critical look at social impact evaluation of dam construction by revised simpacts software - a case study of alborz dam in northern Iran

There is much discussion going on lately whether dam construction is economic or not in terms of social consequences. Accordingly, various techniques and software have been released to estimate the real social cost of dam construction among which, the Software SIMPACTS has been used extensively by researchers, worldwide. The present version of SIMPACTS software only focuses on adverse effects of hydropower dams regardless of their potential positive impacts. In order to fix the existing bugs, the software was modified by programming a new cost-benefit model in which the costs of power generation, irrigation and drainage, aquatics, and potable water as well as the benefits from electricity sales, elimination of pollutants, increased cultivated area, aquaculture practice and also prevention of flood in the area, were included. The obtained results revealed that the total costs of the Alborz Dam, including the costs added to the modified model, will raise from 164 US$/Mwh calculated by the original version of the software to US$ 1049 per MWh. Besides, total revenues resulting from the above mentioned variables added up to the model reaches US$ 1994 per MWh. Therefore, the cost over benefit ratio for construction of Alborz Dam is equal to 1.5. In other words, a sum of US$ 28 million would be expected as the annual net profit of the project which has totally been overlooked in the original model

Quantification of social impacts of large hydropower dams- a case study of alborz dam in mazandaran province, northern Iran

Despite the numerous advantages of large dams, there is still a deep suspicion about the real, long-term benefits and costs of their construction. Land use change on a vast scale, displacement of a large population of indigenous people, loss of biodiversity and production of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as environmental, socioeconomic and cultural consequences resulting therefrom, indicate clearly the need to reconsider the growing trend of dam construction in the world. The present study was conducted to calculate the real cost of generating electricity imposed on communities and environment in order to clarify the adverse socioeconomic impacts of large dams that are often ignored due to short-term, economic benefits. Accordingly, Alborz Dam, a large dam in northern Iran, was selected as a case study to run cost-benefit analysis by SIMPACTS Software. The obtained results revealed that the total external cost of electricity generation by the hydropower dam is about 0.16 US$/kWh. In other words, the annual cost of the electricity generation by Alborz Hydropower Plant is US$ 4.8 million/year. The highest share [163 US$/MWh] belongs to the loss of agricultural production while the lowest cost [0.10 US$/MWh] is associated with the loss of life. According to the estimated values, a total amount of 1074 tons of greenhouse gas emissions is expected to be released into the air by the hydropower dam operation. It should be stated that SIMPACTS Software only considers the adverse effects of hydropower dams and there is a need to improve the capability of the software by adding the positive impacts in to the overall computations, as well

Flocculation of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn during estuarine mixing [Caspian Sea]

During estuarine mixing of fresh water with saline water and due to the flocculation process, a portion of dissolved metals come into particulate phase, and the dissolved load decreases. This process plays an important role in self-purification of heavy metals in rivers. In this study, flocculation of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn during mixing of Cheshme-Kileh River water with Caspian Sea water has been investigated. Salinity and electrical conductivity are the governing factors for the flocculation of Mn and Cu. Zn and Ni are governed by pH. Dissolved oxygen is a governing factor for the flocculation of Pb. Rapid flocculation occurs in the earlier stages of mixing. The final flocculation rates of metals are in the following order: Mn [68.79%] > Pb [45.45%] > Ni [26.32%] > Cu [23.08%] > Zn [21.21%]. In addition, electro-flocculation [EF] is investigated. The results reveal that EF had adverse effect on flocculation rates of heavy metals. General pattern of EF of metals is like the following: Mn [57.89%] > Pb [40.9%] > Cu [23.08% > Ni [22.37%] > Zn [15.15%]. Furthermore, the effect of decreasing pH level on flocculation of heavy metals is studied. Except for Mn, decreasing the pH increased the flocculation rates of heavy metals. Maximum flocculation of Ni, Cu, Pb, and Zn occur at pH about 7.5. Due to the flocculation of trace metals during the estuarine mixing about 51.6, 7.8, 5.5, 3.9, and 3.6 ton/year of Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cu, respectively, are removed from the river water

