Mahdi Jahani; Mohammad Rostami
Abstract
Introduction: Nowadays, plastic and plastic compounds are among the synthetic materials whose production is increasing day by day in different types and applications. These plastics have been used in the production of various industrial products, and these materials, as waste resistant to microbial decomposition, ...
Read More
Introduction: Nowadays, plastic and plastic compounds are among the synthetic materials whose production is increasing day by day in different types and applications. These plastics have been used in the production of various industrial products, and these materials, as waste resistant to microbial decomposition, created complex environmental challenges. So that the use of industrial polymers causes problems such as solid waste and global warming, and the materials that are currently used in the packaging of food, beverages, medical and pharmaceutical products, as well as in industrial uses are non-degradable. To solve this challenge, researchers are looking for the production of biodegradable plastics.Materials and methods: The main goal of the current research is to identify the barriers to the production of biodegradable disposable containers with the help of the fuzzy Delphi technique. The reason for using the fuzzy approach is that the parameters and variables affecting the results of this research are so diverse and complex that it is not possible to use analysis and screening tools in a deterministic environment. Therefore, in this research, these analyzes are made in the environment of fuzzy numbers. The statistical population of the research includes the specialists and experts in the production of disposable biodegradable containers in the factories of Behzit Tehran, Zoebbehd Pars, Zarin Shimi, MG Plast, Kimia Samane Sabz, Navad Tabriz, Pars Plastic Khuzestan, Shiraz Sabz, Mehrparsa, Adine Plast. . Sampling of experts was done until reaching theoretical saturation, and the sample size of 10 people was selected from factory experts.Results: At the end, the results are analyzed. according to this,, the findings from the data analysis show that among the economic challenges are the lack of investment in production, the cost of raw materials for production, the lack of providing suitable facilities for production, the cost of providing machinery for production. Biodegradable plastics are effective. Among the technological challenges, poor skills and expertise for product packaging and production, lack of access to global markets to update new production technologies, lack of access to the technology needed to implement the production of biodegradable disposable containers are effective. Finally, among the legal challenges of the non-compliance of container production with environmental laws and regulations, cumbersome administrative policies and laws are effective for the production of biodegradable plastics.Discussion: Plastic and plastic compounds are among the synthetic materials whose production is increasing day by day in different types and applications. These plastics have been used in the production of various industrial products, and these materials, as waste resistant to microbial decomposition, created complex environmental challenges. Plastics play an important role in daily life and are used all over the world from hot to cold regions; Because they are cheap, have good mechanical properties and are widely used. With all the features, plastics have become a problem in the environment because the time they remain in the environment is very long. Many of these substances are not broken down by natural processes. Non-biodegradation of polymers causes these materials to persist in the environment
Biodiversity & Biosafety
Mohammadreza Rahmani; Hanie Faghihi; Bahman Shams-Esfandabad
Abstract
Introduction: The population of Red Deer has decreased significantly, and the species distribution is restricted to only some core zones of protected areas of the country. The most important threatening factors in decline the population of the species are destruction and fragmentation of habitats and ...
