Environment and Interdisciplinary Development

Abstract Background and Objective
Today, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and climate change is one of the fundamental challenges, particularly in oil-rich countries. Climate change studies have shown that climatic changes exacerbate income inequality both within and between countries, such that poorer populations are more vulnerable to climate impacts. This article aims to assess the effects of wealth inequality on the carbon footprint in four countries—Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—during the period from 1995 to 2023. These countries, due to their vast energy resources and high economic dependence on oil and gas exports, have a significant share in carbon emissions. Examining the factors influencing this trend can play an important role in formulating pollution-reduction policies.
Materials and Methods
In this study, the wealth shares of the top 1% and 10% of the population are used as indicators of wealth concentration, while the shares of the middle 40% and bottom 50% are used as indicators of more equitable wealth distribution. In addition, variables such as per capita income, energy intensity, and total energy production are considered control variables. To estimate the effects, the fixed effects method and robust regression were used to ensure the stability of the results. Robust Least Squares (RLS) refers to a set of regression methods designed to be more resistant or less sensitive to outliers.
Results and Discussion
The results of the study showed that wealth inequality, per capita income, energy intensity, and total energy production all have a positive and significant effect on the carbon footprint in Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In particular, an increase in the wealth share of the top 1% and 10% leads to higher carbon emissions, while an increase in the share of the middle 40% and bottom 50% has a negative effect. These findings indicate that economic inequality and wealth concentration among high-income groups have negative consequences not only in terms of social justice but also from an environmental perspective. Additionally, per capita income has also acted as a key factor in increasing the carbon footprint, which may be linked to higher energy consumption and increased use of fossil fuels. Energy intensity and total energy production have shown a consistently positive and significant impact on carbon emissions in all models. These results suggest that the energy-intensive and inefficient economic structure in these countries has led to high energy consumption and increased pollution. Based on the findings, three policy recommendations are proposed; First, reforming the wealth distribution system and reducing economic inequality. By implementing policies such as taxing wealth and high incomes, supporting the middle and lower classes, and investing in public services, inequality can be reduced, thus mitigating the environmental effects of wealth concentration. Second, increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy intensity. Investment in energy-efficient technologies, optimizing consumption in industry and transport, and gradually removing fossil fuel subsidies can reduce energy intensity and help control carbon emissions. The findings suggest that reducing wealth inequality, improving energy efficiency, and developing renewable energy can contribute to lowering the carbon footprint and enhancing environmental sustainability in these countries.

Abstract Introduction
The increasing energy demand has led to the development of large energy-related industries such as oil and gas and power plants. The combined cycle power plant is one of the most efficient, flexible and cost-effective industrial projects for electricity generation that is currently being built and operated in many parts of the world, including Iran(Karyab et al., 2020). Combined cycle power plants, despite their high energy efficiency, are considered one of the considerable environmentally damaging facilities due to the production of various types of waste, air and water pollution. This has led to the need for comprehensive management of sustainable environmental development. One of the most important considerations for achieving sustainable development is to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of electricity generation (Strezov & Cho, 2020). Environmental impact assessment is a process that evaluates the effects of human activities on the environment. The EIA goal is to maintain sustainable development to ensure the protection of the ecosystem and human well-being(Banihashemi et al., 2021).
In recent years, Many studies have been conducted on environmental impact assessment of power plants. For example, Motahari et al. in 2023, Hosseini, in 2023, and Malakutian and Ghasemi in 2019 have evaluated the environmental impacts of Combined cycle power plants.This paper aims to assess the actual environmental impacts caused by activities of the Ghadir Combined cycle power plant using the RIAM method and rank them by the Shannon Entropy and CoCoSo techniques. It has also been attempted to verify the accuracy of the predicted impacts by comparing the results of the impact assessment of the power plant that is currently in operation with the results of the environmental impact assessment report that was conducted in 2016.
The results showed that the effect of industrial and sanitary waste disposal on aquatic life with a score of 16, the effect of emission of contaminating gases on the personnel health with a score of 15.9, and the effect of the disposal of industrial and sanitary effluent on the water habitat with a score of 14.4 are the most important. Finally, considering the identified effects and the type of power plant activities, an environmental monitoring program as well as corrective and control measures were presented to reduce environmental impacts.
This study was conducted to identify and assess the actual environmental impacts of a combined cycle power plant. The results show that the most significant impact is related to water pollution due to the discharge of power plant wastewater into the environment. The most important factors affecting water pollution are related to the use of chemicals and extensive water consumption in steam and cooling units, which lead to the pollution of surface water resources. Therefore, a proposed program has been presented to monitor the parameters affecting the quality of the environment within the power plant. Studies conducted by Malakutian and Ghasemi (2019) and Hoseini (2023) show that the most important environmental impacts resulting from the implementation of power plant projects are water pollution and emission of combustion gases, which from this perspective is consistent with the results of the present study.

