Evolution site selection by using an analytical hierarchy process for decentralized wastewater treatment plants in the city of QOM, IRAN

Introduction: Decentralized wastewater treatment facilities are an expensive approach for developing countries. Decentralized wastewater treatment plants [DWWTP[s] are a flexible technology. They have low construction and operational costs. Site selection is the most significant stage in the implementation of a DWWTP[s]

Therefore, the present study aimed to perform a site selection among the proposed locations for a DWWTP[s] in Qom

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the criteria of DWWTP[s] site selection were determined, judged by interview experts, and analyzed by the analytic hierarchy process [AHP] using the Expert Choice 11 software. Finally, according to the performed judgments, the proposed locations [sites] were ranked in order of preference

Results: The slope of the land held maximum importance, while the density of the population had minimum importance in the site selection process. The southern and north-eastern regions of Qom had appropriate sites

Conclusion: The AHP is a decision analysis method that considers both the qualitative and quantitative information applicable for the various subjects, especially site selection. In this study, according to the expert's notices, the AHP technique could determine an appropriate site among the proposed locations for the construction of DWWTP[s]

Evaluation of trends for iron and manganese concentrations in wells, reservoirs, and water distribution networks, Qom city, Iran

Background: This study aimed to evaluated trends for iron and manganese concentrations in wells, reservoirs, and water distribution networks in Qom city during the summer of 2012

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The studied scopes consisted of groundwater [60 wells], reservoirs [10 tanks], and water distribution network [33 points]. One sample was taken from each source monthly. Statistical tests used included post hoc tests [Tukey HSD]. Finally, the results were compared with drinking water standards

Results: The average concentrations of iron in groundwater, reservoirs, and distribution networks were 0.09, 0.07, and 0.07 mg/l, respectively. The average concentrations of manganese in groundwater, reservoirs, and distribution networks were 0.15, 0.09, and 0.1 mg/l, respectively. The turbidity averages in groundwater, reservoirs, and distribution networks were 0.58, 0.6, and 0.52 NTU, respectively. The average concentrations of free chlorine residual in water reservoirs and distribution networks were 1.74 and 1.06 mg/l, respectively. The pH averages in groundwater, reservoirs, and distribution networks were 7.4, 7.7, and 7.5, respectively. The amounts of iron, manganese, turbidity, free chlorine residual, and pH in the investigated resources had no significant differences [P > 0.05]

Conclusion: The amounts of iron, manganese, turbidity, free chlorine residual and pH in groundwater, reservoirs, and water distribution networks of Qom are within permissible limits of national standards and EPA guidelines. Only the amount of manganese was higher than the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] permissible limit

Status of wastewater management in Shokuhieh industrial park [A case study of Qom province]

Background: Water resource management is a strategic issue in Qom city. Water scarcity is one of the most critical concerns of industrial estates. This study aimed to evaluate wastewater management in the Shokuhieh industrial park of Qom province in 2013

Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study done by visiting the industrial units in person, completing questionnaires and analyzing the results. The questionnaire had 25 questions, including general information, the status of water supply, treatment and consumption, wastewater production, reuse or discharge of produced wastewater and the status of wastewater treatment and discharge of effluent. The industrial units evaluated were active with over 50 personnel and numbered 44 in total

Results: The water suppliers in the industries included network [70.5%], network and reverse osmosis [RO] [22.5%], network and tanker [2.4%] and tanker [4.6%]. 63.63% of the industries had water treatment systems. 19.5% reused wastewater and 31.8% performed pretreatment before discharge of wastewater. The discharge sites of water treatment units' effluent included the absorption well [17%], greenbelt [18%] and sewer [65%]. Discharge sites of sanitary wastewater in 50% of the industries was sewer and in 50%, it was absorption well. The discharge sites of processed wastewater was reuse [2%], sewer [52%] and absorption well [46%]. Discharge sites of exiting effluent from pretreatment units in the industrial park, included sewer [85.5%], transport by tanker [7.1%] and absorption well [7.1%]. The type of pretreatment process in 35.7% of the industries was chemical and in 64.3%, it was septic tank

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that pre-treatment is not done in most industries and wastewater reuse is performed in few industries. The main method of wastewater disposal in industries was by discharge into the sewer and absorbent well

[Evaluation of the status of citizen participation in municipal waste source separation plan and offering corrective strategies]

To implement source separation plan, awareness of viewpoints and participation of waste producers are necessary. The aim of this research is to assess the status of the source separation of municipal wastes and to offer its corrective strategies from citizens' point of view. This descriptive crooss-sectional study was performed through filling 1400 questionnaires by in-person interview in Qom, Yazd, and East Azarbaijan in the form of a waste management master plan. In this study, awareness of population was assessed using a questionnaire consisting of 31 general and specific questions. To examine the relationship between qualitative variables and cross-tabulations, chi-square test was used at a significance level of 5%. Ninety percent of citizens declared their readiness to implement the source separation of municipal wastes. Most important reasons of citizens for implementation of this plan was better recycling with appropriate quality materials [79%], environmental protection and health promotion [65%] and assistance to municipalities [43%], and the important reasons of plan's failure from citizens point of view were: lack of or irregular implementation the programs by the municipality [45%], inadequate training of citizens [32%], and poor cooperation of people due to cultural and social problems and/or lack of economic justification [25%]. According to the results, high percentage of citizens were aware of separation of municipal wastes plan and knew its advantages, so if reforms are made by the municipal authorities, percentage of participation and cooperation of citizens in this project will favorably increase