Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 Quantum Dots and Their Application in Water and Wastewater Treatment 1862 1864 EN Saeid Ahmadzadeh Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Maryam Dolatabadi Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Roya Malekahmadi Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Ali Rasooli Environmental Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 Microplastics as New Air Pollutants 1865 1866 EN Zahra Atafar Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. Saeed Hosseinpoor Climate Change and Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran. Amir Mohammadi Climate Change and Health Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Urban Wastewater Pertaining to Irrigation of Agricultural Products in Qom, Iran, in 2020 1867 1877 EN Ahmad Reza Yari Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. Yadollah Ghafuri Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. Rahim Aali Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. Introduction: The present study aims to evaluate adverse health effects caused by the use of wastewater for the irrigation of fields in Qom province, Iran. Materials and Methods: An environmental monitoring program was designed for 3 pathogens-Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and E. coli O157 and carried out on 120 samples from raw wastewater, effluent, and irrigated products with wastewater. In the next phase, exposure assessment and microbial risk assessment were performed using a questionnaire and interviewing 200 participants.  Results: Concentrations of E. coli, V. Cholerae, and E. coli O157:H7 in raw wastewater were determined to be 3.4 × 103 ± 500 cfu/100ml, 2.1 × 103 ± 100 cfu/100ml, and 312 cfu/100ml, respectively. Concentrations of E. coli, V. Cholerae, and E. coli O157:H7 in effluent were determined to be 2.1 × 103 ± 100 cfu/100ml, 0.8 × 103 ± 100 cfu/100ml, and 176 cfu/100ml, respectively. The conventional wastewater treatment system was effective in removing E. coli, V. Cholerae, and E. coli O157: H7 by 50%, 59%, and 43%, respectively. Crops irrigated with effluent contained 400 ± 250 cfu/100ml, 0.1 × 103 ± 0.019 cfu/100ml, and 52 cfu/100ml of E. coli, V. Cholerae, and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. According to the exposure scenarios, the total annual probability of infection in the studied population for E. coli, V. Cholerae, and E. coli O157:H7 was determined to be 8 × 10-2, 8 × 10-4, and 17 × 10-2, respectively. Conclusions: In irrigating agricultural crops with wastewater implementing wastewater safety plans (WWSP) is crucial.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 A Geo-Statistical Analysis of the Impact of Ecological and Environmental Risks on Epidemiology in the South-west, Nigeria 1878 1896 EN Kehinde Adekunle Bashiru Department of Statistics, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Taiwo Adetola Ojurongbe Department of Statistics, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Olusola Olayemi Fadipe Department of Civil Engineering, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Onyedikachi Joshua Okeke Department of Mathematical and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NMUSA. Habeeb Abiodun Afolabi Department of Statistics, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Nureni Olawale Adeboye Department of Statistics, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Iwa Abiola Akanni Department of Physics, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. Introduction: The probability of contamination is frequently elevated in scenarios where a well and pit latrine coexist, or in situations where heavy rain causes the overflow of open excreta dumps, which in turn flush into wells and surface water. Many possible negative health effects might arise from exposure to various ecological and biological agents in the environment. Therefore, there is a need to examine the risk of disease transmission in Ife North Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun state, using epidemiological, environmental, and ecological factors. Materials and Methods: Geostatistical analysis was used to examine the epidemiological risk, based on various environmental, biological, and ecological variables. The technique employed demonstrated the complexity and multiple parameters that raise the probability of an epidemic. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine whether or not the data were normally distributed. Fuzzy logic, correlation, and spline surface interpolation analysis were conducted using ArcGIS 10.3 and ENVI 5.0 software. Three levels of epidemic risk were used to construct the disease surveillance and projection maps. Results: According to the final susceptibility map, 8.08 km2 of 460.12 km2 of the research area were considered to be at very low risk for an epidemic, followed by 364.98km2 of low risk and 87.06km2 of moderate risk areas, with percentages of 1.75%, 79.32%, and 18.92%, respectively. Conclusion: A very substantial correlation was observed between biological and ecological components and water-borne diseases. It is, therefore, advised that all water sources be treated before consumption, and community involvement be encouraged in environmental sanitation programs.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 Biodiesel-Petrodiesel Blends Physicochemical Characterization and Economic Assessment of Designing a Plant in Iran 1897 1914 EN Omid Koohshekan School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Alireza Pardakhti School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Mohammad Ali Zahed Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran. Abozar Salehi School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Zahra Soltanianzadeh Environmental Science & Technology Research center, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Science, Yazd, Iran. Amin Mojiri Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hiroshima University, Japan. Introduction: By substituting conventional fossil fuels, biofuel can emerge as a potential sustainable energy source with favorable environmental outcomes. Biodiesel, in particular, is increasingly attracting attention due to its high potential to increase the consumption of biofuel and contributing to sustainable development. Experimental studies have revealed that biodiesel can play a considerable role of biodiesel in improving petroleum-based characteristics. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical properties of pure biodiesel produced through esterification and transesterification, petroleum diesel, and biodiesel-diesel blends were experimentally measured. Ninety percent of the filtered and dried waste cooking oil (WCO) was converted to biodiesel, and it was shown that cetane index, flash point, and fire point increased by applying B10 (10% biodiesel + 90% petrodiesel) instead of petrodiesel. Results: B10 exhibited an adequate depression in pour point and cloud point by 6°C and 3°C at low temperature, respectively. Also, in this study, an economical study and a sensitivity analysis of a biodiesel production plant from WCO with a capacity of 90 tons per day was carried out, using COMFAR III software. The highest proportion of operating cost belonged to WCO (75%) followed by methanol (10%) and machinery, service, and maintenance expense (5%). Conclusion: Biodiesel showed a positive influence on petrodiesel characteristics, in which the desired green fuel contributed to save the environment. Eventually, economic analysis provides the possibility of running a plant in Iran as a sustainable solution to energy issues.