Abstract Introduction: Industrial development is the result of changes in methods and development of new machines that have been created in order to provide the needs of human societies, failure to impact assessment of these issues can leads to serious risks for humans and environment. Therefore, it is necessary and essential to achieve management and purposeful tool that accurately identifies and effectively controls potential and actual threats to health, safety, and the environment. Among various industries, the pulp and paper industry is a growing industry due to the high per capita production of paper to provide the needs of society and has been identified as the sixth most polluting industry in the world. In addition to environmental impacts, this industry may pose many risks to the workforce that are working in it, which has led to greater attention to the issue of health-safety and especially environmental risk assessment. Therefore it is necessary to identify the risks that threaten human resources and the environment and to propose solutions to reduce these risks to this industry.

Material and methods: In this study, the EFMEA (Environmental Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) method, which is an efficient method of the environmental risk assessment, was used to identify and assess the environmental risks of the Golestan Persia Paper Company. Initially, the risks of process units (including the pulping unit, production line, and steam boiler unit) were identified. In the next step, the impacts of the identified risks were evaluated using the components of consequence severity, probability of occurrence, and probability of detection and identification. After determining the confidence limit, environmental risks were classified and finally control/corrective measures were proposed to eliminate or reduce the risks. In the final step, a secondary assessment of environmental risks was conducted after corrective actions, and the priority of implementing the corrective measures was determined according to the degree of feasibility.

Results: Of the 16 environmental risks identified, 3 were at high risk level, 11 at medium risk level, and 2 at low risk level. The highest risk level is related to the formation of sediment in the steam boiler, which leads to higher fuel consumption and air pollution. soil contamination resulting from the entry of wastewater from the production line and pulping unit into a soil pond for sedimentation before treatment is performed as well as Condensate flashing (conversion of the liquid phase to vapor) are also considered to be other major risks of the plant under study. By providing corrective solutions, all risks were reduced to a low-severity risk level.

Discussion: The results of the present study and a review of similar research conducted in different industries showed that conducting risk assessment studies and providing corrective actions can significantly reduce risk levels. Combining of the methods of health, safety, and environmental risk assessment by systematizing the process of identifying aspects can increase the accuracy and precision of risk assessment results. And finally, the identified solutions can be used in the form of risk management guidelines in the study area. After identifying solutions and adopting the desired strategy to control each of the risks, it will be possible to design operational scenarios appropriate to each of these strategies and in accordance with the crisis management guidelines.

