Aims: The object is to find a manner of reduction primary noise from a source by an electro acoustic device that cancels unwanted sound by generating an anti sound (anti noise) of equal amplitude and an opposite phase is described as an active noise control system. Materials and Methods: In this method, the primary noise is acquired via a microphone, and the anti noise propagates with the same amplitude and the reverse phase at the primary noise path via a speaker to cancel the original noise. The effectiveness of cancellation of the primary noise depends on the accuracy of the amplitude and phase of the generated anti noise. Results: The results present a noise reduction of 16 dB until 20 dB overall. A change in the system setup and noise power can reach a noise reduction up to 25 dB. Perhaps, this is due to the background noise and primary noise differences that create a powerful anti noise for canceling the original noise. Conclusions: With regard to the wide range of frequencies of different noise sources, having optimized circumstances in the duct, microphone location on the duct body or even the distance of the speakers may be important in signal processing, noise sampling and anti noise production.

Aims: Antibacterial effects of hydrogen peroxide and silver composition on selected pathogenic enterobacteriaceae was investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: The efficacy of 30 ppb silver in 0.3% hydrogen peroxide solution for inactivation of selected Enterobacteriaceae, including Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was assessed for 72 hours in a designated nutrient broth medium and steel surface. The bactericidal growth ability was determined for each bacterium genus by the conventional colony count method and turbidimetry via an optical density (OD) assay at 450 nm in a time interval of 24 hours. Results: Suspensions of K.pneumoniae, and P.mirabilis showed a significant OD reduction at three 24-hour intervals (CI = 0.95; P < 0.05, for both), along with blocked growth in a designated broth medium during 24 to 48 hours of exposure. The disinfectant was also significantly efficient for inactivating of the mentioned bacteria on steel surfaces after a 15-minute time exposure (CI = 0.95; P < 0.05). For E.coli, the OD decreased slightly during the initial exposure time, but increased after 24 hours. Viable E.coli cells were proved by colonies grown on the plate. A qualitative surface decontamination test showed that three pathogenic bacteria were inactivated significantly after disinfectant exposure (CI = 0.95, P < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, a combination of hydrogen peroxide and silver ions was proposed as a strong disinfecting agent both in suspensions and on the surfaces against these three important human pathogens.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the performance of the anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor (ASBBR) for biodegradation of Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) that is present in petrochemical synthetic wastewater. Materials and Methods: A laboratory-scale ASBBR was used to treat a synthetic substrate mixture representing petrochemical wastewater that contained BTX. The operation schedule was: Fill time: 10 minutes, reaction time: 22.8 hours, settling time: 60 minutes, and decant time: 10 minutes, at 35΀C. The BTX samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) equipped with head space. Results: After reaching to stable operation, the reactor was exposed to influent BTX concentrations of 5, 20, and 50 mg/l, with overall organic loading rate of 3 g COD/l.d resulting in 61, 79, and 50% removal efficiencies for the BTX, respectively. At this time, the removal efficiencies for COD were 75, 90, and 70%. Conclusions: The optimum BTX removal of 79% was achieved in 3 g COD/l.d and HRT of 3.8 days, at influent BTX concentration of 20 mg/l. Thus, it could be concluded that ASBBR was a feasible, efficient, and consistent technology for treatment of petrochemical wastewaters containing BTX. The ASBBR might be an alternative to intermittent systems as well as batch systems due to its superior operational flexibility.

Aims: Evaluation of heat stress in workers exposed to hot/dry conditions of melting and casting industry is imperative for management of heat stress. This study aims to compare results of heat strain evaluation by monitoring environmental factors and physiological responses. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 51 workers of a large melting and casting company in 2010. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, heart rate and ear canal temperature were measured by WBGT meter, heart rate monitor and personal heat stress monitor, respectively. Physical activity intensity was assessed based on the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test. Results: WBGT index in 64.7% of workstations exceeded 30°C and in 41.2% was over 32°C. The value of WBGT index in 69% of work stations exceeded the threshold limit of the ACGIH standard. The physiological strain index (PSI) in 31% of worker was higher than 5, although its mean measured at 3.8 (1.8). Increase in the ear canal temperature in 64.7% of cases (33 persons) was over 1°C. Correlation between WBGT index with ear canal temperature and PSI index, adjusted body mass index and age, was 0.67 and 0.69 (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: In hot/dry conditions of melting and casting processes, despite moderate correlation between WBGT index with ear canal temperature and PSI index, work-rest cycles of WBGT index is not applicable for many of the workstations. Therefore, heat stress evaluation based on physiological variables probably has higher validity and is more appropriate.

Aims: The aim of this study is to find manners of noise abatement to reach to its allowable values by which the noise caused by compressors can be reduced, and if use of enclosure is an effective alternative. Materials and Methods: In the study, analysis of noise caused by the compressor and how distribution of sound frequencies with and without the use of enclosure was done, and then compared with standard values to help choose the best absorber material. This method is in accordance with the in situ assessment techniques for noise generated by different sources. A second order analyzer was use to study the recorded sound pressure level (SPL) values, and to demonstrate which frequencies can be more important in designing the enclosure. A sheet metal was used for enclosing the compressor, and this was lined with an absorber material to achieve a better sound reduction. SPL levels, before and after the enclosure of the compressor with the sheet material, were measured and compared. Results: There was a reduction in the level of noise produced for all frequencies due to use of the enclosure, a difference of 10 to 50 dB of reduction was recorded for all the frequencies. For higher frequencies in the range of 500 Hz to 4000 H, the SPL showed a similar reduction. A reduction of 50 dB in the produced noise below the standard was seen for the frequency of 63.5 Hz in octave band frequencies. There was also a permissible limit for higher frequencies of noise produced by the compressor, but with a gap of 10 dB of its standard limit at the frequency of 500 Hz. Conclusions: An overall noise reduction by 25 dB with the use of mineral wool as an extra liner on the inside of the enclosure, suggests that the effectiveness of the enclosure can be increased by using such absorber materials.