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 The Relationship between Exposure to Arsenic in Drinking Water and the Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Two Urban Populations in the Southeastern Areas of Iran 1915 1922 EN Mohammad Kahnooji Biology Department, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran. Maryam Karimifar Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Mahdieh Azin Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute on Basic Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Hassan Ahmadinia Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Occupational Environment Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Seyed Ahmad Razavi Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Clinical Research Development Unit, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Ali Mohammad Madahian Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Clinical Research Development Unit, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Hadi Eslami Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Occupational Safety and Health Research Center, NICICO, World Safety Organization and Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran. Introduction: Chronic exposure to Arsenic (As) can increase the risk of diabetes mellitus. This study aims to determine the relationship between exposure to the As by drinking water and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in two urban populations of Rafsanjan and Kashkuyeh, Iran, in 2020. Materials and Methods: In this research, 120 participants from Rafsanjan and Kashkuyeh were recruited and divided into four groups. The first two groups have lived in Rafsanjan and Kashkuyeh for the past 10 years, and the second two groups have lived in these two cities for less than a year. Individuals with two episodes of fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 126 mg/dl were considered to have diabetes. Results: As was found in high levels in all samples (10 samples) in Rafsanjan and 55% of samples (10 samples) in Kashkuyeh. The prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in people with a residence duration of more than 10 years (p = 0.038). The analysis of Multiple Logistic Regression model demonstrated that the chance of developing diabetes in people who had lived in either city for more than 10 years was almost 5.7 times higher than others (OR = 5.79; P = 0.003). Also, the chance of developing diabetes was 91% higher in people who had lived in Rafsanjan compared with Kashkuyeh, and 91% higher in men than in women (OR = 1.915; P = 0.215). Conclusion: Chronic exposure (≥ 10 years) to high levels of As by drinking water can increase the risk of diabetes, and future research is needed in this regard.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 A Model for Predicting Medical Solid Waste in Hilla City, Iraq 1923 1937 EN Suad Al Fatlawi Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq. Mustafa Al-Alwani Republic of Iraq, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Iraq. Introduction: To improve current practices and create the most effective healthcare waste treatment system, solid medical waste composition needs to be analyzed. This  study aims to develop models to predict the rate of medical waste production in hospitals in Hilla city, Iraq. Predictive mode can be used to set standards, evaluate current methods for treating and disposing medical waste, and optimize healthcare solid waste management systems. Materials and Methods: Predictive models and long-term data on the composition and rate of solid medical waste generation were developed using a longitudinal study design. A standardized questionnaire and weighted scale were used to measure solid medical waste generated from the five public hospitals. Statistics were used to create models predicting the amount of waste generated at each hospital. Results: These models demonstrated a significant correlation between inpatient and outpatient numbers and waste generation. Different hospitals treat different numbers of inpatients and outpatients. Different models have been created based on various types of hospitals. Conclusion: Linear rule-based models accurately represent the weights of variables, identify the sources and implications of solid medical waste, and control waste levels by using a variety of parameters. The research model can help in the development of an effective strategic plan for setting up a medical solid waste (MSW) management system.

Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health and Sustainable Development 2476-6267 8 1 2023 3 1 Management of Water Resources and Health Promotion in Drought: An Indigenous Knowledge-Based Qualitative Study 1938 1948 EN Katayoun Jahangiri Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Azadeh Fatehpanah Department of Health in Disasters and Emergencies, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. Introduction: Drought is a slow-onset natural disasters and a gradual concern. Throughout the centuries, Iranians have applied various methods to preserve water resources and adjust themselves to the drought. This study was conducted with the aim of preserving water resources by households during a drought with the approach of indigenous knowledge. Material and Methods: The study was carried out from April 2017 to June 2018. A qualitative content analysis method was used to obtain insight into personal experiences. A purposive sampling method was used to select 15 participants. The research population consisted of native villagers who lived in rural areas near the three main plains of Yazd province (Yazd-Ardakan plain, Abarkouh plain, and Herat Va Marvast plain). Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The components related to indigenous knowledge were placed in 4 categories and 15 sub-categories. The main categories were personal hygiene, conservation of scarce resources, prediction of drought, and classification of water in terms of quality and its supply sources. Conclusion: Indigenous knowledge reflects several generations of experience. This knowledge is a valuable resource about how local communities interact with their ever-changing environments. We must pay attention to personal health behaviors and how our ancestors used and preserved scarce resources. It is necessary to identify and correct these behaviors and support them through proper management and financial resources at the community level. To preserve water resources in droughts, it is essential to use appropriate management and policy-making and motivational methods, and educate families.