[Evaluation of the effects of a natural preparation of sugar beat [beta vulgaris subsp. cicla] as a agriculture solid waste on diabetic mice]

Background: diabetes type I is a chronic disease mediated by the immune system that the prevalence of it's in the past two decades has dramatically increased

Objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral administration of the aqueous extract of the leaf of sugar beet on the immunological aspect of STZ induced diabetes in mice

Methods: for this purpose, 20 male inbred C57 BL/6 mice with 6-8 weeks of age were divided into 4 groups of 5 including: control, diabetic, treatment and pre-treatment groups. In the second, third and the fourth groups, five consecutive daily injections of 40 mg/kg STZ were performed to induce diabetes. The fasting blood sugar was recorded on a weekly basis. At the end, the mice were euthanized and after the removal of the spleens and the preparation of cell cultures, the cells were tested to determine the extent of lymphocyte proliferation and the severity of respiratory burst

Results: the results showed that the administration of Chard extract can significantly reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic mice [P<0.05]. The lymphocytes proliferation in the treatment and pre-treatment groups showed a significant decrease compared to the diabetic group [P<0.05]. Moreover, treatment with the extract significantly restored the reduced respiratory burst in the diabetic group to levels similar to the control group [P<0.05]

Conclusion: in summary, the leaf extract of Chard has a positive effect on the immunological changes and can reduce the complications of autoimmune diabetes in mouse models

Determination of radon concentration in drinking water of Bam villages and evaluation of the annual effective dose

Background: Radon is one of the most important radioactive elements which is released by natural decay of available uranium and radium in the ground. The presence of radon gas is common, wherever those faults are located there. Radon concentration of various drinking water resources of Bam villages; located near Bam fault; was measured

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the spring of 2014. Samples were collected from 27 water resources [wells and canals] as well as 5 water storage tanks of Bam villages of Kerman province. The radon concentrations were determined by RAD7 device. The annual absorbed dose was also calculated according to the measured radon levels

Results: The average of minimum radon concentration in water resources was 1.2 BqL[-1]; which was related to a water tank in Baravat; and the average of its maximum amount was calculated as 9.88 BqL[-1] which was related to a private home well in Baghchamak village. The maximum annual effective dose for adults was 30.82 nSvY

Conclusion: Based on the achieved results, radon concentration of drinking water resources is lower than permitted concentration of ERA and also WHO guidelines

Determination of radon concentration in drinking water of taft township and evaluation of the annual effective dose

Background: Radioactive substances are water chemical contaminants. In this study, the concentration of radon was measured in drinking water supplies of Taft villages [part of Dehshir-Baft fault located in central part of Iran] and also Shirkooh area with granite rocks [containing uranium]. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional research was conducted in fall 2013 and winter 2014 on the sources of drinking water and also drinking water network of Taft city of Yazd province. According to the measured radon levels; the annual effective absorbed dose was also calculated. Results: Minimum and maximum levels of radon gas were related to sample number 54 [0.88 BqL[-1]] and number 31 [43.01BqL[-1]]. Range of radon concentrations was 1.88-43.01 BqL[-1] in samples of wells in private homes, 0.88- 20.36 BqL[-1] in supplier wells of public network of drinking water, 1.23-10.29 BqL[-1] in aqueducts, 1.23-11.49 BqL[-1] in water tap connected to the public network and 12.89 BqL[-1] in one measured spring. The annual effective absorbed dose through drinking and breathing in an environment that this water is used ranged from 0.00 msv/y [sample No.54] to 0.11 msv/y [sample No.31]. Conclusion: Radon concentration was lower than the limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency of United States of America, in 82% of samples. Samples with high radon concentrations were located around Shirkooh area due to the presence of granitic rocks. Dehshir and Garizat villages located through Dehshir - Baft fault and the Radon concentration of these samples was less than the permissible limit, probably due to the inactive Fault