Read More
Introduction: The population of Red Deer has decreased significantly, and the species distribution is restricted to only some core zones of protected areas of the country. The most important threatening factors in decline the population of the species are destruction and fragmentation of habitats and poaching of the species, which are strongly affected by human presence and human activities. Therefore, using habitat suitability modeling of the species as an effective tool in identifying, managing, and protecting the remaining habitats, can help managers in conserving the species more effectively.Material and Methods: Hyrcanian forests or Caspian forests consist of 15% of the total forests of Iran and are the last surviving temperate broadleaf forests in the world. Mazandaran province includes a significant part of the Hyrcanian forests. The core zone of the Central Alborz Protected Area is the most important area and the safest breeding habitat of Maral in Mazandaran province and has the largest populations of this species in the country. In this study, by use of the Maximum Entropy method and Ecological Niche Factor Analyses, using the species presence points in the Central Alborz Protected Area, we investigated the suitable breeding habitats of the Maral population in Mazandaran province. These models are launched by predictive environmental layers and species presence points, and express the suitability of each cell in the habitat as a function of biological variables.Results: The results of the ENFA method showed that the Central Alborz Protected Area Core Zone is the most important area and the safest breeding habitat of the Maral in Mazandaran Province. The results with values of 1.3 marginalities and specialty 5.5 indicate habitat areas with higher slopes and elevation models than the average which has low tolerability, are selected by the species. The results of the MaxEnt revealed that among the human-related variables, the most effective parameter is the distance to the village. According to the Jackknife test, this variable is the most important in the habitat selection of Maral. As the distance from the village increases, the habitat suitability increases exponentially, and then it decreases due to the proximity to other villages and the density of human presence in the region. By increasing the vegetation density, the suitability of the habitat increases, but in the high density of vegetation, suitability decreases. The output response curve of the results shows that the habitat suitability of the species increases with the increase in elevation because, during the breeding season, the Maral species is dependent on high-elevation safe habitats. Among the ecological variables, the slope variable was identified as the least effective factor. Discussion: During the breeding season, the Maral is present only in the Alborz Protected Area Core Zone, and in the non-breeding season, it is dispersed in a wider area of protected areas. Mazandaran province is potentially one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the country, but since the central Alborz core area is currently highly conserved by the Department of the Environment, it is the most important and most populated breeding habitat of Marals in Mazandaran and one of the two main breeding habitats of the country. The lack of protection of suitable habitats is the most important factor in reducing the population of Maral in the province. One of the other important challenges for the protection of this species in the province is the fragmented habitats and their dispersion. Many of the habitats in the species corridors probably have high habitat suitability, but these habitats may have low survival rates for the species due to weak protection, they are sinks of local populations or ecological traps.
Environmental Economics
Soheila Biria; Ali Fakour
Abstract
Introduction: One of the main concerns of governments in recent years has been the increase in per capita health expenditures, which is affected by several factors. The increase in gross domestic product (GDP), air pollution index and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have had direct and indirect effects ...
Read More
Introduction: One of the main concerns of governments in recent years has been the increase in per capita health expenditures, which is affected by several factors. The increase in gross domestic product (GDP), air pollution index and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have had direct and indirect effects on health expenditure per capita. An increase in GDP can improve life, but an increase in air pollution and CO2 emissions caused by human production activities usually causes health problems such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and climate changes. Health problems can increase the per capita health expenditure of people. In addition, these costs have negative effects on the economic productivity of society. Therefore, in this research, the relationship between air pollution and gross domestic product with health expenditures in the big cities of Iran including Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Isfahan and Ahvaz is investigated. Considering that household income and air pollution are among the factors affecting household health expenses, therefore, investigating the relationship between these variables can be effective in finding solutions to improve the health level of the society and solve economic problems caused by the increase in health expenses. Materials and Methods: In this study, the panel data model was used to investigate the factors affecting the per capita health expenditure in 5 major cities of the country. The investigated time period is between 2011-2022. To avoid fitting a false regression, the reliability of the variables is checked. To do this, Levin and Lane test is used. To test the co-accumulation of variables in the long term, Pedroni cointegration test was used, and to determine whether the model is a panel, Limer's F-test was used. Then, to determine whether the model is a model with fixed effects or a model with random effects, the Hausman test is performed. GMM method is used to estimate the model.Results: The results of the model indicate that the increase in gross domestic product (GDP), air pollution index and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions had a positive and significant effect on the increase in per capita health expenditures. In this way, air pollution caused by the economic growth of cities causes an increase in disease and an increase in the cost of health care. As a result, the continuation of air pollution and provision of health expenses by the government causes a larger part of the government's budget to be allocated to the provision of health expenses.Discussion: One of the most important goals of economic development is to achieve higher economic growth. It is expected that the health level of the society will improve as the GDP level increases. But the studies confirm that with the increase in the gross domestic product of each of Iran's big cities, the amount of air pollution has also increased, which has endangered people's health and caused an increase in health costs and an increase in the number of deaths. Therefore, in order to control the per capita health care costs in big cities, it is suggested to the authorities to consider using new and green technology, investing in public transportation and improving energy efficiency as well as preserving the environment in their plans. Also, imposing a tax on CO2 emissions and encouraging the use of clean and green energy can be an economic stimulus to change unsustainable environmental behaviors.
