Shahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Earth Trends3060-62255120250101Spatio-Temporal Optimization of Long-term Groundwater Monitoring Networks Using PSO Algorithm11210494410.48308/set.2024.237141.1072ENMohammadMirzavandSchool of Energy Engineering and Sustainable Resources, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranSeyyed JavadSadatinejadSchool of Energy Engineering and Sustainable Resources, College of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranHamidKardan MoghaddamWater Research Institute, Ministry of Energy, Tehran, IranJournal Article20241005Spatial and temporal variations of contamination in groundwater resources, necessitate long-term monitoring (LTM) at a given site. In this study, several groundwater quality parameters (EC, SAR, TH, TDS, pH, K, Na<sup>+</sup>, Ca<sup>2+</sup>,<sup> </sup>Mg<sup>2+</sup>, SO4<sup>2-</sup>, HCO<sup>3-</sup>, and Cl<sup>-</sup>) for 113 samples sites clustered based on the particle swarm optimization<strong> (</strong>PSO) algorithm to significantly decrease cost and save time in LTM. The optimization of the clustering process was carried out according to the Silhouette index. For verification and validation of the results, Geology, soil order, land use, hydrological network, and TDS maps were used. According to the results, the best number of clusters was 5. An acceptable agreement was obtained between land conditions and clusters represented by the PSO algorithm. Consequently, it can be inferred that the clustering of the groundwater quality using the PSO algorithm and the Silhouette index optimizer could 70% decrease the number of spatio-temporal sampling in LTM.https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_104944_7c9b7ccf7e7e92369023456719f921db.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Earth Trends3060-62255120250101Extraction and Analysis of Environmental Insecurity Indicators in Ahvaz City132210495310.48308/set.2024.234994.1042ENMostafaMohammadi DehcheshmehDepartment of Geography & Urban Planning, Shahid Chamran University
of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, IranJournal Article20240306Today, environmental hazards and consequently environmental insecurity are the most common global challenges in cities. In Iran, cities are involved with environmental challenges such as air pollution, micro dust storms, water stress, land subsidence, soil pollution, and most importantly the challenge of environmental mismanagement. According to the studies, Ahvaz, a strategic metropolis in Iran, is one of such cities that faces the intense challenge of environmental insecurity. The aim of this research is to extract the effective indicators of environmental insecurity by thematic evaluation of these factors and indicators in the city of Ahvaz. In this study, 41 effective indicators have been extracted by analysing the records and opinions of 30 experts (academics and urban-regional managers). The selected indicators were modelled based on the opinions of 20 experts in the Best & Worst technique. Finally, the most important factors and indicators affecting environmental insecurity in Ahvaz were identified, categorized, and prioritized. According to B&W, among the 41 investigated indicators, the indices of hazardous hospital waste (I21) with value of .077, dust storm (I1) with value of .076, and Oil flares (I4) with value of .076 had the highest impact on the insecurity of the urban ecosystem of Ahvaz. Also, the results of this study have shown that among the five mega factors of air, water and soil pollution, environmental behavior, and environmental management, the indicators of air pollution have the highest effect on the environmental insecurity of Ahvaz city.https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_104953_05dd5cb58ccf2e3d8d0a3f635f46c398.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Earth Trends3060-62255120250101Using Cultivation Theory to Analyze the Impact of Different Media on Public Perception of Urban Forests as Climate Change Solution233410496010.48308/set.2024.237176.1074ENRahimMalekniaDepartment of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, IranRezaAziziDepartment of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, IranMohammad RezaPakravan ChavardehDepartment of Agricultural Education and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, IranJournal Article20241014Urban trees and forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change by enhancing ecological and social resilience in cities. Despite their importance, public understanding of their benefits for combating climate change and the role of the media in shaping these perceptions remains underexplored. This study addressed this research gap by examining how different media platforms influence citizens' perceptions of urban forests' contributions to climate change mitigation. Using cultivation theory as a framework, the study aimed to assess the impact of various media channels, including social media, television, print media, and blogs, on public perceptions. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through a structured online survey administered to 410 urban residents. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between media exposure and citizens' perceptions. The findings reveal that social media and television are the most influential in shaping public perceptions, while traditional media forms such as print and blogs show no significant impact. Social media, in particular, emerged as the most effective platform, likely due to its interactive and immediate nature, while television remains relevant due to its visual appeal and broad reach. These results have important implications for environmental communication strategies, suggesting that policymakers should prioritize social media and television campaigns to effectively engage citizens and promote urban forest conservation. By understanding and leveraging these influential platforms, authorities can enhance public perceptions and support for sustainable urban development and climate resilience initiatives.https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_104960_1773fc2d8b45defef1cb9355beee43fb.