Level changes of traffic noise in Kerman city, southeast Iran

The purpose of this research was to determine the traffic noise level and changes in the Kerman City, southeast Iran in recent years. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 to investigate the existing noise situation in Kerman. Sound levels [L[max], L[min], L[eq], L[99], L[90], L[50] and L[10] were determined throughout 13 stations using sound level measurement system [model, CEL-440]. Number of passing vehicles was also assessed at the sampled stations. Sound level in all sampled stations was higher than Iran and World Health Organization guidelines. Comparison of L[eq] in different hours using statistical tests showed significant difference between different hours with 95% confidence coefficient [P=0.01]. Comparison of L[eq] throughout the week also showed that there was a significant difference [P=0.001] between Friday and workday. The comparison of L[eq] with the number of passing vehicles using Pearson correlation statistical test showed significant difference between the number of heavy vehicles passed and the level of L[eq] [P=0.001]. It also showed that number of heavy vehicles caused the most noise levels. The results of this study compared to a similar study conducted in 1999 showed an increasingly high noise level. Noise level increased from 1999 to 2008 by 3.89% which is indicative of an increase in noise emission sources

Efficiency of calcium and magnesium removal by nanofiltration membrane from synthetic water under different operating conditions

There are various techniques for reduction or removal of hardness of water each with its own special advantages and disadvantages. Nanofiltration, process due to its simplicity and efficiently, has gained a great attention and is used for removal of various ions and organic matters. The aim of this study was to investigate the evaluation of efficiency of calcium and magnesium removal by a nanofiltration membrane from synthetic water under different operating conditions. This study was performed in laboratory scale using a commercial NF membrane similar to pilot scale. NF experiments were conducted using a calcium initial concentrations [280, 300, 320, 340 and 360 mg/L] and magnesium initial concentrations [60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 mg/L] with flow rate of 0.4 L/min [Qi] and 0.8 L/min [Q[2]]. To investigate the removal of calcium and magnesium as a function of co-existing anions and cations for NF membrane, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium ions [as cation] and chloride, nitrate and sulfate ions [as anion] were chosen. The results revealed that with the increase in initial calcium and magnesium concentration, the removal efficiency decreased, with increasing initial calcium concentration from 280 mg/L to 360 mg/L, the removal efficiency decreased from 69.08% to 61.25%, respectively and magnesium removal efficiency declined from 70.05% to 62.25% with increasing concentration from 60 mg/L to 140 mg/L, respectively. In addition, while flow rate varied from 0.4 L/min to 0.8 L/min, calcium and magnesium removal efficiency descended to approximately 5%. Most effectiveness due to anions and cations with calcium and magnesium were related to sulfate and divalent cations and chloride and sodium lowest effectiveness related to choride anion and sodium cation respectively. According to the results, nanofiltration process was applied as efficient and proper method for hardness [calcium and magnesium] removal from water

[ survey on Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu concentrations in Tehran consumed black tea: a short report]

Heavy metal pollution has always been a major type of environmental contamination and a main concern for food health. Tea is the most popular beverage in Iran and the presence of heavy metal in tea has received special attention because of their direct effect on health. The aims of this study were to measure the concentrations of Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu in consumed tea. A cross- sectional study was designed for this research. Eleven type of the most widely consumed brands of dry black tea were purchased from local market in Tehran. Certain volumes of four samples of each brand were collected and digested with Nitric acid and Chloridric acid using wet digestion method. The final solution of digestion was used to determine the level of these metals. Heavy metal contents in each sample were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The result showed that the mean concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu and Ni in tea samples were 6.97 +/- 4.78, 5.75 +/- 1.08, 23.85 +/- 9.68, 2.91 +/- 1.9 [mg/kg], respectively. The maximum concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu and Ni in tea samples were recorded for Ahmad tea Bag, S hilan, Golaby and dochakoshi, respectively. The results indicated that Pb and Ni concentrations in the black tea were higher than the permissible limit for the human foods, while for the other heavy metals, the amounts were lower than that. Regarding increasing trend of food sources, contamination with heavy metals and also due to their bioaccumulation in human body and the subsequent health risks, it is recommended to control these products

[Comparison of quality of life among diabetic and non diabetic patients after open heart surgery [short report]]

Diabetes is among the important health problems that threatens the quality of life [QOL] in patients. Heart disease is the most common complication of diabetes and the most prevalent treatment for this disease is open heart surgery. Due to extensive operations of heart surgery and unpredictable results of this intervention on the quality of life, we decided to Compare quality of life in diabetic and non diabetic patients after open heart surgery. This descriptive study was performed on 80 patients, 31 diabetic and 49 non-diabetic patients who were selected with objective based sampling. Data were collected by SF-36 and demographic data questionnaires which were completed in 3 steps [before, 1 and 3 monthes after operation]. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics including chi-square, repeated measures design and independent and paired t-test. The results of the study showed no significant differences between the two groups in the different dimensions of life quality in the first and 3 months after the surgery. But in the field of mental health and role playing, there was significant statistical difference [p=0.03] between the two groups three months after surgery. This study showed that both diabetic and nondiabetic patients had benefitted from open heart surgery and it had improved their quality of life. Therefore, more studies are recommended to evaluate the long-term effects of open heart surgery on patients' quality of life

