Efficiency in phenol removal from aqueous solutions of pomegranate peel ash as a natural adsorbent

Background: Phenol is an organic pollutant found in industrial effluents that is very toxic to humans and the environment. This study used pomegranate peel ash as a natural absorbent to remove phenol from aqueous solutions. Methods: In this study, pomegranate peel ash in different doses was used as a new adsorbent for the removal of phenol. The effects of contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and initial phenol concentration were recorded. Then, the adsorption data was described with Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms; Excel software was used for data analysis. Results: The highest percentage of phenol adsorption was observed at pH = 7. The optimum amount of adsorbent was 0.6 g/l, and after 120 minutes, the process reached an equilibrium state. The adsorption of phenol decreased following an increase in the pH of the solution. It was also observed that contact time significantly affected the rate of phenol adsorption. The experimental data fit much better in the Freundlich (R2 = 0.9056) model than in the Langmuir (R2 = 0.8674) model. Conclusion: Pomegranate peel ash has the potential to be utilized for the cost-effective removal of phenol from aqueous solutions

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Death, Attributed to CO Exposure in Tehran Megacity in During a Five-Year Period (2010-2014) by Using AirQ Model

Background: Air pollution in large cities is one of the main difficulties that have harmful effects on humans and the environment and cause various diseases including cardiovascular disease. So, present study with aim of Estimation of Cardiovascular Death, Attributed to CO Exposure in Tehran Megacity in during a five-year period (2010-2014) by using AirQ Model were performed. Materials and Methods: This Study was a descriptive–analytic at first, hourly data of pollutants were taken from the environmental protection agency Tehran and Air Quality Control Company and validated according to the WHO guidelines. Required statistical parameters calculated for health effect quantifying and finally processed data converted to input and requirements AirQ model data and health effects quantifying were performed using this model. The final results on deaths due to cardiovascular disease were presented in tables and graphs format. Results: Results showed annual average concentration of CO in Tehran in 2010-2014 are 49, 31, 11,12,21,76 mg/ m3 respectively. In addition, the number of cardiovascular deaths in 2011-2015 is 52,37,29,31,42 respectively Conclusion: According to the results, CO as well as other pollutants can adversely affect human health. Due to high levels of air pollution and its related health consequences, particularly cardiovascular disease, should take appropriate measures to reduce air pollution

Knowledge, Attitude and Research Ability of General Physicians and Dentists Graduated from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: General physicians (GPs) and dentists have to acquire reasonable research capability during academic education in Iran. For this purpose, various educational programs such as: statistics and research methodology course, Health System Research (HSR) workshop and research thesis have been planned in their curriculum. The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge, attitude and research ability of general practitioners and dentists graduated from Hamadan University of Medical Science (HUMS). Methods: In a descriptive study 60 general physicians and dentists who had been graduated in the previous 2 years, were selected randomly and asked to design a research proposal. They were also asked to complete a valid and reliable questionnaire containing 22 questions regarding their knowledge and attitude. The data was analyzed by SPSS software using frequency, mean, standard deviation, frequency and t-test. Results: The mean and standard deviation for knowledge and attitude were 12.5±2.72 (out of 22), and 55.25±6.49 (out of 80), respectively. The mean and standard deviation of research capability was 15±7.27 (out of 34). In total, 27.5% of GPs and dentists had low knowledge, while, only 3% had negative attitude towards research. There was no significant relationship between HSR workshop participation and research capability. Conclusion: The majority of medical doctors and dentists graduated from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences had low but acceptable knowledge about research methodology. More than 50% of them had low research capability, but more than 95% had a positive attitude towards research. In total their research capability was far from optimal situation