Environmental Economics
samaneh bagheri
Abstract
Introduction: Considering that Iran is one of the ten countries with the most pollution, research in this field is necessary. The goal of countries is high economic growth along with the non-emission of pollution. Environmental destruction and climate change are problems of all countries. Some people ...
Read More
Introduction: Considering that Iran is one of the ten countries with the most pollution, research in this field is necessary. The goal of countries is high economic growth along with the non-emission of pollution. Environmental destruction and climate change are problems of all countries. Some people believe that economic growth leads to the destruction of the environment, and some others do not accept this theory. Sustainable development means that today's generation must meet its own needs without compromising the next generation. Today, countries are trying to achieve sustainable development by minimizing environmental destruction in addition to economic growth. To achieve this goal, international treaties have been concluded between the countries of the world. Many environmental protection organizations were established. One of the long debates among economists is energy consumption. On the one hand, due to economic growth and production of goods, energy consumption is needed, and on the other hand, the pollution caused by the consumption of this energy fuels environmental and non-climate pollution in countries. Because Iran is a country that sells oil and natural gas, it is a country that has a relative advantage in the field of fossil energy. Considering that Iran has a relative advantage in energy consumption, research in this field becomes necessary. Energy consumption can lead to more pollution.Materials and methods: For the first time, this research investigates the factors affecting energy consumption and pollution emission in Iran using the Markov switching method, fully adjusted ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares and Johansen's method, for the period of 1994-2021. examines In most of the studies conducted on the relationship between energy consumption and major macroeconomic variables, the influence of factors affecting energy consumption, especially factors affecting energy consumption and pollution emission in Iran, has not been paid attention to. For the first time, this research examines the experimental test of the environmental Kuznets curve with three dynamic time series methods, including fully adjusted ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares, with three optimal intervals and Johansen's method.Results: According to the results of this research, with all three dynamic time series methods, the Kuznets curve was confirmed for Iran, and this country is located in the downward part of the Kuznets curve, which means that economic growth initially leads to pollution, but later it causes pollution. Pollution is reduced. Energy consumption has had a positive and significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. According to the research results, gross domestic product, energy consumption, foreign direct investment have a positive and significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. Trade has a negative and significant effect on carbon dioxide emissions. The LR test showed that the model is nonlinear and the Markov switching method was used to estimate the model. The results obtained using Markov switching MS-ARMA(3,1,0) method show a positive and significant relationship between trade, GDP and energy consumption with a break on energy consumption. Due to the composition effect of Iran in energy-intensive industries, it has found a relative advantage and trade has a positive and significant effect on consumption.Keywords: FMOLS، DOLS، Kuznets Curve, Johansen
Environmental Education
Masoud Rezaei
Abstract
Introduction: Anthropocentrism is one of the central causes of the environmental crisis which is rooted in consumerism, and consumerism in energy leads to more demand for natural resources. By criticizing anthropocentrism, environmental philosophy has qusstioned the dominant Western culture's conception ...