Electricity generation from leachate treatment plant

Tehran has a population of over 12 million and produces more than 7500 tons of waste every day. Tehran's municipal solid waste is processed and landfilled at Kahrizak disposal center. Due to inappropriate waste management, a lake with a leachate volume of 180,000m3 has been formed. To solve this problem a leachate treatment plant is currently under construction. A byproduct of leachate treatment is biogas. In this study, the feasibility of electricity generation using biogas has been investigated. Considering that 68.81% of the waste is degradable, the produced leachate has a high organic load [COD = 53900 mg/L and BOD = 34400mg/L]. The results showed that a power plant with a capacity of 1.8 MW could be constructed in the site. This electricity can be utilized in Kahrizak Disposal Site and also sold to the network [10 US cents/ kilowatt]. Financial analysis using ProForm software shows 1.3 years of payback period and emission reduction of carbon dioxide equal to 5752 tones/year in comparison with the natural gas power plant. Therefore this project is financially feasible for private investors with internal rate of return equal to 77% or more

Evaluating the effects of fertilizers on bioavailable metallic pollution of soils, case study of sistan farms, Iran

Present study determines not only the total amounts of metals [Cr, Cu and Pb] in superficial agricultural soil of Sistan area in Eastern Iran, but also the chemical partitioning of these elements in seven statistically selected cases. The analysis was run for local soil, soil treated by non-contaminated organic, compost and chemical fertilizers as well as soil treated by metal-contaminated fertilizers. The sampling campaign was done in Zabol University research farm in 2009. The grab samples were taken from seven different cases, the chemical partitioning analysis was performed and metallic concentrations were detected using FAAS. It may be concluded that the bioaccessibility of metals Cu and Cr would be increased in case of imposed contamination where the soil is treated with all three kinds of fertilizers. Although a relatively similar distribution pattern is seen between anthropogenic and geopogenic portions of bulk concentration in all three kinds of fertilizers, chemical fertilizer seems to manifest a more risky condition. According to the results achieved by cluster analysis, a close correlation exists between Cu and Cr behavior which may be attributed to the geological texture of the study area. In accordance with the results gained by partitioning analysis, IpOLL index values also show contaminated chemical fertilizer as the most risky case for all three metals in comparison with others

Association of trace metals with various sedimentary phases in dam reservoirs

In the present study sediment and water samples collected from Kowsar Dam reservoir in Kohkiluye and Boyerahmad Province, southwest of Iran, are subjected to bulk digestion and chemical partitioning. The concentrations of nickel, lead, zinc, copper, cobalt, cadmium, manganese and iron in water and bed sediment were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of metals bounded to five sedimentary phases were estimated. On this basis, the proportions of natural and anthropogenic elements were calculated.The anthropogenic portion of elements are as follows: zinc [96%]> cobalt [88%]> iron [78%]> magnesium [78%]> nickel [78%]> copper [66%]> lead [63%]> cadmium [59%]. The results show sediment contamination by nickel, cadmium and lead, according to the world aquatic sediments and mean earth crust values. Manganese and copper have strong association with organic matter and are of high portion of sulfide bounded ions. Finally, The degree of sediment contamination was evaluated using enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index [Igeo] and pollution index [IPoll]. The sediments were identified to be of high cadmium and lead pollution index. The pattern of pollution intensity according to enrichment factor is as follows; manganese [1.25] < copper [1.63] < zinc [1.93] < cobalt [2.35] < nickel [3.83] < lead [12.63] < cadmium [78.32]. Cluster analysis was performed in order to assess heavy metal interactions between water and sediment. Accordingly, nickel, cadmium and copper are earth originated. Zinc, copper and manganese are dominated by pH. All the elemental concentrations in water and sediment are correlated except for sedimental copper