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Earth Trends3060-62255120250101Performance Evaluation and Efficiency Enhancement of Water Purification System in a Semi-Recirculated Aquaculture System (RAS)354610497410.48308/set.2024.236815.1064ENAfsanehShahbaziDepartment of Environmental Technologies, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411, Tehran, IranMohammad HoseinMolajafariDepartment of Environmental Technologies, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411, Tehran, IranSeyed HosseinHashemiDepartment of Environmental Technologies, Environmental Sciences Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5351-3630Journal Article20240907 In this study, the status and efficiency of the wastewater treatment system of a semi-recirculated aquaculture system (RAS) in Firoozkooh County were investigated. Information regarding aquaculture systems in the region was obtained with the guidance of the experts at the Agriculture Organization in Firoozkooh County. During visits to the recommended aquaculture systems, Namrud Aquaculture was selected. To evaluate the effect of water pollutants on fish, National Standards 8726 and 7961 were employed to determine water quality parameters and to guide sampling and sample protection. Water quality parameters were assessed at four stations to determine the extent of pollution. The results indicated that ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3) were the main issues in this aquaculture system. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to ammonia levels exceeding the limits set by National Standard 8726 displayed behavioral changes, including altered swimming speed, total distance traveled, average direction change, and increased average distance from a central point. The second aeration tower was found to be ineffective in releasing dissolved gases due to its inappropriate design, including the spacing between floors and lack of proper atmospheric connection. It is recommended to redesign the second aeration tower, elevate the second entrance pond, and adjust the return flow to the grit chamber to reduce suspended particles and improve the water quality parameters of the effluent.https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_104974_b0b86310ba84ab9b54088774cd004f13.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Earth Trends3060-62255120250101National Productivity Award Model to Accelerating Sustainable Practices in the Mining Industry475910500210.48308/set.2024.237069.1071ENBehzadMohammadianDepartment of Management, Management and Accounting Faculty, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranMahsaPishdarDepartment of Management, Management and Accounting Faculty, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranHassanZarei MatinDepartment of Management, Management and Accounting Faculty, College of Farabi, University of Tehran, Qom, IranAdelPourghader ChobarFaculty of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, IranJournal Article20240930The mining industry significantly impacts national economies. However, there is a lack of industry-specific productivity frameworks that support sustainable development in this sector. This study aims to fill that gap by creating a national productivity award model tailored to Iran's mining industry. Using a methodological synthesis, the research begins with an analysis of key success factors and a comparison of national and international productivity evaluation systems. The resulting framework comprises three main components of productivity drivers with a maximum obtainable score of 200 points, focusing on leadership, culture, strategy, and governance. Productivity enablers with a maximum score of 350 points as the second component focus on critical resources and capabilities such as staff management to facilitate productivity. The last component is the consequences of productivity with a maximum obtainable score of 450 points, paying attention to the assessment of both perceptual and operational achievements. These 3 main components are built on ten core values, such as intelligent production, systems thinking, sustainable development, and leadership. This model not only fosters continuous improvement but also addresses challenges with minimal resistance, enabling sustainable transformation in the mining sector. Measuring drivers like workforce efficiency, skill level, and technology use can reveal specific gaps where productivity is hindered. Strengthening workforce competencies through continuous training and safety protocols. The consequences of productivity, boosting long-term profitability, and environmental compliance could be mentioned. Adopting sustainable mining practices not only aligns with regulatory compliance but can reduce waste and enhance corporate reputation.https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_105002_80bad56ba9b4d24f8535b3402a5ad843.pdfShahid Beheshti UniversitySustainable Earth Trends3060-62255120250101Developing a Framework for Planning Recreational Areas Using Recreation Opportunities Spectrum607810501410.48308/set.2024.237381.1078ENSomayehGaldaviDepartment of Water Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Kashmar Higher Education Institute, Kashmar, Iran0000-0002-2218-1186MarjanMohammadzadehDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranMajidMakhdoumFaculty of Natural Resources, Tehran University (Retirement), Tehran, IranSeyedhamedMirkarimiDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranAbdolrasoulSalman MahinyDepartment of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranJournal Article20241028The Recreation Opportunities Spectrum (ROS) framework is a method used to manage visitor recreational areas by determining and allocating spaces based on a spectrum of recreational opportunities tailored to the environment, as well as the needs and preferences of the community. This research applied the ROS to develop a recreational land-use plan for the Gorgan watershed in Iran. To begin, the study assessed the region's capacity to identify available recreational opportunities and preferences. It estimated the demand for these opportunities and prioritized them accordingly. Next, a weighted linear combination of recreational areas was identified using a multi-criteria evaluation method. Following this, the ROS framework was revised to create new categorizations based on local conditions and guidelines, including the land’s recreational potential, available opportunities, and community needs. This updated framework, ROS2, consists of eight categories: natural, semi-natural, non-motorized, semi-natural motorized, slightly developed rural, developed rural, culturally disjointed, and urban or adjacent urban areas. The final zones proposed for recreational planning and development were based on ROS2. The findings of this research, utilizing a systematic framework for land recreational planning, can help achieve a desirable recreational experience, meet the community's needs, protect the environment, and minimize the ecological impacts of recreational development. Moreover, this framework can serve as a guide for planning and tourism management in similar areas.https://sustainearth.sbu.ac.ir/article_105014_1a2cffe0798e23684a97aa12d645faeb.pdf