Read More
Introduction: Anthropocentrism is one of the central causes of the environmental crisis which is rooted in consumerism, and consumerism in energy leads to more demand for natural resources. By criticizing anthropocentrism, environmental philosophy has qusstioned the dominant Western culture's conception of nature and has challenged this mainstream by criticizing instrumental rationality and emphasizing the intrinsic value of nature. Consumption is a key component to achieve sustainable development, and saving energy is one of the ways to achieve a cleaner and healthier environment and climate change management. The rapid increase in energy consumption for socio-economic activities is the main source of the continuous increase in greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming and climate change effects. From the environmental psychology perspective, dealing with climate change is considered a fundamental challenge that requires a deep understanding of the psychological processes involved in environmentally friendly behaviors and lifestyles in general, and energy consumption in particular. The evidence shows that technical interventions alone cannot have an effect in reducing energy consumption and consumers' behavior must be changed. Materials and Methods: The main purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between environmental ethics and energy saving behavior of agricultural students. To achieve this goal, the survey method was used. The statistical population of the research was M.Sc. and Ph.D. agricultural students at Tehran University, which 126 of them were selected using simple random sampling method and Krejcie and Morgan table. The questionnaire was a data gathering tool that was designed in three sections: students' demographic characteristics, energy saving behavior and environmental ethics. The face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the experts in this field. Also, its validity was obtained using convergent and differential validity, and its reliability was obtained by calculating Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability. Findings: The findings of the research showed that the students prioritized ecocentrism, theocentrism and anthropocentrism in the first to third priority, respectively. Based on the results of structural equation modeling, only ecocentrism environmental ethics was effective in energy saving behavior and the research model was able to explain 38% of students' energy saving behavior changes. Discussion: Unlimited exploitation of natural resources to provide energy and wasting energy resources are clear examples of paying attention to human needs, without considering the capacity and potential of nature. With regard to eco-centric ethics, the discourse of intrinsic value should become the dominant discourse in energy policies, and without acknowledging the intrinsic value and rights of nature, the intrinsic value of nature is continuously ignored, and a shif from anthropocentric developmentalism to ecocentric approach should be prioritized in order to fill the gap between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism. The fact that students focus on anthropocentric or ecocentric views affects their understanding of the environment and its protection and their attitude towards the environment. Eco-centric education for students is one of the important priorities in this field. An education that makes students aware of the intrinsic value of nature. This process increases the critique of dominant values such as excessive energy consumption and highlights the negative effects of development. The key point in teaching environmental sustainability is educational approaches focused on the development of critical and reflective thinking. In these trainings, empathy with life on the planet, listening to the earth and action to protect the biosphere should be encouraged.
Air ppllution
Ghasem Zolfaghari; Sara Mohabat
Abstract
Introduction: The growth of technology and industry has brought prosperity to mankind on the one hand, but on the other hand, it has caused the creation of physical, chemical, and biological pollutants in the environment and by creating unfavorable conditions in the work environment, it has endangered ...
Read More
Introduction: The growth of technology and industry has brought prosperity to mankind on the one hand, but on the other hand, it has caused the creation of physical, chemical, and biological pollutants in the environment and by creating unfavorable conditions in the work environment, it has endangered the basis of a healthy life. Suspended particles (Particulate Matter (PM)), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon monoxide (CO) are among the standard and important pollutants in air pollution. In this research, the pollutants emitted from the chimneys of Semnan gypsum industries including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM10), and dry dust have been studied in five Semnan gypsum factories.Materials and methods: The concentration of PM10 and dry dusts was determined using a particle measuring device (TCR-Tecora) and a Testo 350-M/XL device was used to measure gaseous pollutants. Sampling of industrial chimneys as well as the space around the factories has been done in four places. Also, risk assessment has been done by the William-Fine technique, which is a systematic risk assessment method to identify possible risks, estimate the level of risk in risk management, and reduce it to an acceptable level.Results: In this study, the amount of NOx is between 24.5 and 39 ppm, the concentration of SO2 is between 33.44 and 321 ppm, the concentration of CO is between 5 and 100 ppm, the concentration of PM10 pollutant is between 2.68 and µg/m3 97.66, and the concentration of dry dust between 53.23 and 