Development of water quality index [WQI] for Gorganrood river

There are several factors influencing the water quality based on its usage. The quality of drinking water is of the vital concern for human health and life. An essential attempt has to be done to develop a water quality index [WQI] corresponding with different conditions and characteristics of the relevant river" or water body such as geographical, hydrological, discharge rate and pollution sources. The index is not specifically focused on human health or aquatic life regulations. However, a water index based on some very important parameters can determine a simple indicator of water quality. In the present study, the Gorganrood water quality has been evaluated by available NSF water quality index. Subsequently, the nine present NSF parameters' weights have been changed and modified using the analytical hierarchy process [AHP] method as well as experts' opinions in the field in a way to satisfy local conditions. In the newly developed WQI, more weights are given to relation with these parameters it can be said that the factors like dissolved oxygen [Do], fecal coliform [Fc] and biological oxygen demand [BOD] when compared with NSF-WQI

Reduction of environmental pollution through optimization of energy use in cement industries

Industrial development has lead to higher energy consumption, emission of greenhouse gases, as well as air pollutants. Cement factories play an important role in over all greenhouse emissions. This study aims to investigate the role of Iranian cement industries and their contribution of greenhouse gases contribution. The measured emission factors for oil and fuel gas shows that carbon dioxide contribution from fuel oil based cement industries is almost 2.7 times higher than gas based cement factories. The strength, weakness, opportunity and threat technique analysis showed that the best strategy to combat greenhouse gases from Iranian cement factory is to implement energy efficiency measures. Further, strategic position and action evaluation matrix analysis indicates that Iranian cement industries fall within invasive category. Therefore, exploitation of opportunities must carefully be used. One of these opportunities is the utilization of financial assistance provided by clean development mechanism. The results show that replacement of ball mills with vertical roller mill can reduce the electricity consumption from 44.6 to 28 kWh/ton. As a result of such substitution about 720 million kWh/y of electricity would be saved [almost a power plant of 125 MW capacities]. Though implementation of new mills may not be economic for the cement industries' owner, but the overall gain for the government of Iran will be about US$ 304 million. If the duration of such efficiency measure is considered as about 12 y, then the overall CO2 reduction/phase-out would be around 4.3 million tons

Potential of natural bed soil in adsorption of heavy metals in industrial waste landfill

Development of higher welfare could not be realized unless by energy consumption and other natural resources. Growth of industrial complexes has shown an unprecedented trend during recent years. Many of these towns have no treatment systems for the industrial wastes leachates. Besides, the chemical composition of wastes in such complexes varies considerably due to the different kinds of industries. It is endeavored in the present work to study the natural potential of soil to treat leachate of such industrial wastes. For this purpose, the Aliabad industrial complex in Tehran-Garmsar road was selected as the study area. The potential of adsorption of elements such as nickel, copper, cadmium, zinc, chromium, lead and manganese was investigated. The results indicated that the soil potential to adsorb heavy metals [except for manganese] was very high [95%] in the adsorption of heavy metals [except for manganese]. Further, chemical partitioning studies revealed that heavy metals are associated with various soil phases such as loosely bonded ions, sulfide and organics to various extents. Among the mentioned soil phases, one can deduce that major portion of metal contaminants is absorbed as loosely bonded ions. Organic bond and sulfide bond are in the 2 [nd] and 3 [rd] positions of metal contaminants adsorption, respectively. The results of the present study apparently showed that soil column had ample capacity to adsorb metal contaminants. Thus, determination of soil potential in adsorption of heavy metals during site selection is as important criteria

Comparison of controlling mechanisms of flocculation processes in estuaries

During estuarine mixing, dissolved metals come into the particulate phase due to the flocculation processes. Such processes are biologically vital. In the present study, controlling mechanisms of elemental flocculation during estuarine mixing in northern and southern estuaries of Iran in relation to the various physical and chemical parameters of waters have been compared. Except for zinc and lead, for other studied elements in Minab River, water flocculate at higher rates in comparison with the rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea. Redox potential might have negative effect on flocculation process in Minab Estuary. Contrary to rivers flowing into the Caspian Sea, in Minab River elemental flocculation is governed by dissolved organic carbon and it shows a non-liner and conservative behavior during estuarine mixing which implies that dissolved organic carbon originates from terrigenous source. The results also shows that maximum removal of elements occurs in lower salinities [1.5 to 5.8%] for the rivers in North of Iran and 3.3 to 11.4% for Minab River in South of Iran. Flocculation of studied metal in different rivers results in reduction of overall metal pollution load by various percentages. The initial metal contents on river water and mean discharge of river might lead to higher flocculation rates

