Survey on the quality of mineral bottled waters in Kerman city in 2009

Consumption of mineral bottled waters has been considerably increased in the recent years. These waters have some specific mineral and chemical properties which can affect human health. In this study, the quality of bottled waters also known as [mineral bottled waters] are investigated in terms of physical, chemical, and microbial parameters, water hardness, curative properties and also the accuracy of the properties printed on their labels. In this descriptive study, 13 brands of mineral bottled waters, available in Kerman markets, were included to investigate seventeen chemical, physical and microbial parameters. The mean value of each parameter was calculated and compared with the standard values and also with the values printed on their labels. In addition, the water hardness and curative properties of different brands were studied based on their ion concentrations. The results of this study showed that 54% of waters were categorized as hard or very hard waters. No microbial contamination was found and none of them had curative properties. A comparison between the chemical properties of these waters and the standard values of drinkable and mineral waters indicated that while all tested waters had a fluoride concentration of lower than standard values, the Cl[-][50 mg/1] and NO3[-] [8 mg/1] concentrations were higher than the standard levels in seven percent of samples. Also, the concentrations of K[+] and Na[+] were higher than the permitted levels in 23% and 46% of the samples, respectively. The different properties of the mineral bottled waters investigated in this study were consistent with the standard levels. However, even a few inconsistency with standard criteria regarding ion concentrations or other propertis may have a detrimental effect on health status which should be taken into account by relevant authorities. Manufacturers also need to adhere more to all realted standard rules and regulateins

[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

study on relationship between the atmospheric quantity of heavy metals and PAHs in the city of Isfahan

Heavy metals are toxic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are known as toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds. To determine the concentration of PAHs and heavy metals in sample and the relationship between these two pollutants in the atmosphere of the city of Isfahan. In present study, air particulates were collected on glass fiber filters by using a high- volume air sampler. Flow rate and sampling period were 0.5m3/min and 12 hrs, respectively. Each filter was exactly cut into two equal pieces. One piece was digested with HNO3 and H2O2, and the second piece was extracted with DCM, using soxhlet method. The later was used for determination of PAHs. Determinations of heavy metals concentration were performed using a Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentrations of PAHs were measured using a PU 4400 gas chromatograph equipped with a FID detector. The concentration of lead was higher than other metals [748.5 ng/m3] however; it was lower than the standard value [2000 ng/m3]. The extraction efficiency of PAHs with soxhlet method was 92-100 percent. The concentration of Benzo [ALPHA] pyrene, index of aromatic hydrocarbons, was 2.27 ng/m3. PAHs concentration in non-working days was lower than working days of a week. Correlation coefficient between PAHs and heavy metals was 0.9 [p<0.005]. The changing pattern of heavy metals and PAHs was closely similar. The concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals were determined in different samples. The relationship between the atmospheric concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals was investigated and an excellent agreement was found.