31896 mg/m3 was reported in the five investigated industries. For environmental assessment, 40 environmental aspects were identified using the William-Fine technique. For pollutants CO, SO2, NOx, PM10 and dry particles according to the risk priority number (RPN) calculated and according to the results of the category length, 4 risk classes were obtained with titles of very high, high, medium and low risk. Based on the ranking of 40 environmental aspects, the frequency of low category was 22, average category was 4, high category was 4, and very high category was 10. In gypsum units No. 3 and 4, the risks of PM10 suspended particles were among very high risks. Also, the risk related to dust dry in both chimney of factory No. 5 was reported at a very high level.Discussion: The concentrations of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and dry dusts are lower than the standard values of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) related to chimney emissions (carbon monoxide: 435 ppm, sulfur dioxide: 800 ppm, nitrogen oxides: 350 ppm and Dry particles: 600 mg/m3). The concentration of PM10 based on the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO) was higher than the permissible limit (50 µg/m3), while it was lower than the permissible limit based on the EPA (150 µg/m3). The entry of PM10 suspended particles into the atmosphere and also the accumulation of dusts in the environment around the factory is one of the important environmental problems of gypsum factories. Based on the classification, 55% of the aspects were at the low risk level, 10% of the aspects were at the medium risk level, 10% of the aspects were at the high risk level, and 25% were at the very high risk level. Finally, in order to reduce the level of risk and for the effective management of these industries, measures such as changing the used fuel to clean fuel, regular monitoring of the quantity and quality of the exhaust gas flow from the industrial chimney, using filter masks when in contact with dust, replacing bag filters Impact type with jet pulse type is remarkable.
Environmental Education
Robabeh Allahdadi Hafshejani; Mozhgan Ahmadi Nadoushan
Abstract
Introduction: Urban parks serve numerous social and ecological functions, providing citizens with a convenient escape from urban life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Therefore, the management of urban parks should prioritize enhancing their utility through the incorporation of natural elements. ...
Read More
Introduction: Urban parks serve numerous social and ecological functions, providing citizens with a convenient escape from urban life and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Therefore, the management of urban parks should prioritize enhancing their utility through the incorporation of natural elements. The main objective of this research was to gain knowledge and to know the aesthetic preferences and willingness to pay of the Isfahan residents in using urban park.Materials and Methods: In this study, 6 parks including Soffeh, Najwan, Ghadir, Hasht-Behesht, Laleh and Qalamestan were selected and the opinions of 150 visitors were analyzed and evaluated by convenience sampling method from different ranges of citizens. After designing and collecting the data of the researcher-made questionnaire and ensuring its validity and reliability, the descriptive statistics of the data were used for a better interpretation of the results. Information about access to the park was classified in the categories of travel time, time of visit per week, vehicle used to reach the park, and accompanying persons. A 5-point Likert scale was used to collect answers in each field. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also used to check the differences between the opinions of different groups. In this study, a desirability index was designed to measure people's willingness to attend and use the park.Results: The most frequent age group visiting the parks was 18 to 25 years old, comprising 24.28% of the visitors. Among the selected parks, Soffeh Park had the longest average travel time of 40.13 minutes, followed by Hashtbehesht Park with 38.73 minutes. The study also demonstrates that the choice of transportation means is influenced by the park's type and location. Soffeh Park and Hashtbehesht Park were predominantly accessed by public transportation, accounting for over 40% and 38% of visitors, respectively. Regarding the connection with nature, Soffeh and Najvan Parks exhibited a significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) compared to other parks. Overall, the results indicate that Najvan and Soffeh parks are commonly chosen for recreational purposes rather than their proximity to visitors' residences. On the other hand, parks with public designs are frequently utilized by local residents but less often by tourists or specific interest groups. Notably, visitors displayed a greater willingness to contribute financially to the preservation of Soffeh and Najvan parks, likely influenced by the natural ambiance these parks offer.Discussion: Based on the study's findings, it is recommended to enhance the naturalness of parks, expand their size, and consider designing parks tailored for specific purposes rather than general public use. Such measures are more likely to gain acceptance among citizens, leading to increased willingness to contribute financially and heightened desirability of the parks. It is suggested to classify the design elements of the parks and the quality of their presence and arrangement inside the park should also be considered as one of the important criteria of desirability. Considerations such as the per capita of each park, their size, and location are also one of the most important factors that affect the quality and desirability of the park.