Role of metal species in flocculation rate during estuarine mixing

Flocculation can be considered as an effective mechanism in self-purification of metals during estuarine mixing. In the present investigation, flocculation of metals during mixing of Minab River water with the Strait of Hormuz [The Persian Gulf] water is studied for the first time. Flocculation behavior of metals [except for Pb] is governed by dissolved organic carbon. The source of dissolved organic carbon is terrigenous in the estuarine waters of study area. The general pattern of flocculation of studied metals is manganese [180 micro g/L] > zinc [88 micro g/L]> nickle [73 micro g/L]> copper [30 micro g/L]> lead [19 micro g/L]. The results of present study show that metal species are a very important factor in overall flocculation rate. It is found that solids and oxides have the highest and lowest flocculation levels, respectively. Eh-pH diagram indicated that lead is present as lead oxide in Minab River water and the least flocculation rate is attributed to this element. The results also showed that flocculation rate of metal species could be as solids > free ions = hydroxides > oxides. The amount of metal flocculation is about 30.5, 6.6, 25.3, 10.4 and 62.5 ton/y for zinc, Pb, Ni, Cu and Mn, respectively

Chemical partitioning and pollution intensity of heavy metals in siahrud river sediment

In the recent years, sediments are used for the assessment of pollution. Since sediments have been in contact for a long time with over lying water, therefore they have been able to absorb pollution on to their surface. In the present investigation, the surficial sediments of Siahrud River have been analyzed. Grab samples were taken from ten samplings sites. The samples were immediately sealed and stored at 4°C until their arrival at the laboratory. Grain size fraction less than 63 micro m was chosen for chemical analysis. The total metal content was determined by digesting the samples with a mixture of HNO[3] and HClO[4]. The chemical partitioning of metals was determined by means of the sequential extraction scheme proposed by the European Union's Standards, Measurements and Testing Program [SM and T, formerly BCR]. This scheme consists of three successive extractions that make it possible to determine the association of the metals in three phases: acid-soluble, reducible and oxidizable. The most resistant bonds were digested by hot 50% HCl [phase 4]. Furthermore, a fourth fifth phase, within lattice was determined as the difference between the total metal content and the sum of the contents in the four previous phases. The analysis of metals in the solutions was carried out by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer [ICPAES]. The accuracy of the analytical procedures for total metal determinations was checked using CRM 320 [sediment reference material]. Replicate analysis of this CRM showed good accuracy, with recovery rates for metals between 97 and 101%. A standard reference material [CRM-60l] was used to verify the accuracy of the sequential extraction method. Similarities between the behavior and origin of the metals studied were established by cluster analysis using the weighted pair group method. The loose, sulphide and organic bonds of metals with various sedimentary phases has been assessed by chemical partitioning technique. The sum of these three bonds is indicative of anthropogenic source of metals into the river. The lithogenic portion of metals was obtained by a two step chemical partitioning technique. The anthropogenic portion of metal contents in river sediments shows the following pattern: Pb[85%]>Zn[84%]>Cd[62%]>As[47%]>Mn[35%]>Ni[34%]>Cu[21%] The results show that bio-availability of metals such as Cd, Zn and as are highly dependent on anthropogenic portion and especially loosely bonded ions of such metals. The overall pollution intensity was obtained by various pollution intensity indices. The pollution intensity of Zn and Pb in the sediments of Siahrud River is 3.572 and 3.148, respectively that are indicative of high pollution intensity

Evaluation of spatial and seasonal variations in surface water quality using multivariate statistical techniques

In this study, spatial and seasonal variations of water quality in Haraz River Basin were evaluated using multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis and factor analysis. Water quality data collected from 8 sampling stations in river during 4 seasons [Summer and Autumn of 2007, Winter and Spring of 2008] were analyzed for 10 parameters [dissolved oxygen, Fecal Coliform, pH, water temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate, total phosphate, turbidity, total solid and discharge]. Cluster analysis grouped eight sampling stations into three clusters of similar water quality features and thereupon the whole river basin may be categorized into three zones, i.e. low, moderate and high pollution. The principle component analysis/factor analysis assisted to extract and recognize the factors or origins responsible for water quality variations in four seasons of the year. The natural parameters [temperature and discharge], the inorganic parameter [total solid] and the organic nutrients [nitrate] were the most significant parameters contributing to water quality variations for all seasons. Result of principal component analysis and factor analysis evinced that, a parameter that can be significant in contribution to water quality variations in river for one season, may less or not be significant for another one

