Abstract: Water assets are turning into an incredible issue everywhere in the world, there are numerous reasons the natural issues are one of the significant causes. Pakistan isn’t liberated from a similar danger of diminishing water assets on the surface and subsurface. The regular purposes behind precipitation like a downpour and icy mass dissolving are two primary sources that can add the surface and underground water. PubDate: 29 Apr, 2021
Abstract: The collection is one of the most important steps in waste management, accounting for 60% of total costs. Therefore, a little improvement in collection operations can have a significant impact on total cost savings. On the other hand, the traffic of heavy vehicles collecting waste causes the air pollution spread and the passages pavement damage in case of excessive loading. Therefore, the issue of vehicle route determining to achieve this goal is very important. This study simulated the routing process of garbage trucks using random routing problems and genetic algorithms. The simulation results showed that the genetic algorithm converges to the optimal response in the 2069th generation and according to the convergence graph, in the 1000th generation onwards, the slope of the graph decreases. On the other hand, the amount of cost function is reduced from 11775.4909 to 1589.6028 by optimizing mentioned model, and the performance result has led to the emergence of the shortest possible path. With the help of the algorithm, all the management parameters of sustainable development, including reducing air pollution, reducing street pavement destruction, and energy (fuel) consumption are achieved. Finally, by integrating ArcGIS software, the output of the algorithm was matched to the map. PubDate: 28 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Today, optimization and management of energy consumption are considered as one of the main necessities of operating various buildings. Given the decline in production sources of primary energy as well as the produced contaminations due to their consumption, attention toward such matter has doubled. One of the operational solutions to controlling energy consumption is to employ and utilize simulation approaches. In this study, a sports building complex including three separate halls in Mashhad was simulated using the Design-Builder model. The results of thermal simulations showed that parameters such as walls, glasses, and the roof involve almost the same amount of energy loss. Meanwhile, the energy loss due to external infiltration exchanges of the building leads to the highest extent of energy loss, with a rate of 66.28 KBTU/h. Furthermore, at the end of the study, the relationship between the production of carbon dioxide contaminant and the electrical energy consumption for cooling was indicated and examined. Moreover, assessment and zoning were carried out on how optical distribution resulted from solar radiation takes place in the sports building. PubDate: 28 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Due to the development of the construction industry and the rapid growth of the construction industry, the consequences of the boundless human interventions in nature and the environment gradually became apparent. In line with these efforts, the concept of sustainable development was considered by the World Commission on Environment and Development, which means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of the next generation to meet their needs. The present study intends to evaluate water consumption in the production and implementation of three types of high-consumption and competing blocks containing Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), Non-Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (NAAC), Cellular Light Weight Concrete (CLC) in the Iranian construction industry. Case studies were conducted on well-known factories approved by Standard Company in Mashhad, water consumption in the mentioned blocks was evaluated and compared during the production and implementation process. At the end of the study, the measured values were used as raw data for multi-criteria decision analysis of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and ELimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalité (ELECTRE). The comparisons showed that the highest amount of water consumption belongs to the AAC block, and the lowest amount belongs to the CLC block. This conclusion indicates that the production of CLC block in terms of planning to conserve water resources is most in line with sustainable development policies. PubDate: 28 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Air pollution is one of the most important problems of urban life. Since a large proportion of airborne pollutants originate from industry, it is important to address emission removal systems. One of the growing industries is the production of aluminum, which requires attention and planning since emits dangerous pollutants such as particulate matter, SO2, NOx, dioxins, furans, mercury chloride, and fluorine compounds. The present study investigates the production life cycle of this metal and analyzes the production of gaseous pollutants and particles in different production units. Large amount of pollution is produced in the alumina production and the aluminum electrolysis units, which in the best case, for the production of one ton of final aluminum, Emit 1.07, 4.73, and 1.32 kg of particulate pollutants, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide respectively. In the next step, in the search of the optimal system for controlling particulate