Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Comprehensive assessment of drinking water quality based on physicochemical, microbial, and corrosion indicators in Zanjan city 1 12 FA Jalil Nassiri Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering, Deputy of Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Ghasem Mohammadi Master of Science in Environmental Health Engineering, Deputy of Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Esrafil Asgari Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Mohammad Naghiloo Master's student of Environmental Health Engineering, Student Research Committee, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Adel Mirza Alizadeh Assistant Professor, Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran Shahram Nazari Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences, Khalkhal, Iran Background: Drinking water quality has a direct effect on public health. Given the heavy reliance of Zanjan city on groundwater resources and existing hydrogeological challenges, this study aimed to comprehensively assess the physicochemical and microbial quality of the city's drinking water in 2023–2024 and compare it with national and international standards. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using official data from the Zanjan drinking water distribution network. Periodic sampling was performed from water sources and distribution points. Physicochemical parameters (such as turbidity, pH, TDS, hardness, and major ions) and microbial indicators (total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and HPC) were measured using standard methods and compared with national and WHO permissible limits. Corrosion indices (LSI and RSI) were also calculated. Results: The physicochemical quality of water complied with the standards for most parameters. Mean turbidity (0.47 NTU) was low, pH (6.6) was balanced, and TDS (367 mg/L) was favorable. However, total hardness was elevated in some samples, and residual chlorine concentration was at the lower desirable limit. Microbiologically, 100% of samples were free of fecal coliforms, and HPC in all samples was below the EPA limit. The LSI (0.34) and RSI (5.93) indicated water stability and very low corrosivity. Conclusion: The drinking water of Zanjan city in 2023–2024 was in a favorable and safe condition for human consumption in terms of physicochemical and microbial quality. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring of sensitive parameters such as hardness, residual chlorine, and TDS is essential, particularly given the dependence on groundwater and hydrogeochemical variations.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Ecological risk assessment and enrichment of heavy metals cadmium, lead, zinc and copper in surface soils of agricultural fields in Darkhovin city 13 30 FA Reza Salehi Department of Environment, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Azita Koushafar Department of Environment, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Background: Heavy metals are persistent pollutants that are highly mobile in soil and enter and accumulate in agricultural products. This study aimed to assess the ecological risk and enrichment of Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu in agricultural fields of Darkhovin city in 2025. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected from the farms of the villages of Umm al-Hajjar, Segara, Umm al-Ghazlan and Salihawiyyah. Four farms were selected in each village and three soil samples were taken from each farm. A Perkin Elmer model 900T atomic absorption spectrometer, manufactured in the United States, was used to measure heavy metals. Results: The concentrations of Cd (2.26 mg kg-1), Pb (30.51 mg kg-1), Zn (157.30 mg kg-1) and Cu (123.03 mg kg-1) in the soils of agricultural fields at Umm al-Ghazlan station were higher than at other stations (P<0.05). The individual pollution indices of CF (11.31), EF (108.77), Igeo (2.91) and Er (339.38) of Cd were higher than those of the other metals at Umm al-Ghazlan station. The pattern of CF, EF and Igeo of metals was as follows: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb, of course, it should be noted that regarding Igeo ​​at Umm al-Ghazlan station, Cu was observed to be higher than Zn. Also, the pattern of Er of metals was as follows: Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn. The lowest values ​​of CF, EF and Igeo related to Pb were obtained at Segareh station, respectively, 1.45, 13.91 and -0.05. Conclusion: According to the results of soil pollution indices such as enrichment factor, Geoaccumulation index and pollution load index, the entry of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu is affected by human activities and the soil of the study area has high heavy metal pollution. It is suggested that other toxic metals and trace elements be investigated in the soil and trees of urban and residential areas of Darkhovin city and the Darkhovin oil field.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Evaluation of the bioaccumulation index of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptus microtheca) of Khuzestan Steel Plant, Ahvaz city 31 44 FA Fatemeh Jafarian Department of Soil Sciences, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran khoshnaz Payandeh Research Group of Artificial Intelligence Application Development in Agriculture, Environment and Medicine, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Ahad Nazrapour Department of Geology, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Ali Gholami Water Studies Research Center, Isf.C., Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran Kamran Mohsenifar Department of Soil Sciences, Ahv.C., Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are toxic and carcinogenic compounds for humans that often enter the environment due to human activities, increasing urbanization, and industrial development. This study aimed to measure and determine the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds of the leaves (Eucalyptus microtheca) in the industrial area of ​​the Khuzestan Steel Company in Ahvaz in 2022. Materials and Methods: In this study, 50 leaf samples were collected from 50 points in the Khuzestan Steel Company in the summer with three replicates. To measure polycyclic aromatic compounds in the leaves, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC/MS was performed using a Thermo Fisher Scientific device made in the United States. Results: The skewness and kurtosis values ​​of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds showed that the concentrations of these compounds in the leaves were within the range of -2 and 2, indicating a normal distribution. The average concentrations of Ant and Ace compounds in the leaves were 55.42 and 47.90 ng g-1, respectively, which were higher than those of the other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (P<0.05). The highest bioaccumulation index of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds in the leaves was obtained for Ace and Nap, with values of 0.054 and 0.049, respectively. Conclusion: In general, Eucalyptus species cannot be considered as bio-tracer plants for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, because the bioaccumulation index of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds in eucalyptus leaves was lower than 1, so this tree species does not have an acceptable and suitable ability to absorb and transfer these types of pollutants from the soil.