Strategic management of municipal debris aftermath of an earthquake

Earthquakes in urban areas leave behind a considerable amount of debris, which delays the relief services and the reconstruction activities. The relief work would be impossible without the removal of debris from the main access roads to the devastated areas. The proper implementation of this endeavor requires a long-term management of debris. This article discusses development of strategic management for earthquake debris in the city of Tehran. Thus, the pertinent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges are identified in order to assess the actual and potential debris management capacity of Tehran. The Personal judgments are used in a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix [QSPM] in order to prioritize the strategies. The results of this research show that the sum of attractiveness numbers for the Internal Factors Evaluation [IFE] matrix is 2.3, which is less than 2.5. It indicates that weaknesses are more dominant than the strengths. Moreover, the sum of attractiveness numbers for External Factors Evaluation [EFE] matrix is 3.3, which indicates more potential opportunities than potential challenges. The analysis of results points out that the most important strategies in regard to the development of debris management plan are the accurate estimation of volume, weight and type of earthquake debris; reinforcement of the present structures; proper design of structures under construction; utilization of experiences from other earthquake prone countries; recycling and reuse of debris and construction wastes; and identification of the temporary debris depot sites within Tehran

Environmental management of coastal regions in the Caspian Sea

Considering rapid population growth and migration, higher accumulation of communities is noticed in coastal areas. This is especially true with the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. In the present investigation coastal areas between Jouybar to Behshahr region is selected for their special geographical and ecological locations. Further, adverse impacts of human, agriculture and industrial activities was examined along side the above mentioned coasts. It should be pointed out that protected Miankaleh Wildlife zone which is an internationally recognized wetland, falls within area of study. In the present study strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats method is used for the evaluation of environmental management status. In this regard, internal and external factors gained 2.28 and 2.58 scores. This is indicative of the abundance of weaknesses over strengths and it also shows that opportunities are more than threats. Subsequently 27 strategies were developed and quantitative strategic planning matrix method was also used to score each strategies. The results of quantitative strategic planning matrix method analysis was programmed in strategic position and action evaluation matrix. The present situation falls within "competitive" classification. This is indicative of weakness in coordinating development and environmental strategic plans. The result of present investigation strongly emphasis on compilation of strategic environmental plans for the control of population, pollution emission and land use planning changes. The most important strategies include development of environmental regulations and better supervision on enforcement of laws

Origin and chemical partitioning of heavy metals in riverbed sediments

In the present investigation, bulk and chemical partitioning of elements in the Shefa-Rud riverbed sediments are studies. Higher concentrations of elemental concentrations have been observed in estuarine zone when compared with riverine sediments [except for Al, Fe, Pb and Mn]. Manganese is mobilized under anoxic conditions prevailing in the Caspian Sea. Lithogenous materials are greatly diluted in the estuarine zone by various pollutants present in the Caspian Sea. Organic metallic bonds are not significantly present in the area of study. Geological units of the area of study have resulted in the lower concentrations of elemental concentrations of riverbed sediments when compared with published values for mean crust and world sediments ones. Though, cluster analysis has clearly shown the importance of alumina-silicates in controlling the distribution of Fe and Mn in riverbed sediments but it could not depict controlling mechanism for other studied elements. Geochemical Index [Igeo] and Enrichment Factor [EF] values are indicative of a clean environment throughout the river course. These values are in a well agreement with results of chemical partitioning data. Quantification of EF values is not logically possible and therefore Igeo values can be used more effectively