Survey efficiency of electrocoagulation on nitrate removal from aqueous solution

Water supply for consumption is one of the crucial objectives of water supply systems. Using of excessive fertilizer is a main source of nitrate content in water. The high amounts of nitrate in water have a determinable effect on the environment which must be removed due to drinking and industrial water standards. The purpose of this study is nitrate removal from aqueous solution by Electrocoagulation process. The applied pilot was comprised of a reservoir, electrode and power supply. In this study pH, electrical potential difference, nitrate initial concentration, total dissolved solid, kind of electrode, electrode connection methods and number of electrode were studied. Moreover, obtained optimum conditions were tested on Kerman water. The results showed that the electrocoagulation process can reach nitrate to less than standard limit. pH, electrical potential difference, total dissolved solids and number of electrodes have direct effect and initial concentration of nitrate has reverse effect on nitrate removal. This study also showed that under optimum condition, nitrate removal from Kerman water distribution system was 89.7%. According to the results, Electrocoagulation process is suggested as an effective technique in nitrate removal

[Influence of Fenton process on treatability of Kerman City solid waste leachate]

Untreated leachate is discharging into the environment in the many countries of worldwide. Leachate treatment methods have not been unified so far due to variable composition of leachate. Moreover, the uncontrolled management of leachate, cause many environmental dissociates. The aims of this study apply the Fenton process to decrease the pollutants of Kerman leachate. Raw leachate was obtained from compactor vehicles used for the collection of Kerman city solid waste, before final disposal. In order to removal of biodegradable organic compounds, a rector was built based on characteristics of landfill Kerman city and raw leachate underwent anaerobic treatment in this pilot. In the next stage, treated leachate in the pilot, was affected by Fenton process. The optimized parameters in Fenton process including pH, reaction time and dosage of H[2]O[2] and Fe[2+] were also studied. The results showed that TSS, BOD[5] and COD decrease to 62%, 96% and 89%, respectively, after 60 days treatment in the pilot. BOD[5]/COD ratio also decreased from 0.6 to 0.2 in anaerobic treated leachate. In optimum condition [pH=3, reaction time=75 min, Fe[2+] =1400 mg/L and H[2]O[2] = 2500 mg/L] maximum COD removal was 78% by Fenton process. BOD[5]/COD ratio increased from 0.2 to 0.51 which showed an increase in biodegradability of leachate as a result of Fenton process. Anaerobic biologically treatment followed by Fenton processes could be assumed as an efficient process that could improved the leachate quality. Biological treatment to reduce leachate pollution alone was not enough. The most important Fenton process advantage is reduction of refractory and toxic leachate compounds and increasing leachate's biodegradability

Determining and comparing the effect of nanoparticle CuO, TiO2 and ZnO in removing gram positive and negative bacteria from wastewater

Due to the unique absorption and anti-microbial properties of nanoparticles, making use of them for removal of bacteria in water and wastewater is growing. Application of these substances in removal of bacteria in municipal wastewater is an important matter which we will investigate in this research. In this cross-sectional study, the sampling period was completed from summer untill fall of the year 2010 at incoming sewage treatment plant in Kerman City. Samples were grown on nutrient agar culture media and then 180 Mueller Hinton agar medium was prepared. Different concentrations of nanoparticles at ratio of 1:10 were injected on media containing the bacteria. After incubation, the level of CPU per milliliter was calculated by counting the number of colony. Tests were done based on [water and wastewater standards] book. No observed effect concentration [NOEC] for zinc oxide nanoparticles for Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria, bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was 5, 5, 8, and 80 mg/1 respectively, and 100% mortality for all the bacteria was in 6000 mg/1. NOEC of nano copper oxide for mentioned bacteria was in, 5, 7, 90, and 98 mg/1 respectively and in the concentration of 6000mg/l the mortality percent of all three bacteria excluding Escherichia coli [Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa] was 100% and for escherichia coli was 92%. NOEC of nano titanium dioxide for mentioned bacteria was 5, 90, 95, and 200 mg/1 respectively, and in the concentration of 6000mg/l mortality of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli was 96%, 81%, 89%, and 43% respectively. The results showed that with increasing concentration of nanoparticles, removal of bacteria increased as well. [P<0.05]. The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the removal of gram negative and positive bacteria was higher than Titanium dioxide and copper oxide nanoparticles. So application of this method after investigating economic balances and other factors for removing of bacteria from sewage via this method is recommended