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 The Role of Microbial Biofilms and Hydrolytic–Oxidative Enzymes in the Biodegradation of Soil Microplastics: Recent Advances, Emerging Strategies, and Future Challenges 45 65 FA Hojjat Nadimi Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Mortezazadeh Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Allahbakhsh Javid Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Hadi Dehghani Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background: Soil contamination by microplastics (MPs) poses a serious threat to terrestrial ecosystem health and global food security, with soil acting as one of the primary sinks for these pollutants. Given the limited large-scale efficacy of conventional physicochemical remediation methods, this systematic review aims to comprehensively examine microbial bioremediation mechanisms—fungal, bacterial, and those mediated by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)—in MP-contaminated soils, while identifying key research gaps. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was performed across the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases for studies published between 2010 and January 2025, using keywords related to microbial degradation of MPs in soil ecosystems. After screening 152 initial records and removing duplicate and irrelevant entries, 34 key articles meeting the inclusion criteria—experimental studies focused on enzymatic and microbial mechanisms in soil—were selected for in-depth analysis. Results: The findings indicate that fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.) rely on oxidative enzymes such as laccase and peroxidase, whereas bacteria (e.g., Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp.) employ hydrolytic enzymes (lipase, esterase) together with biofilm formation to depolymerize recalcitrant polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene. PGPR appear to serve a dual function, contributing to MP degradation while also enhancing plant nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Nevertheless, a substantial gap remains between laboratory-scale efficacy and field-scale performance, largely attributable to environmental variables such as soil pH, moisture fluctuations, and microbial competition. Conclusion: Microbial bioremediation appears to be a promising approach with comparatively lower environmental impact than chemical remediation methods for addressing soil MP pollution, although its scalability and long-term stability require further empirical validation. Future research should prioritize the development of engineered microbial consortia, optimization of rhizosphere conditions, and long-term field trials to more accurately determine the practical applicability of this technology for soil pollution management.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Comparative Evaluation of Dust Control Strategies in Arid Regions of Iran: A Review on the Role of Watershed Management and Health Consequences 66 85 FA Mohammad Reza Sheykh Rabiee Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Applied Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran Reza Gholamnia Department of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background: Dust storms and particulate matter are major environmental and health threats in Iran's arid regions, causing soil degradation, ecosystem instability, and land loss. This systematic review compared the effectiveness and health impacts of dust mitigation strategies, focusing on integrated watershed management. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we systematically searched SID, Magiran, Civilica, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords "Dust," "Watershed Management," and "Health." From 247 initial records, 35 peer‑reviewed articles met inclusion criteria. Interventions were classified as biological (drought‑tolerant vegetation), mechanical (mulches, windbreaks), managerial (grazing exclusion, land‑use change), and watershed‑based (runoff control, soil‑water conservation, vegetation restoration). These were compared for cost, efficacy, sustainability, and health consequences. Results: Watershed interventions, especially runoff management and restoration with native species like Haloxylon, Tamarix, and Nitraria, effectively stabilized dust sources, increased soil moisture, enhanced vegetation, and boosted ecosystem resilience. Compared to chemical mulching, watershed approaches showed greater long‑term sustainability and fewer adverse health/ecological effects. Dust exposure was linked to a 23–40% rise in respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic bronchitis) and exacerbation of cardiovascular conditions. Conclusion: Integrated watershed management is one of the most sustainable and least harmful dust‑control strategies for Iran. The findings urge policy revision in western/southwestern Iran, promotion of ecosystem‑based transboundary cooperation, and stronger water diplomacy with neighboring countries to address dust sources and protect public health.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Polymeric phyconanosorbed magnetite-based biocomposite for eutrophication control and simultaneous removal of nitrate and phosphate pollutants from water & wastewater in fishery industry 86 112 FA Sakineh Mashjoor Marine Pharmaceutical Science Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Zohreh Rahimi Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran Mohammad Reza Shushizadeh Marine Pharmaceutical Science Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran Abolfazl Naji Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran Hadi Farahani Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, Tehran, Iran Background: Rising nitrate and phosphate levels in water bodies—driven by excessive agricultural fertilizer use and inadequate wastewater treatment—have become a serious environmental concern. This study aimed to develop magnetite-based bio-composite nanofilms for the efficient removal of phosphate, nitrate, and nitrite ions from water. Materials and Methods: Magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles were phycosynthesized using the green alga Ulva prolifera, enriched with rosemary essential oil, honey, and polyethylene glycol, and tested at concentrations ranging from 0.375 to 6 g. The resulting solution was copolymerized with a sodium alginate–30% glycerol polymer matrix to produce bio-composite nanoadsorbents. Synthesis was confirmed via PSA, ZP, AFM, XRD, VSM, TGA/DTA, BET, and elasticity testing. Removal efficiency for phosphate and nitrate (initial concentration 25 mg/L) was assessed over 60 minutes. Results: Adsorption efficiency depended on adsorbent dosage, exposure time, equilibrium adsorption capacity, salinity, and temperature. Kinetically, the removal of all three contaminants followed a pseudo-first-order model. Isotherm fitting showed that phosphate adsorption followed a monolayer model, while nitrate and nitrite adsorption fitted both monolayer and multilayer models. Conclusion: Given the efficient removal of common aquaculture pollutants, easy magnetic separation, and biocompatibility, this nanoadsorbent offers a promising basis for developing nanofilter water treatment systems.