Abstract Abstract
Introduction:Unrestricted urbanization has driven the rapid expansion of cities, posing significant challenges to natural resources and environmental integrity. Iran, like many other nations, has experienced this trend, undergoing substantial changes as a result. To minimize biodiversity loss, it is crucial to analyze the impacts of urbanization on biodiversity and implement targeted, effective policies. These policies should focus on identifying vulnerable species and areas where the effects of urban expansion are highly concentrated, enabling informed and conscientious urban planning.
The primary objective of this study is to identify key indicators of degradation within Bamou National Park. This includes determining the interdependencies among these indicators and, ultimately, ranking the factors contributing to degradation to facilitate effective management and planning strategies for the area. Data collection was conducted using a survey-based research approach, with the statistical population defined by a panel of environmental experts and specialists.
Materials and Methods:To analyze and establish the relationships between urban growth policies and the management of Bamou National Park, a 5 kilometer buffer zone surrounding the park was initially delineated using Google Earth Engine. This delineation allowed for the monitoring and measurement of changes in land cover and land use patterns. Subsequently, expert opinions gathered from the region, coupled with a review of relevant literature, were used to develop a hierarchical DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response) model. Concurrently, an evaluation index system was designed across four domains: physical/chemical, biological, economic, and socio-cultural. An initial matrix containing over 60 criteria was developed, and the criteria and sub-criteria were ranked using the Delphi method to prioritize relevant indicators. Additionally, the DANP (DEMATEL- ANP) model was employed to determine and estimate the influence and interrelation of factors affecting Bamou National Park.
Results:The findings reveal that the economic environment ranks highest among the evaluation criteria. The sub-criteria were ranked as follows, with their respective weights: agricultural and horticultural development (weight = 0.071), land-use change and illegal occupation (weight = 0.069), tourism and recreation (weight = 0.068), and increased construction (weight = 0.067). Based on these results, specific strategies for achieving a favorable outcome have been proposed.
Discussion:A significant disparity in the physical growth patterns of cities surrounding Bamou National Park (within the 5-kilometer buffer zone) is evident, highlighting the neglect of a critical potential resource – imminent habitat loss. A thorough review of existing policies, laws, and regulations, coupled with their rigorous implementation, is essential. Also critical are targeted conservation efforts, continuous public education campaigns emphasizing the importance of protecting these areas, the promotion of sustainable ecotourism initiatives, the adoption of environmentally sound agricultural practices, encouraging responsible natural resource use, and active public participation in conservation efforts. These measures can mitigate habitat fragmentation and prevent the extinction of plant and animal species within the region. Furthermore, it is recommended to foster international collaboration and knowledge exchange with similar and more developed countries. Additionally, leveraging the resources and mechanisms of international environmental institutions to assign economic value to managed areas is crucial. This valuation can serve to reduce encroachment, prevent land-use conversions, and safeguard these areas from further degradation.

Abstract Waste management primarily focuses on waste disposal, with three main methods: incineration, landfilling, and recycling. Among these, recycling holds greater significance due to its environmental and economic benefits, and is divided into formal and informal sectors. Although formal recycling is more sustainable, it faces challenges due to high costs, whereas informal recycling, although less costly, has negative environmental impacts. The Theory of Planned Behavior suggests that environmental attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control influence recycling participation, and barriers such as insufficient awareness and lack of social encouragement can be analyzed within this framework. The Circular Economy Theory emphasizes waste reduction and reuse, yet challenges such as raw material shortages and competition with producers of virgin materials make its implementation difficult. The Institutional Theory highlights the role of government policies and institutional support, indicating that the absence of subsidies, tax exemptions, and bureaucratic complexity are key institutional barriers in the recycling industry. Additionally, the Transaction Cost Theory explains that high costs of collection, processing, and distribution of waste make recycling a difficult competitor to cheaper methods such as landfilling.
This study employed Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) to analyze barriers to waste recycling. This method identified 15 key barriers through a review of literature and field studies. Subsequently, a Structural Self-Interaction Matrix (SSIM) was created by surveying 9 waste management experts, which clarified the relationships among barriers based on causal and influential criteria. In the next step, an initial reachability matrix was created and modified using Boolean logic to obtain the final reachability matrix. This matrix formed the basis for the level classification of barriers and the MICMAC analysis.
The software output classified the barriers into 7 levels. At level 1, barriers such as the absence of government subsidies, lack of tax exemptions, excessive bureaucracy, shortage of skilled labor, water scarcity, and budget deficiencies were identified. At level 2, barriers like low profitability and lack of landfill space for residuals after waste processing were recognized. At level 3, the high cost of environmentally sustainable operations and fierce competition with producers of virgin materials emerged. At level 4, barriers like the high cost of raw material procurement and low quality of recycled products were evident. At level 5, high technology costs were identified, while improper capacity planning and high waste processing costs appeared at level 6. Finally, raw material shortages were classified at level 7, being a key factor in the recycling process.
The ISM results showed that the barriers were divided into two categories: independent factors and autonomous factors. Independent factors, such as raw material shortages, high technology costs, and improper processing capacity planning, had the greatest impact on other system elements and were considered key drivers for structural reforms. In contrast, autonomous factors, such as the absence of government subsidies or tax exemptions, had limited short-term impact but played an important supportive role in the long term. Therefore, ensuring sustainable raw materials, reducing technology costs, and implementing supportive policies could facilitate the development of the recycling industry.
Independent factors, such as raw material shortages, high technology costs, and improper processing capacity planning, had the greatest impact on other system elements and were considered key drivers for structural reforms. In contrast, autonomous factors, such as the absence of government subsidies or tax exemptions, had limited short-term impact but played an important supportive role in the long term. Therefore, ensuring sustainable raw materials, reducing technology costs, and implementing supportive policies could facilitate the development of the recycling industry.

