[ study on the variations of temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen ratio in producing compost by stack method]

Background: Considering the importance of chemical and physical parameters such as temperature, moisture, pH and carbon to nitrogen [C:N] ratio in producing compost, the purpose of this study was to evaluate these parameters in producing compost by stack method

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on municipal solid waste generated in Kashan during a 63-day period from Oct 3 to Dec 4, 2010. Compost samples were taken from the top one-third, the center and also the bottom of the compost pile and mixed; the compost pile was aerated [if necessary]. Thereafter, samples were analyzed for carbon and nitrogen content using Fourti method

Results: The initial temperature of the compost pile was 38[degree]C and then increased to 65[degree]C at the 9[th] day, and reached to 26[degree]C at the last day of composting. The moisture at the beginning of the process was 67.5%, increased to 73% at the 5[th] day and decreased to 38% at the last day. The initial pH of the compost was 5.5, increased during the compost process, and reached an optimal value of 7.7 at the end of the process. The C:N ratio at the beginning of the process was 35:1 and in mature compost decreased to 12.5:1

Conclusion: Presence of actinomycetes and the dark-brown color of the prepared compost on the 63rd day of composting indicate that the compost meets the required standards. Consequently, the implementation of this method is suitable for tropical cities like Kashan

[Evaluation of parasitic and fungal contamination and physicochemical parameters of indoor public swimming pools in Kashan during 2008-9]

Swimming in indoor public pools may lead to transmission of contagious diseases such as ear problems, foot tinea, conjunctivitis and amoebic meningoencephalitis in swimmers. The aim of this study was to determine the types of fungal and parasitic contamination and physicochemical parameters of indoor public swimming pools in Kashan. In this cross-sectional study, 200 water samples were collected from surface and depth of four swimming pools of Kashan during 2008-9. Physicochemical parameters such as, temperature, pH, residual chlorine and turbidity of the pools were studied. Samples were tested for the presence of parasitic and fungal contamination by specific mediums. The residual chlorine in 71% of samples was standard. The average pH level was 7.7 and 88% of samples were standard. No parasite and free living amoebae were observed. The prevalence of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi was 42% in surface and 12% in depth, which was not significant in different swimming pools [P=0.95]. Twelve species of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi were isolated; the highest and the lowest number of species were aspergillus [50%] and fusarium [3.7%], respectively. The residual chlorine in fungal contamination between swimming pools was less than standard [P=0.014]. Although no parasites and free living amoebae were observed in Kashan's swimming pools, the prevalence of saprophytic and opportunistic fungi was relatively high. Such condition may be attributed to low concentration of residual chlorine, inadequate water treatment and water high temperature