pollutants, SO2, NOx caused by aluminum production, by reviewing the research background and related articles and books, ranked these systems using ELECTRE, TOPSIS and SAW methods. Sedimentation chamber, internal separators, cyclones, fabric filters, electrostatic precipitators, and wet collectors in particle removal and condensation, absorption, adsorption, incineration, and wet washing in SO2 and NOx removal were reviewed and compared. The results show the superiority of cyclones in particle removal, wet washing system for removing SO2, and adsorption for removing NOX. PubDate: 26 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Ever since the industrial revolution, air got significantly polluted by the industry. Air pollution is even more concentrated in cities that have an industrial zone. Especially in these zones, the presence of Sulfur-dioxide (SO2) and suspended Particles (PM) in the air is very high. Prolonged exposure to SO2 and PM can cause cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders in humans. The aim of this paper was to a review available literature on air pollution by sulfur dioxide and suspended particles in the air region of Bor Copper complex, as well as to determine whether the investigated results are contradictory. Studies from prior years (2004-2015), as well as 2019, indicate rise of SO2 and PM air pollutants in the atmosphere in the region of the copper smelter of the Bor Complex in Serbia, which can cause serious consequences for human well-being. However, the results of research by different authors for the same years are not in agreement, with that said, a review of the literature indicates significant differences. In addition, no continuous research on any air pollutants has been done for several consecutive years. This can be an interesting question for the scientific public in Serbia. Review of available literature indicates that in Serbia, solving this problem must be taken more seriously. PubDate: 26 Apr, 2021
Abstract: Environmental and health organizations believe that water entering the water distribution network should always have a certain amount of free chlorine remaining (at least 0.6 mg/L according to standard 1053). The founding philosophy of this standard is based more on the possibility of re-contamination in the water network. Experience in the operation of urban water distribution networks shows that various factors can lead to microbial growth and contamination in treated water. These parameters include the presence of biofilms in parts of pipes, the entry of external contaminants (microorganisms active in the soil) due to the phenomenon of leakage, the entry of air pollution in open tanks and the transfer of pathogens intentionally or Unintentionally pointed out. However, factors such as the reaction of chlorine with the wall of the distribution system pipe or the reaction with the matrix of materials in the water lead to a decrease in the concentration of free chlorine remaining throughout the network. Meanwhile, chlorine mass decay is a function of the materials in the water and the water temperature in the network. Therefore, this study intends to evaluate the effect of temperature changes on the residual chlorine concentration of the network using qualitative-hydraulic modeling and simulations. Studies have shown that in different time series, the remaining free chlorine changes up to 32% in different months of the year. PubDate: 20 Jul, 2021
Abstract: The State of Jalisco has high levels of vulnerability to climate change, so it is necessary to identify the areas that present the highest risk. At present, it is important to have information to design and implement measures that reduce the effects of climate change on water resources. In Jalisco, the “Altos de Jalisco” and North regions are very vulnerable as they show a current and future water deficit. The objective of this study is to expose the conditions of vulnerability of water resources in the “Altos de Jalisco”, an area of great economic importance for Jalisco and Mexico. The intention is to show the climatic conditions, the changes experienced by climate change through R-Climdex indicators and projections of future scenarios of temperature, humidity and precipitation using PRECIS, to finally expose the vulnerability of the water resource in the region. The results show conditions that coincide with the IPCC reports regarding global estimates of water availability; by the middle of this century, a 10-30% decrease in fresh water is estimated in the dry tropical areas (Mexico and Jalisco) that are already suffering from water stress. It is likely that as the century progresses, an increase in temperature and decrease in relative humidity and intensity of rainfall, and the consequent increase in the extent of areas affected by drought. Likewise, a decrease in water reserves is expected, which would reduce the availability of water in the region as we approach the end of the century. PubDate: 16 Mar, 2021