Abstract Background and Objective: In the contemporary world, the environmental attitudes of senior managers are recognized as key factors in the success of organizations and the realization of environmental sustainability. Managers who adopt a proactive approach to environmental preservation will institutionalize competitive advantage and reputation in green product design, supply chain management, ecological branding, environmental accounting and disclosure, and product life cycle management. In this context, a deep understanding of the impact of environmental attitudes on organizational behaviors and strategic decision-making can lead to identifying solutions to improve the environmental and competitive performance of organizations. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to analyze the impact of senior managers' environmental attitudes on environmental management accounting and green production strategy to achieve a green competitive advantage in organizations. This study uses upper management theory as a framework to analyze the behaviors of senior managers and examines their psychological impacts on strategic decision-making. This research is the first study to investigate the relationship between CEOs' attitudes toward the environment, the choice of green production strategy, the implementation of environmental management accounting, and green competitive advantage within the framework of a single study in Iran. Additionally, the moderating role of regulatory pressures is considered in the two relationships: the attitude of managers toward the environment with the choice of green production strategy, and the attitude of managers toward the environment with the implementation of environmental management accounting.
Materials and Methods: This research is descriptive-correlational and survey-based, aiming to examine the impact of senior managers' attitudes on environmental management accounting, green production strategy, and competitive advantage. Data were collected through a 25-question questionnaire based on a Likert scale. The statistical population of the research includes senior managers of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange or over-the-counter market in 2024, classified into 14 groups based on the severity of pollution and other environmental issues according to Article 2 of the regulations for the establishment of industrial and production units approved on 29/03/2011, comprising 436 companies. To assess the validity of the questionnaire, both ordinary content validity and construct validity using confirmatory factor analysis were employed. To evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire, Cronbach's alpha method was used, confirming the reliability of the questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and Smart PLS software.
Discussion: The findings of the research indicate that there is a significant positive relationship between senior managers' attitudes toward the environment and green production strategy, the implementation of environmental management accounting, and green competitive advantage. This means that as senior managers' positive attitudes toward the environment increase, the willingness to adopt environmental management accounting and green production strategies also increases, resulting in greater competitive advantage. Furthermore, legal pressure as a driving factor can assist in the adoption of sustainable practices and improve environmental performance. Additionally, this research shows that the selection and implementation of green production strategies require an effective and efficient environmental management accounting system to support these strategies. Ultimately, by changing attitudes and increasing awareness of environmental issues, organizations can achieve sustainable competitive advantage and, consequently, contribute to improving their financial and social performance. These findings can guide senior managers to improve organizational performance and create sustainable value by adopting environmental approaches.

Abstract Introduction: The largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) is an economically important species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems, including the coastal waters of Makran. Investigating biometric parameters along with feeding and growth patterns in fish is a vital tool for fisheries management and for understanding dietary habits from juvenile to adult stages. Moreover, understanding the biological characteristics of this species in local habitats lays the groundwork for developing effective strategies for sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity conservation in marine ecosystems. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the biometric features, growth patterns, and feeding habits of T. lepturus to enhance fishery management practices in the coastal waters of Makran.
Materials and Methods: For this purpose a total of 120 specimens of T. lepturus were collected seasonally over one year, from autumn 2021 to summer 2022, from three fishing sites along the Makkoran coast in Sistan and Balouchestan Province, namely Chabahar, Beris, and Ramin. The specimens were immediately fixed in 10% formalin and transported to the laboratory. In the lab, biometric parameters including total length, body weight, and growth pattern were measured. The digestive tracts were dissected to identify stomach contents for dietary analysis. Additionally, the relative gut length index was calculated by dividing gut length by total body length to assess dietary characteristics.
Results: The average total length and body weight of the samples were estimated at 73.53 ± 21.33 cm and 501.72 ± 270.7 g, respectively. The highest and lowest mean values for length and weight were recorded in autumn and summer, respectively, although no significant seasonal differences were observed (p > 0.05). Length and weight distribution analysis indicated that the highest frequency was within the 73–83 cm length class and the 150–250 g weight class. The length-weight regression yielded a b value of 2.293, indicating negative allometric growth. Stomach content analysis revealed a diverse diet composed of digested material, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Digested material accounted for the highest dietary proportion (58%), while mollusks had the lowest (9%). The relative gut length index varied across length groups and seasons, with the highest value recorded in fish over 107 cm in length. These findings suggest feeding plasticity and a consistent growth pattern in this species.
Discussion: The results indicate that T. lepturus in the coastal waters of Makran exhibits negative allometric growth, wherein weight increases at a lower rate than length. This pattern is commonly observed under nutritional, habitat, or physiological constraints. The species' diverse diet, with a substantial portion of digested material and notable contributions from fish and crustaceans, reflects an opportunistic and active feeding strategy consistent with its role as a top predator in the food web. This feeding flexibility plays a crucial role in seasonal adaptability and coping with fluctuating food availability. Furthermore, variations in the relative gut length index with body size and season support potential changes in metabolic requirements and diet composition across growth stages. These findings, combined with the uniform distribution in length and weight, provide useful indicators for monitoring population health and establishing guidelines for size and season-based fishing regulations.