Aim: In this paper, the feasibility of flat-sheet membrane bioreactor (FS-MBR) for municipal wastewater treatment was studied. Materials and Methods: In this study, treatment of municipal wastewater in a submerged FS-MBR was investigated under different aeration time and flux. A bioreactor consist of microfiltration membrane (MF) and actual municipal wastewater as influent stream. The FS-MBR was operated during 161 days. Results: The result showed that average removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD ₅ ), total suspended solids (TSS) and volatile suspended solids (VSS) were obtained >90% and with variation of influent COD, BOD ₅ , TSS and VSS, the removal efficiency no significantly change. The mixed liquor-suspended solids (MLSS) and mixed liquor volatile-suspended solids (MLVSS) concentration during experiment increases from low concentration to about 7.9 and 6.5 g/L, respectively. The average of PO4 ³⁺ -P, total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia and fecal coliform (FC) removal efficiency during the operation period was 62, 98, 70% and 8 log, respectively. Conclusion: It is concluded that FS-MBR can be used in the large scale municipal wastewater treatment plants to improve effluent quality due to high removal of COD, BOD ₅ , TSS and VSS to meet effluent discharge standards.

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the combined application of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and physiological strain Iindices based on heart rate (PSI _HR ) for the estimation of heat strain, in hot climatic conditions. Materials and Methods: This cross - sectional study was conducted on 122 men including 71 and 51 workers from the Assaluyeh National Petrochemical Company and Isfahan Steel Company in the center and south of Iran, respectively. The WBGT index, heart rate, and auditory canal temperature were measured at rest and when working. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The results of the logistic regression indicated that the WBGT index was a poor predictor of heat strain and its sensitivity and specificity were 53 and 65%, respectively. However, the combined application of the WBGT and PSI _HR indices was a better predictor of heat strain, and the sensitivity and specificity of this combination were 75 and 69%, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the combined application of the WBGT and PSI _HR indices can be used as a valid estimator of heat strain in hot climatic conditions in the center and south of Iran.

Aims: This study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of Cannabis sativa in the absorption of cesium and strontium elements from the soil. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 2011, in Tehran, Iran. We employed the phytoremediation technology to refine the contamination of soil with radioactive material such as cesium and strontium. Cannabis sativa was selected because of its capability for potential radioactive absorption. It was planted in various soils with different concentrations of cesium and strontium (20 ppm, 40 ppm, 60 ppm, and 80 ppm), and after sufficient growth for about six months, it was separated into root, stem, and leaves for measuring the absorption of these elements in the main parts of the plant. The samples were measured by using the Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) method. Results: Strontium absorption and the main parts of the plant showed a significant relationship. The percentage of strontium absorption was 45% in the root, 40% in the stem, and the minimum absorption was found in the leaves (15%), but the corresponding figure was not significant for the cesium element. A strontium concentration of 60 ppm was possibly the maximum absorption concentration by Cannabis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that strontium can be absorbed by Cannabis sativa, with the highest absorption by the roots, stems, and leaves. However, cesium does not reach the plant because of its single capacity and inactive complex formation.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the sequential application of ozonation and activated carbon processes in the elimination of water-soluble crude oil and thereby reducing total organic carbon (TOC) and toxicity for the rainbow trout larvae. Materials and Methods: A series of water-soluble fractions of crude oil, 5-100 ml/l, were prepared. Groups of ten rainbow trout fish larvae were exposed to the solution for 24, 48, and 96 hours. Toxicity (LC ₅₀ : Median lethal concentration) and TOC tests were performed for the solutions before and after their treatment by sequential ozonation and activated carbon adsorption. Results: The LC ₅₀ (96 hours) and TOC of the sample before the treatment process were 60 mg/l and 55 mg/l, respectively. After adsorption by 10 mg/l activated carbon, followed by ozonation with a concentration of 1 mg/l, the LC ₅₀ increased to 145 mg/l and TOC reduced to 36 mg/l. Those values, after treatment with 30 mg/l activated carbon, followed by 7 mg/l ozone, reached 196 mg/l and 28 mg/l, respectively. In the experiment, ozonation by 1 mg/l ozone was applied, and then adsorption was carried out by 10 mg/l activated carbon, and the LC ₅₀ was 149 and TOC was 35 mg/l. In the experiments with 7 mg/l ozone followed by 30 mg/l activated carbon, LC ₅₀ reached 204 mg/l and TOC reduced to 28.5 mg/l. Conclusions: Primarily ozonation of crude oil polluted waters followed by adsorption by activated carbon can increase the removal efficiency of the process, which results in significant TOC and toxicity reduction.