Abstract: The existence of leakage in the urban water supply network can be considered one of the main challenges in the country’s water industry. The purpose of this study is a comparative comparison of water leakage management patterns in Tokyo and Tehran. In this study, the existing documents in the field of water leakage management in both cities were collected, classified, and evaluated. A comparison at the level of preventive measures showed that the city of Tokyo has a conceptual model (with an effective water ratio of more than 98%) with «corrective» subdivisions including old network management and providing solutions for maintenance and repair of the current network and also subdivisions including «technology development» and «education.» However, in Tehran, due to financial constraints, the preventive approach (PM11) is entirely passive, and emergency maintenance (EM2) units usually enter into operation after the incident. Operational comparisons showed that the Tokyo Water Leakage Control System consists of two main parts: “continuous monitoring” and “measures commensurate with the type of challenge” and is based on strategic policies. In Tehran, the movement towards using new technologies to control leakage in urban water supply networks has been significant; However, these measures are not based on a plan and have created unbalanced growth in this regard. PubDate: 08 Jun, 2021
Abstract: With the growth of industrialization and urbanization in megacities, some emerging disasters occur such as air pollution mortality, increasing cancer risks, decreasing life expectancy, descending prosperity, and Human Development Indexes (HDI). In addition, with the raising population of cities, the quantity and quality of air pollutions are increased based on vehicle application rate, industrial activities, agricultural efforts and etc. In this research, with the application of Dose-Response Functions in air pollution, some parameters such as chronic disease-based mortality, life expectancy reduction based on chronic and acute effects, and ozone gas health risks are computed in a case study of Mashhad city, Iran. The outcomes have illustrated the life expectancy is reduced in a case study around 8.22 and 8.51 years for men and women, respectively. Plus, the results of statistical health scrutinizing have demonstrated that the mortality of chronic effects based on air pollution emissions is calculated around 20 percentages in the case study. Likewise, with the application of two different methods in Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) containing Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and ELimination Et Choice Translating Reality (ELECTRE) the responsibility of each pollution is determined. As per the mentioned computations, Particle Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has the most role in increasing the health risk of air pollution in Mashhad City, Iran. PubDate: 08 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Industrial wastewater treatment is of high priority due to the presence of an extraordinary concentration of dangerous pollutants. Similar to urban wastewater treatment plants, there are plenty of options while designing industrial ones which need various analyses and researches to choose correctly. One of the most efficient ways to solve this problem is to implement Economic and Sensitivity Analysis. This research has studied designing an industrial wastewater treatment plant utilizing three different biological treatment methods (including Sequential Batch Reactors (SBR), plug-flow activated sludge with a secondary clarifier, and step aeration activated sludge with a secondary clarifier). It also measures the sensitivity of performance cost parameters to factors affecting the suspended growth unit. The results of the economic analysis showed that using SBR has the highest construction cost of $ 70,200,000 and the highest total cost of 96,900,000. Sensitivity analysis showed that by adjusting design retention time and variance between heterotrophic microorganism decay rate and the reality, using activated carbon-based systems could significantly reduce total annual costs. PubDate: 08 Jun, 2021
Abstract: Conventional agriculture is the greatest enemy of healthy soil; it wasn’t designed for the betterment of the soil, but rather for the rapid economic growth. If we want to improve soil quality and with that our life quality, we should turn our field of interest to the application of so-called conservation agriculture, which belongs to the principles of sustainable nature. Conservation agriculture is based upon three principles: minimum tillage and soil disturbance, permanent soil cover with crop residues and live mulches, and intercropping. Minimum tillage minimizes soil organic matter losses and leads to increase soil carbon and nitrogen stocks. One percent increase in organic matter can capture 10 times more tons of carbon dioxide. In this way, the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is significantly reduced. In addition, to maintain healthy soil system, there shouldn’t be any bare soil left. Permanently covered soil leads to many advantages: Maintaining water capacity in soil which stops drying of soil (water is constantly being absorbed by crop), it reduces erosion and soil compaction, manages nutrients, controls weeds and increases yields. Additionally, intercropping is a way to create ecological balance, increase diversity in an agricultural ecosystem, increasing the quantity and quality of crops and reduce yield damage to pests, diseases and weeds. Conservation agriculture gives us the opportunity how to use natural resources more efficiently with the minimal impact on the environment. PubDate: 08 Apr, 2021