Abstract Formaldehyde (formalin) is a preservative that is widely used in surfactants, dishwashing liquids, cosmetics and health products, especially shampoos and care products. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified formaldehyde as a strong carcinogen. Therefore, the detection and measurement of this compound with high speed and sensitivity in various samples is of great importance. Various methods for measuring formalin have been reported in scientific literature, but they have not been accepted due to long analysis time, high cost, and low sensitivity. Among the methods, electrochemical methods have been considered due to their high sensitivity, high analysis speed, low cost, and miniaturization. In this study, the surface of the pencil lead electrode was graphitized by applying a direct voltage in a sulfuric acid solution. After activating the electrode surface, it was floated in nickel chloride solution and nickel nanoparticles were deposited on the electrode surface using chronoamperometry technique by applying a potential of -1.2 for 100 seconds. Then, by scanning the potential in alkaline medium, the graphenized pencil lead electrode (GPLE) modified with nickel hydroxide nanoparticles was obtained. The morphology of the GPLE/Ni(OH)2 was examined by scanning electron microscopy and the average particle size was calculated to be about 52 nm. The structure of the modified electrode was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical methods. The important parameters including the electrodeposition time, electrodeposition potential and electrode activation conditions were optimized. After electrochemical experiments, the prepared electrode was used to measure formaldehyde as a hazardous environmental pollutant in various types of detergents. Based on the experimental results, the simultaneous presence of nickel hydroxide nanoparticles and graphene nanosheets on the electrode surface increases the electron transfer rate and also increases the electrochemical active surface area of the modified electrode. The results of the experiments conducted under optimal conditions show that the GPLE/Ni(OH)2 has a linear range of 5-175 μM, a detection limit of 2.04 μM, and a sensitivity of 0.20496 μA μM-1 cm-1 for the measurement of formaldehyde. Compared to similar studies, the efficiency of the GPLE/Ni(OH)2 in the measurement of formaldehyde is acceptable and it can be used with high accuracy and reliability in the measurement of formaldehyde in various detergents. In order to investigate the effect of interference of some species on the response of the fabricated sensor, the interference of compounds such as betaine, coconutate, texapone, urea and glycerin, which are widely used in detergents, was investigated. According to this study, the change in the response of the GPLE/Ni(OH)2 electrode for 25 μM formaldehyde in the presence of interfering species was less than 5%, indicating good selectivity of the designed sensor. Also, the fabricated electrode maintained its efficiency for long periods of time, which indicates its commercialization. The results obtained from the spiking and the recoveries obtained indicate the high accuracy of the results obtained. The results obtained using the proposed method were compared with some other methods which indicated the high sensitivity and capability of GPLE/Ni(OH)2 for measuring formaldehyde with high accuracy and precision.