Implementation of green management concepts in sport complexes

Implementation of green management in sport complexes can ensure the continuous arrangement and assessment of activities from the environmental perspective and will end up in control and prevention of contaminants. Enghelab sport complex [ESC] in Iran is selected for this study due to its size and long-term activities. Due to the comprehensive plan of the aforesaid sports complex, numerous centers and departments were established in this site in order to materialize its envisioned sports, recreational and cultural objectives. The results of the questionnaires distributed amongst the members and the personnel of the complex revealed that approximately 50% occupants were not acquainted with green management and only 30% were faintly familiar with it. The personnel's knowledge on green management was much better and about 64% of them were well acquainted with the related issues. Total amount of solid waste produced in the complex is about 547.5 tons/yr. in 2004; constituents are plastic [24.1%], putrescible materials [45.9%], glass [7.6%], paper [19.3%] and metal [3.1%]. According to the economic analysis conducted, the investment required for implementation of all the solid waste separation techniques amounts to us $ 11200. The result of present investigation is indicative of a medium level of optimization for energy and water consumption in ESC and there is a high potential to improve the efficiency of the system

Geochemistry of two sediment cores from the west coast of India

Copper, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, AI, Ca, magnetic susceptibility and loss on ignition of sediments from two cores near Mangalore along the western continental shelf of India have been studied. The sediments have high Al and organic matter contents due to the high sedimentation rate and their proximity to river mouths. Down-core variations of elements indicate a decrease of lithogenous component during probably the past few centuries. While abundance of calcareous shells in some zones has lead to the dilution of most of the metals, it appears that Pb and Mn are associated with this phase. Copper, Zn and Fe are associated with organic matter and detrital particles, whereas Ni and Co are predominantly associated with the insoluble fraction. Oxides/hydroxides of Fe and Mn are absent because of the reducing conditions and the high terrigenous influx. Geochemically, Mn and Fe are present in different phases of sediments [in the insoluble fraction and organic matter respectively]. The Fe content of one of the cores is positively correlated with magnetic susceptibility

Application of E-commerce in local home shopping and its consequences on energy consumption and air pollution reduction

Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether [MTBE] is one of the ether oxygenates which its use has been increased within the last twenty years. This compound is produced from isobutylene and methanol reaction that is used as octane index enhancer and also increases dissolved oxygen in gasoline and decreases carbon monoxide emission in four phased motors because of better combustion of gasoline. High solubility in water [52 g/L], high vapor pressure [0.54 kg/cm3], low absorption to organic carbon of soil and presence of MTBE in the list of potentially-carcinogens of U.S EPA has made its use of great concern. The culture media used in this study was Mineral Salt Medium [MSM]. The study lasted for 236 days and in three different concentrations of MTBE of 200, 5 and 0.8 mg/L. A control sample was also used to compare the results. This research studied the isolation methods of microbial consortium in the MTBE polluted soils in Tehran and Abadan petroleum refinery besides MTBE degradation. The results showed the capability of bacteria in consuming MTBE as carbon source. Final microbial isolation was performed with several microbial passages as well as keeping consortium in a certain amount of MTBE as the carbon source

Environmental geochemistry of heavy metals in a sediment core of Bushehr, Persian gulf

In present study, the geochemistry of a sediment core from the Persian Gulf is investigated. The sources of trace elements [Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Mn] have been investigated by the method of cluster analysis as well as chemical partitioning techniques. Cluster analysis shows that Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn are originated from oil pollution sources taking into account Zn as an oil pollution indicator. Higher concentrations of Mn at depth of 7cm clearly shows the movement of Mn from the lower layer of the sediment core. Considerable amount of Mn, Pb and Cu are found in lithogenous portion The results of partition studies has revealed the percentile of anthropogenic portion of metals as: Mn [46%]> pb [40%]> Cu [18%]> Zn [12.8%]> Fe [2.4%]> Cr and Ni [0.03] Finally, the concentration of studied metals are compared with those of mean crust and mean world sediments. Though concentrations of a few metals are higher than mean crust and men world sediments but Cr in-spite of its higher concentration is mainly derived from natural resources. The results indicate that, a system that combines the two mentioned processes not only shortens stabilization time, but also improves the products quality. Combining the two systems resulted in a product that was more stable and homogenous; the product could meet the pathogen reduction requirements