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Narrative review of Ozone-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment 113 130 FA Hojjat Nadimi Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Mortezazadeh Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Mahdi Ahmadi Nasab Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Fazlollah Changani Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background: The increasing presence of recalcitrant organic pollutants in wastewater necessitates advanced treatment technologies capable of achieving thorough degradation. Ozone-based advanced oxidation processes (O3-based AOPs) have emerged as promising and increasingly sustainable solutions for this purpose. This narrative review critically evaluates their application and effectiveness, comparing global advancements with the current status and specific challenges observed in Iran. Materials and Methods: A narrative review was conducted using systematic literature searches in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing keywords related to wastewater treatment, advanced oxidation processes, ozone, and Iran. Of 178 articles retrieved (published between 2010 and 2025), 83 original peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria following title/abstract and full-text screening and were included in the final analysis. Results: O3-based AOPs—including standalone ozonation, O3/H2O2, O3/UV, catalytic ozonation, O3/persulfate, electro-peroxone, and cavitation-assisted hybrid systems—achieved removal efficiencies of 90–100% for pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, primarily through the dual mechanism of direct molecular ozone attack combined with indirect oxidation via hydroxyl (•OH) and sulfate (SO4•⁻) radicals. Hybrid configurations generally outperformed standalone ozonation, with reaction rate constants increasing 2- to 10-fold and ozone consumption reduced by 30–70%, alongside improved biodegradability and reduced formation of toxic by-products. Emerging approaches such as ozone nanobubbles and cavitation-assisted systems further enhanced mass transfer efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In Iran, pilot-scale studies reported technical performance broadly comparable to international findings; however, full-scale implementation remains constrained by high energy demand (12–20 kWh/kg O3), limited regulatory frameworks, and inadequate infrastructure. Conclusion: Ozone-based AOPs represent effective and versatile technologies with growing potential for sustainable wastewater treatment and water reuse. Addressing existing research gaps—particularly regarding long-term toxicity monitoring, standardized experimental protocols, and comprehensive economic assessment—together with targeted policy support, could accelerate their broader adoption in addressing water quality challenges in Iran and globally.

Alborz University of Medical Sciences Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 2383-3211 14 1 2026 6 1 Biomonitoring and source identification of heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cr, Cu and Ni) in urban and industrial areas of Yasuj city using platanus orientalis leaves and Principal component analysis (PCA) 131 152 FA Masoud Hatami-Manesh PhD in Environmental Pollution, General Department of Environmental Protection of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Monitoring and Laboratory Department, Yasuj, Iran Ali Moradi Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran Background: Nowadays, due to the toxicity and ecological risks of heavy metals in anthropogenic environments, it is essential to measure their concentrations and determine their sources. Therefore, in the present study, the source and biological monitoring of heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cr, Cu and Ni) in urban and industrial areas were determined using the leaves of Platanus orientalis, Additionally, the ecological risk of these metals in the surface soils of Yasouj city was evaluated. Matherials and Methods: Sampling of Platanus orientalis leaves was conducted in ten urban areas and four industrial towns along with the soil of these areas (at a total of 46 stations). After preparation and acid digestion of the samples, the concentration of heavy metals was determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Also, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the heavy metal concentrations in Platanus orientalis leaves in two urban and industrial areas. Results: The overall mean concentration trend of heavy metals in leaves was observed to be the same in both urban and industrial areas, following the order Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni. In industrial and urban areas, the concentrations of Cr (31.03±15.19, 28.89±10.09), Pb (23.64±14.79, 20.11±2.81), Cu (14.46±18.6, 32.6±10.4) and Ni (8.32±4.93, 27.07±5.82) mg/kg were obtained, respectively. The ecological risk of metals indicated a low level of soil contamination level. The findings showed that the Comprehensive Bio-concentration Index (CBCI) of metals was measured in the range of 0.10 (control station) and 0.77 (polluted areas), and the highest values of the metal accumulation index (MAI) were obtained at 10.9 in urban areas. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the concentrations of heavy metals in the two urban and industrial areas had a significant overlap, and according to the first component of the PCA analysis, Ni and Cr, and based on the second component, Pb and Cu metals originated from related sources. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the spatial distribution of metals accumulated in Platanus orientalis leaves and the surface soils of different areas of Yasuj city varies depending on the source of pollution, the type and amount of local human activities, and the intensity of transportation. In addition, the results of PCA show that the concentrations of heavy metals in Platanus orientalis leaves in both urban and industrial areas have approximately the same origin. This correlation is mainly due to traffic emissions, transportation industry, and industries related to fossil fuel consumption.