Abstract Urban land uses, including educational institutions, especially universities, have a significant share in the consumption of natural resources and the production of pollutants, and consequently exert considerable impacts on the environment. Due to the service-oriented nature and the wide range of educational, research, and support activities, universities consume large amounts of energy, water, and other resources. Therefore, accurate and comprehensive assessment of their environmental impacts through indicators such as the ecological footprint is an undeniable necessity for sustainable resource management and reducing environmental consequences. The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the ecological footprint of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in the new campus area, using the life cycle assessment approach. In this study, by identifying the consumed resources and related environmental flows, an attempt was made to provide a quantitative picture of the impacts resulting from university activities. The results of this research can be used as a basis for optimizing consumption patterns, developing environmental strategies, and moving towards green universities. Considering the significant share of universities in resource consumption and pollutant production, and the lack of comprehensive and scientific assessments of the environmental impacts of educational institutions in the country, conducting this research with a life cycle approach is an important step towards improving sustainable management and enhancing the environmental performance of universities. In this study, in addition to the ecological footprint by the EF method, the water footprint by the AWARE method, and also the carbon footprint by the IPCC method in 2023 were examined. The total number of staff and students of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in the campus unit is 4,121. The final estimated ecological footprint score of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is -2.75 pt. The greatest negative impact on the university’s ecological footprint relates to electricity consumption, and in the impact categories, to climate change, followed by resource consumption, while the greatest environmentally compatible effect on the university’s ecological footprint is related to water storage and the university’s water recycling system. The results obtained from examining the carbon footprint show that the final value obtained for the carbon footprint of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is -2.17 × 104 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. Water storage is one of the most effective solutions in reducing the carbon footprint, since this action, by reducing dependence on pumping operations, significantly reduces energy consumption and ultimately leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Electricity consumption at the university has increased its carbon footprint. The total estimated score for the water footprint of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is -1.06 × 104. The measures presented, such as creating water storage and recycling systems and green spaces at the university, have positive and environmentally compatible effects. Analysis of the ecological footprint of universities using the life cycle approach can be used as a model for other educational institutions to reduce environmental impacts and for effective planning. This study shows that accurate and comprehensive assessments are an effective step in optimizing resource consumption and protecting the environment. Overall, this research, through a multidimensional evaluation of environmental impacts, reveals the importance of resource management and the implementation of sustainable solutions in universities and can pave the way for improving the environmental performance of educational institutions.

Abstract Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) has been a major concern for the scientific community in recent decades. These compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the thousands, including paints, varnishes, wax, many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing, and hobby products, as well as fuels. The chemical diversity of VOCs can cause both cancerous and non-cancerous health effects. Among the numerous VOCs, Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (collectively known as BTEX) are the major contributors, which have adverse effects such as headaches, eye irritation, weakness, fatigue, insomnia, respiratory problems, and carcinogenicity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified 189 air pollutants, of which97 are VOCs. Benzene, in particular, is a well-known carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified Benzene as a Group 1 carcinogen due to its strong link to leukemia. Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene in the air can cause leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. Exposure to VOCs, especially Benzene, can occur through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact.Therefore, this study evaluates the cancer risk of benzene in the South Pars region, a major hub for natural gas extraction and petrochemical industries in Iran. Data were collected using passive sampling methods from January 2020 to January 2021 across ten sampling stations located in both industrial and residential zones. Samples were analyzed using GC (Gas Chromatography), and the maximum, minimum, and average concentrations were calculated over the one-year period. Results showed that the average annual concentration of benzene fluctuated between 1.4 µg/m³ (at sampling satation NO.8) and 26.3 µg/m³ (at sampling satation NO. 2). This average annual concentration served as the basis for cancer risk assessment. According to the locations of the sampling stations, which are located in three industrial zones and seven in residential areas, including two near schools, exposure assumptions such as daily exposure time (ET), exposure frequency (EF), exposure duration (ED), and average lifespan were considered for seven population groups to calculate cancer risk. Findings showed that cancer risk from benzene is higher for non-resident industrial workers compared to resident workers. Moreover, urban-official areas posed significantly higher risks for permanent residents and industrial workers living in those areas than for people who only commuted there during working hours. Despite the maximum Benzene concentrations being recorded at industrial sampling stations, the cancer risk in residential-urban areas is high due to longer exposure time (ET), exposure frequency (EF), and exposure duration (ED) for the native population compared to satellite workers, even though the levels are within the Department of Environment (DOE) of Iran's limits. The maximum level of Benzene cancer risk in the urban area for native people is 23 x 10⁻⁶, for non-resident industrial workers in the industrial zone is 22 x 10⁻⁶, and for industrial employees who live in urban areas is 15.6 x 10⁻⁶. Therefore, because of the high level of Benzene cancer risk for industrial employees, it is necessary to reduce Benzene emissions from industries located around Sampling Station No. 2 immediately and effectively. Moreover, it is essential to implement an action plan for the residential-urban population, similar to the specific monitoring plan for staff health in the industrial units.