[Lead levels in powders of surma [Kohl] used in Kerman]

Lead poisoning is a global problem and considered to be the most important environmental disease in children. Exposure to even low amounts of lead is dangerous. Lead containing eye make ups due to the long time contact with skin and eye mucosa can lead to blood and eye symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount of lead in powders of kohl in Kerman. In this study, from 12 types of kohl in Kerman sale centers, 48 samples were prepared. After preparation, the lead content of samples has been measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery. Mean concentration of lead in measured samples was 254.5micro g/g. Minimum and maximum concentrations of lead were 3.2micro g/g and 1219.4micro g/g, respectively. Totally, average lead concentrations of plant-base samples were lower than that of mineral-base ones. According to the results, high levels of lead in available Surmas in Kerman city requires some cultural measures for changing peoples' attitudes toward using this cosmetics as eyeliner or revision in their formulation in order to remove lead or decrease it to the standard limit. Since use of Kohl is associated with increase of lead in blood and ocular problems, determination of blood lead concentration and ocular problems in consumer groups are highly recommended

Color removal from water by coagulation/caustic soda and lime

Due to aesthetic aspects, use of colored water even approved hygienically, is not acceptable worldwide. Consumers prefer to use colorless water. Color in water is usually associated with aromatic compounds produced from decay of natural herbal substances. Undesirable taste and odor and disinfection by products are of the reasons of color existence in water. The present study was performed using jar apparatus, lime and NaOH as softener agent and for increasing the pH of the process. Alum and ferric chloride coagulants were used to increase the size of flocs in various pH and color removal from water. It was tried to simulate the conditions of water treatment plants. Coagulant and lime doses, initial color and pH were studied. After the process, the residual color, as well as pH and electrical conductivity of water were measured. The results showed a significant increase in color removal with increasing pH. The highest percentage of color removal was 75% using 40mg/L of alum and ferric. The best efficiency of color removal was 86.68% and 94% by 12[g/L] lime for methylene blue and eriochrome black T, respectively. However, during the procedure, the electrical conductivity of water increased

[Parasitic contamination of consuming vegetables in Kerman city, Iran]

Parasitic contaminations disturb human health through different ways. One of this ways is malnutrition. The aim of this study is to determination of parasitic contamination in consuming vegetables in Kerman city. This study was performed at first half-time in 1386, and it is a cross-sectional study. Samples of vegetables were collected from 30 stories out of 70 stories and surveyed in term of existing parasitic contaminations by sedimentation technique and using of centrifuge. The total number of samples is 135 samples. By means of SPSS software, Chi-square test was used for determination of relation between type of vegetable and type of parasite. Hymenolepis eggs [8.88%], Trikosal eggs [4.44%], Ascaris eggs [3.7%], Dicrocelium eggs [5.18%], Teania sp.eggs [3.7%], Trichostrongylus eggs [2.96%] and Giardia cyst [0.74%] were detected in the gathered samples 30 percent of vegetables generally contaminated by parasites. In this study its detected that Spring onion has most contamination and Radish and Basil have the least contamination. Amount of contamination in gathered samples are relatively high. Results show that percentage of parasitic contamination in Yasuj and Hamedan cities are greater than Kerman, but in Yazd, Ahvaz, Isfahan and Kermanshah cities are less than Kerman

Removal of heavy metals from paint industry's wastewater using Leca as an available adsorbent

The ability of light expanded clay aggregate to remove Pb++ and Cd++ from paint industry's effluents was studied at different levels of adsorbent, contact time and pH in April 2008. For this purpose, Pb and Cd removal from paint industry effluents were studied in batch reactors. Pb and Cd measurements have been taken with non-flame atomic absorption techniques and test methods were adapted from 19 th edition of standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. In this study, different amounts of Leca [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 g/L] were investigated. The amount of adsorbed Pb [II] and Cd [II] exposure to Leca increased from 1.41 to 3 mg/g and 0.22 to 0.75 mg/g, respectively. The maximum removal efficiency for Pb was 93.75% at pH = 7 and exposure to 10 g/L of Leca, while for Cd, it was nearly 89.7% at the same condition. In this study, adsorption process of lead and cadmium was fitted with Freundlich adsorption isotherm [R2Pb = 0.97 and R2Cd = 0.98]. The sufficient contact time was deemed 1-2 h for Cd and Pb. According to the results, Leca is recommended as a low cost and available adsorbent to remove lead and cadmium from industrial wastewater

efficiency of electrocoagulation process using aluminum electrodes in removal of hardness from water

There are various techniques for removal of water hardness each with its own special advantages and disadvantages. Electrochemical or electrocoagulation method due to its simplicity has gained a great attention and is used for removal of various ions and organic matters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of this technique in removal of water hardness under different conditions. This experimental study was performed using a pilot plant. The applied pilot was comprised of a reservoir containing aluminum sheet electrodes. The electrodes were connected as monopolar and a power supply was used for supplying direct electrical current. Drinking water of Kerman [southeast of Iran] was used in the experiments. The efficiency of the system in three different pH, voltages and time intervals were determined. Results showed the efficiency of 95.6% for electrocoagulation technique in hardness removal. pH and electrical potential had direct effect on hardness removal in a way that the highest efficiency rate was obtained in pH=10.1, potential difference of 20 volt and detention time of 60 minutes. Considering the obtained efficiency in the present study, electrocoagulation technique may be suggested as an effective alternative technique in hardness removal

Acidity rate and fluoride content of consumed beverages in Kerman/Iran

High consumption of nonalcoholic beverages is one of the causes of dental erosion. Annual consumption of beverages in Iran is 48 LPCY [Lit per capita per year] that is equal to 144 bottles per capita in year and is relatively a high rate. Taking this into consideration, the present study was planned to determine the pH and fluoride content of beverages consumed in Kerman, south east of Iran. In a descriptive cross-sectional study during 2006-2007, samples of any type of beverages in Kerman were taken once every 4 months and each sample was examined for its acidity and fluoride content in ambient and refrigerator temperatures. A total of 744 experiments were conducted on 62 brands of beverages with different colors to determine the acidity and on 31 hands of beverages to determine their fluoride content. Acidity was determined by pH meter in the ambient temperature and refrigerator temperature [+4°C]. Fluoride content was determined using specific electrode method. Data analysis was done by SPSS software package. Mean acidity of the consumed beverages in Kerman was 2.55 and 2.78 mg/L in the ambient temperature and refrigerator temperature, respectively. Mean fluoride concentration in the temperature of the ambient and refrigerator were 1.13 and 1.27 mg/L respectively. Therefore beverages consumption in Kerman had a higher acidity than national standard. Since some of the consumed beverages in Kerman are distributed and consumed in other parts of Iran as well, necessary precautions for controlling dental erosion especially in Kerman residents should be taken

Investigation of environmental health condition and safety of schools in kerman in 2007

There is a vast variety of environmental health condition factors influencing students' health status such as the quality and quantity of drinking fountains, toilets, potable water condition, removing sewage system, garbage management, safety, sport grounds arid green area. Lack of information about the conditions of these factors may leave devastating and irreparable effects on the health condition of society. Regarding the important role of school environmental conditions in promoting the health level in society, this research was conducted in Kerman in 1386 to have an overall investigation of school health condition and school agronomy. This is a descriptive, cross- sectional research. The sample included 257 students of primary, secondary, high school and pre-university in Kerman. The data were collected by census.The checklist was cmpleted by going to schools, observations and interviews with practitioners. Later the collected data were analyzed with SPSS software. Of the schools, 68% were state-run whereas 32% were non- profitable schools. In 55.7% of primary and secondary schools the required area per student had been observed while it hadnot been observed in 86% of high schools and technical schools.The estimated green area per student is 0.5 m2 but had not been observed in 67.4% schools. 53.1% schools had no health service room. 89.9% of schools had healthy potable water. In only 66.3% of schools each toilet was provided for 40 students. In 95.96% of schools sewage removing system was hygienic. 76% of schools had hygienic dust bin among which 90.2% followed the standard time lag of empting and washing the dust bins. 76% of schools observed the article No. 13 of school legislation for nutritious, cosmetic and hygienic materials in schools buffet. In 92.6% of schools, there was a proportion between benches and students height. 80% of school took advantage of sunlight. It seems that during the last 13 years, the health and safety conditions of schools have developed and improved and, generally speaking, 80% of the schools had made use ed light perfectly

Quality of drinking water consumed in interurban bus transportation system ofkerman in the first half of 2008

Promoting the hygiene and health level of the society would not be achieved while there is no pure source of potable water. A suitable and healthy drinking water should bear both a good chemical quality and a hygienic condition. The running water of the pipelines network is free from microbial infections due to free chlorine residue. In some cases, while transferring water from one container to another, there is the risk of pollution because of the conditions that are out of control. One of these cases is the water consumed in interurban transportation bus system. If this water is contaminated, there would be the risk of getting infected by water borne diseases. This study was performed to find out the quality of water consumed in the public bus transportation systems ofKerman in the first half of 2008. This is a cross-sectional study including 84 samples. We evaluated and assessed total coliform, fecal coliform, turbidity, free chlorine, pH and temperature. The collected data were analyzed by MINITAB. The results revealed total coliform in%45 of samples, positive fecal coliform in%35, turbidity 3MTU in% 42.5, 4MTU in% 46.25 and 5MTU in 11.25. The amount of free chlorine residue among%73.75 samples was zero. Temperature and pH ranged between 10-19 C and 7-8 C. In general, the microbial quality of the water consumed in the buses was recognized as unhygienic. The results of this study are consistent with similar studies performed in Kermanshah 1996, Isfahan 2004, Bandar Abbass 2004, and Mashhad 2006.The results achieved in this study showed a higher rate of pollution in total coliform than the similar rates in other cities. The index rate of total coliform in Kermanshah was higher than the one in Kerman. The rate of pollution related to fecal coliform in the consuming water of buses in Kerman was lower than the ones in Kermanshah and Mashhad and higher than the ones in Isfahan and Bandar Abbass

Pb and Co removal from paint industries effluent using wood ash

The release of heavy metals into the environment is a worldwide major concern. Different studies have demonstrated that natural agents have a high removal capacity for divalent heavy metal ions. Wood ash is a natural adsorbent and, in comparison with others, has a very low price. In this study, the removal of heavy metals [Pb and Co] from Binalood paint industry [Kerman, Iran] effluent was investigated in batch condition. Pb and Co measurement in samples were done with atomic absorption equipment and test methods were adapted from standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. The effect of pH and the amount of adsorbent was determined and different adsorption isotherms were also obtained. This study shows that the adsorption process follows the adsorption Langmuir isotherm. The amount of wood ash has a great role in the adsorption rate and adsorption rate increased as wood ash increased. In the study, the reactions reached equilibrium in 3 h contact time. The maximum Pb removal efficiency was 96.1% at pH 2 with a contact time of 3 h and 100 g/L wood ash and the maximum Co removal efficiency was 99% at pH 2 with a contact time of 3 h and 100 g/L wood ash. According to the results, wood ash is recommended as a low cost and available adsorbent to remove Pb and Co from municipal and industrial wastewaters

Variations of chemical quality for drinking water sources in Zarand plain

A comprehensive investigation was conducted in order to evaluate the quality of the groundwater in Zarand plain of Chatrood region which supplies drinking water of Zarand city. Zarand plain with longitude of 55°, 46- 57°,7 and latitude of 30°,20 -31°,44 is one of Iran's plains located in sub-basin of Daranjir desert. Groundwater of Zarand plain supplies drinking water of many cities and villages located in and near the plain. Samples were collected from 11 water wells used as drinking water sources in Zarand plain [Chatrood region], at least once at the middle of each month. By means of the standard methods, a number of parameters were analyzed for each sample for the period of 7 years from 1996 to 2003. Tests included measuring pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate ions. Data analysis was done by using t and Z-Test. Results indicated that water quality of water wells during studied period did not show any undesireable change. The quality of each parameter in drinking water wells of Zarand plain was within permissible limit and did not exceed neither the Iran's standards nor WHO guidelines. Meanwhile, the quality of raw water resources of the plain in the final year of experiment was within [good] potability limit based on Schuller's diagram; it means raw water resources still kept its quality. Although the quality of Zarand plain water resources comply with Iran's standards and WHO guidelines increasing trend of water consumption and consecutive droughts in the studied region as well as severe water shortage, ask for conservation, preservation and monitoring of water resources