Evaluation of [222]Rn rate in medical dormitory of Kerman city

Radon [[222]Rn] Measurement in the residential environments is very important because of its effecting on human health and causing cancer in the respiratory system. [222]Rn is individually responsible for half of the natural radiation received in humans and influences on human by breathing. Hence, this study was undertaken to access the [222]Rn level in the dormitories of Kerman university of medical science [southeast of Iran] to ensure its safety level. In this study, for measuring [222]Rn level in seven dormitories of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences, the Lucas cell technique was used. This study was undertaken during the winter because of the high concentration of radon in this season due to closed building ambience. In this study, the highest measured radon gas rate was 24.5 Bq/m[3] in Boustan [1]. Average concentrations of the radon gas in all dormitories were 4.7 Bq/m[3], which is lower than the standard level. The results of this study showed that the [222]Rn level in all dormitories was lower than the normal amount [48 Bq/m3] as well as the standard level

[Performance of electrocoagulation process for removal of sulphate ion from aqueous environments using plate aluminum electrodes]

Sulphate ion is one of the main ions available in natural and waste water. The high rate of sulphate in drinking water causes health problems such as irritation and digestive problems and makes water taste bitter. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency of sulphate ion removal from drinking water through Electrocogualation process [EC] using plate aluminum electrodes. This study was conducted as a pilot plant using one glass tank in the volume of 1.3liter containing 6 plate aluminum electrodes. These electrodes were attached to a power supply in a mono-polar and parallel arrangement in order to switch the alternating current to the direct one. That is, each electrode was attached to positive and negative poles directly and alternately. The tank was filled with synthetic water containing sulphate ion with the concentration of 350 and 700mg/L. Percentage of sulphate ion removal in potential range of 10, 20 and 30 V, reaction times of 40, 20 and 60min and pH 7.0, 3.0 and 11.0 were measured. In this study the maximum efficiency of sulphate ion removal was in the electrical potential of 30 V, reaction time of 60min and pH 11.0. With increase of ion concentration, the time needed to achieve a suitable efficiency of removal increased, that is, it indicated the direct effect of pH and difference of electrical potential on removal of sulphate ion through EC process. The results of this research show that Electrocogualation technology can be introduced as a suitable and promising technique to remove sulphate ion from aqueous environments using plate aluminum electrodes

[Evaluation of knowledge and attitude of Kerman residents about the usage of bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes]

Use of bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes is common in many communities, particularly in places where there is no water of good quality. This type of water supply is an appropriate alternative in prevention of much investment in fill- scaled water treatment and dual1 water distribution system. In Iran, where water is considered m a serious challenge, use of bottled water can be constructive. In this investigation a questionnaire consisted of 17 questions was designed and distributed among deferent classes of Kerman community [n= 500] selected by random cluster method in order to evaluate their level of knowledge and attitude about the usage of bottled water. According to the results, 45% of the respondents had poor knowledge, 38.8% average, and only 16.2% had a high level of knowledge about the usage of bottled water. Attitudes of the respondents to the use of bottled water were positive, but the market price of the available bottles as well as authorities' motive for promoting the use of bottled water were questioned by the respondents. It is necessary to take proper measures in order to improve people's level of knowledge in this respect, and to encourage people for using bottled water by lowering the price