Abstract: Nowadays, water supplies face critical conditions in terms of quality and quantity. Furthermore, growth in population along with their needs require an increasing level of water-related resources. Consequently, the potential application of purified wastewater supplies can be considered in agriculture, industry, and irrigation of green spaces. Hence the necessity of disinfection and reduction of microbial load in the outlet sewage of water treatment plants are so clear for all designers and operators. Chlorine contact reactors are one of the major pillars of any wastewater treatment plant, whether urban or industrial. A new method is presented in this study based on the optimization of the dispersion amount in a Chlorine Contact Plug Flow Reactor (CCPFR) using single-objective Genetic Algorithm (GA) and nonlinear condition functions, Simulated Annealing Algorithm (SAA) and Pattern Search Algorithm (PSA). Then, it is attempted to assess the hydraulic behavior of the reactor and the microbial load removal performance using statistical, probabilistic and experimental practices. This research was done in a case study of Mashhad city’s wastewater treatment plant. The results of presented study illustrate that GA model has the best outcomes for designing CCPFR and the desired reactor with a depth of 2.45m, width of 1.23m, length of 24.8m, a number of 15 channels, and a retention time of 87 minutes is able to reduce a population of 300000 microorganisms (MPN/100 ml) at the entry to 274 (MPN/100 ml) at the exit. As per this method, investment cost of CCPFR is reduced around 30 percentages in comparison of traditional computation system. PubDate: 07 Apr, 2021
Abstract: The quality of water resources is one of the main subjects in ensuring public health. Therefore, monitoring water resources, especially surface waters, is one of the leading water operational management systems’ requirements. Since the quality of surface waters is affected by natural factors and pollutants from human activity, monitoring water resources’ quality leads to collecting and extracting valuable data, which needs a suitable method for interpretation and analysis. Therefore, this research assessing the annual quality of Kardeh Dam (One of the surface water sources of Mashhad) based on IRWQISC and NSFWQI qualitative index. The results showed that the Kardeh Dam quality index in spring, summer, autumn, and winter is 55.43, 49.25, 57.61, and 60.9, respectively, indicating relatively good, average, relatively good, and relatively good quality conditions, respectively. Also, according to NSFWQI analysis, the quality index was calculated for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively equal to 86.4 (good), 81.28 (good), 84.48 (good), and 96.64 (excellent). Comparisons showed that IRWQISC was more rigorous than NSFWQI in judging the water quality of the Kardeh Dam. Comparisons indicate that the dam’s water quality judgment with the IRWQISC model is far more stringent than the NSFWQI model. PubDate: 05 May, 2021
Abstract: Today, using plastic tools and materials to meet executive and design needs is considered an integral part of industries such as the construction industry. Among these materials, PVC pipes in equipment and installations or UPVC windows could be mentioned. The missing link in the widespread use and utilization of this material is in the lack of attention to emissions from production and during waste management of the process. This study focuses on library studies to delineate the LCA cycle of air pollution in waste generation and management. At the end of the study, using the ANN artificial neural network method and the tested data, a logical relationship was found between the toxicity effect (TEQ) and the produced PCDD/F dioxins based on Gaussian and exponential models. The results of the obtained models have the ability to predict the toxicity effect with 60% - 70% accuracy. PubDate: 04 Aug, 2021
Abstract: Solar heating and cooling, concentrating solar power and photovoltaic are three solar technologies which harness solar energy. Photovoltaic Technology (PV) is directly converting sunlight into electricity and it is very convenient to use. In addition, these devices are simple in design and easy to handle. The efficiency of energy production this way is great. In order to obtain constant/continuous energy for consumption, the PV system can be a part of the so-called hybrid system. In the hybrid system, the PV system is combined with other renewable or non-renewable energy sources. However, there are certain problems in the use of solar energy, such as: cost, maintenance of the entire system and the impact of maintenance on the ecosystem, as well as the development of consumer awareness. Today, the world is forced to solve these problems in order to be able to save the planet from further deterioration of the ecosystem. PubDate: 04 Aug, 2021
Abstract: Today, smart city approaches are considered as a key to solving the problems facing metropolises. However, using this approach, the costs of investment, operation, and maintenance of infrastructure in cities will be significantly reduced. In this study, a system for intelligent temperature control of urban equipment (electrical panels) and fire prevention based on a combination of concept models and programming of AVR microcontroller was designed. Then, the data obtained from the sensors (installed in the aerial panel of one of the streets of Mashhad) were analyzed by the SPSS software model. The results of the analyzes showed that the highest accumulation of data was at temperatures below 30°C and statistically, the normal distribution was skewed to the right. The temperature data received from the sensors for phases one, two, and three have a median of 26, 29 and 29°C, respectively, which indicates; Temperatures of 75 to 81°C are selected correctly as warning values. Considering the results of this study, it became clear that the present system can be very effective in monitoring, controlling, and monitoring the health of urban electrical panels. PubDate: 04 Aug, 2021
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