdf