Showing 173 results for Mir
Sh. Amiri, B. Khalili,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
Abstract
Soils are continuously exposed to large amounts of engineered nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which can affect soil microbial activities and nitrogen cycling. The hypotheses of the present study were: (i) vegetation types would differ in their responses to Ag types and concentrations, (ii) these responses would be linked to changes in soil protein and amino acid concentrations, and (iii) combined plant root systems alongside Ag types and concentrations would have offsetting effects on soil protein and amino acid concentrations. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to test these hypotheses using a factorial arrangement of treatments within a randomized block design. Two soil types with loamy sand and sandy loam textures were collected from agricultural fields in Isfahan, specifically from the Badroud (33◦ 44′ 50" N, 51◦ 57′ 55" E) and Femi (33◦ 42′ 17" N, 51◦ 59′58" E) regions. The treatments included: 1) soil types (loamy sand and sandy loam), 2) root systems (non-planted, wheat, and safflower), 3) Ag types (no Ag added, AgNPs, and AgNO3), and 4) Ag concentrations (50 and 100 ppm). The plants were harvested 110 days after sowing, with soil samples collected from both the root zone and non-planted soil, after which the concentrations of protein and amino acids were measured. In the Badroud soil, protein concentration significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing depth. Although depth changes did not show a significant difference in protein concentration in the soil under wheat cultivation, increasing depth resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in protein concentration in the soil under safflower cultivation. In the Fami soil, the addition of silver nitrate led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein concentration, despite the fact that the addition of silver nanoparticles had no significant (p < 0.05) effect on soil protein concentration. In the Badroud soil, the highest concentration of soil amino acids was observed in the silver nitrate treatment, while the silver nanoparticle treatment did not significantly affect soil amino acid concentrations (p < 0.05). However, applying silver treatments at both tested concentrations resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in soil amino acid levels. Overall, the effects of nanoparticles varied depending on the measured parameters (protein or amino acid), soil texture, and type of cultivation. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms by which AgNPs and AgNO3 affect the soil nitrogen cycle in the presence of plants at different soil depths.
A. Mirzaei, A. Soltani, F. Abbasi, E. Zeinali, Sh. Mirkarimi,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
Abstract
Water scarcity and adaptation to it are the most significant issues facing Iran's agriculture. Optimizing the cropping pattern is one of the fundamental strategies for addressing water scarcity. This study evaluated the optimization of the cropping pattern in the irrigated lands of Fars province, one of Iran's key agricultural production areas. Linear mathematical programming and the SAWA system (System for Provincial Agricultural Water Balance and Accounting) were employed. The optimal cropping pattern (OCP) was designed to minimize applied irrigation water and was compared with the current cropping pattern (CCP) as well as a proposed cropping pattern from the Agricultural Jahad Organization (CPAJO) for the province for the cropping year 2023-2024. The results indicated that in the OCP, compared to the CCP, the cultivated area for the following crops decreased: wheat by 30%, barley, grain maize, silage maize, alfalfa, sugar beet, potato, cold- season legumes, and cold-season oil crops by 60%, rice by 80%, warm-season fruit trees by 42%, and vegetables by 13%. Conversely, the cultivated area for warm-season legumes and cold-season fruit trees each increased by 60%, while cold-season legumes increased by 150%. To meet the adaptation goals for water scarcity and sustainable agriculture outlined in this study, a 24% reduction in the irrigated cultivation area of the province was deemed necessary. The OCP achieved a 34% reduction in applied irrigation water at the provincial level without decreasing farmers' income. Compared to the CCP, the OCP led to a 32% reduction in the amount of plant production (by weight) at the provincial level. However, prioritizing plants with higher gross economic profit and lower water consumption over those with lower gross economic profit and higher consumption resulted in the gross economic return of the OCP being comparable to that of the CCP and the CPAJO. The comparison of OCP with CPAJO indicated that the CPAJO has not seriously considered adaptability to water scarcity or agricultural sustainability. The CPAJO needs to be reviewed and optimized to address water scarcity and ensure production stability in light of the impacts of excessive water withdrawal in the province.
M. Askari Jabarabadi, N. Mirghaffari, J. Abedi Koopaei,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (Summer 2025)
Abstract
The water footprint is an analytical tool that offers a better and more comprehensive view of how consumers or producers engage with freshwater consumption. Given the water crisis in the country, particularly in Isfahan Province, this study aims to estimate and compare the direct and indirect water footprints of several large industries, including Mobarakeh Steel, Iron Smelting, Refinery, and Power Plant, located in the Zayandeh River Basin. After identifying the desired objectives and study areas, as well as confirming the availability of the required data, information was gathered from the selected industries. Two methods were then utilized to aggregate the entire chain and the sum of steps to calculate the water footprint in the researched industries. According to the calculations, the direct and indirect water footprint in the iron smelting industry amounts to 196.9 cubic meters per ton of steel annually, of which 4.026 cubic meters is attributed to direct consumption and 17.5 cubic meters to indirect consumption. In a refinery, 18.80 liters of water are consumed directly and indirectly to produce one barrel of product (gasoline or diesel). Additionally, the direct and indirect water footprint of the Islamabad power plant is 1,198,320 cubic meters per terajoule, equating to 4.31 liters per kilowatt hour. The results of this study indicate that the indirect water footprint in the analyzed industries is equal to or exceeds direct water consumption, with both being equally significant. Finally, it is important to note that the results of this study can support decision-makers and policymakers in the industry, including those in the iron and steel, refinery, and power plant sectors, in managing their water footprint.
Sanaz Moghim, Amirabbas Samavaki,
Volume 29, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
The effect of climate change on agricultural productivity and efficiency is a major concern and challenge for the agricultural industry. Different hydrometeorological variables, such as extreme temperature, precipitation, and their variations, affect the growth and yield of agricultural products. Saffron is one of the most important agricultural products in Iran. Iran produces the largest amount of Saffron globally, and Hamadan Province is one of the major saffron-producing regions in Iran. This study uses different Artificial Intelligence methods not only for clustering and sensitivity analysis of the hydroclimatological variables but also for evaluating the impacts of climate change on Saffron yield in Hamadan Province. Results indicated that the Random Forest algorithm performs the best for sensitivity analysis among all algorithms. Extreme climate change indices, particularly those related to the monthly maximum and minimum temperatures, have the highest negative impact on saffron yield compared to other hydroclimatological indices. Furthermore, the minimum temperature has a more significant negative impact on saffron yield compared to the maximum temperature. Additionally, the counties of Malayer, Nahavand, and Asadabad, located in the south and west of Hamadan Province, exhibited the highest accuracy in sensitivity analysis. The findings suggest that monthly extreme temperatures can be used to assess the risk of saffron production, increase agricultural productivity, and improve decision-making for the cultivation of this product.
Amir Mahjoob, . Fouad Kilanehei, Kheirollah Khademi,
Volume 29, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
One of the most significant hydraulic issues in determining the opening of river bridges is the lack of flow choking due to a reduction in the width of the flood passage. In this paper, determining the required opening for flow passage at a bridge location has been investigated using the concept of specific energy, one-dimensional, and three-dimensional flow modeling. First, the maximum encroachment of the embankments on the sides of the bridge in the river has been determined in such a way that it does not change the flow situation upstream of the bridge, using the concept of specific energy. The dimensions obtained for the bridge opening have been simulated numerically in two one-dimensional and three-dimensional models, and the flow condition at the bridge site and upstream has been evaluated and compared. The results showed that the one-dimensional numerical model predicts, on average, 67 percent higher amount of afflux than the three-dimensional model, while the maximum shear stress obtained from the one-dimensional model is, on average, 33 percent lower than that of the three-dimensional model. The effect of the bridge skewness on the amount of afflux and other hydraulic parameters of the flow, including bed shear stress and maximum velocity, has also been investigated using a three-dimensional model. The afflux was obtained at a 19.2 percent of normal depth at a skew of 40 degrees.
Mohammad Saeid Hosseini, Aliashraf Amirinejad,
Volume 29, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
Improvement of soil characteristics is one of the important issues in agricultural and engineering sciences. To investigate the effect of silica nanoparticles on the soil's mechanical and physical properties, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The factors included silica nanoparticles at three levels (0%, 0.5%, and 1% by weight) and two soil types with loam and clay loam textures. The results of the shear strength test showed that the addition of nanosilica increased the internal friction angle and particle adhesion in both loam and clay loam textures, but the liquid limit and plasticity index decreased in both soils. In the consolidation test, the compressibility coefficient in loam decreased from 0.38 to 0.21 and in clay loam from 0.42 to 0.23, while the swelling coefficient in loam decreased from 0.13 to 0.07 and in clay loam from 0.18 to 0.08. Overall, the results showed a significant effect of nanosilica particles on improving soil mechanical strength, especially in clay loam with higher clay content and specific surface area. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of silica nanoparticles is an effective method for stabilizing problematic soils.
Laleh Divband Hafshejani, Mohammad Mirnaseri, Abd Ali Naseri,
Volume 29, Issue 4 (Winter 2025)
Abstract
Soil, as one of the vital natural resources, plays a fundamental role in ecosystem sustainability and global food security; however, degradation caused by unsustainable management, intensive agriculture, and pollution threatens its capacity. The use of organic amendments such as hydrochar is considered an innovative approach to improve soil physicochemical properties and enhance the Soil Quality Index (SQI). This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of hydrochar on soil properties and evaluate SQI. The treatments included control and three hydrochar levels (H10, H20, and H50). Soil properties such as pH, porosity, bulk density, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus were measured and normalized, and parameter weighting was conducted using entropy and principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that nitrogen and organic carbon had the greatest importance in soil quality. The H50 treatment recorded the highest SQI (0.815), significantly greater than other treatments, while H20 (0.546) and H10 (0.336) also showed positive effects compared to the control (0.159). Hydrochar application improved organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and reduced bulk density. Although an increase in electrical conductivity was observed in H50. Overall, hydrochar application had a positive and gradual effect on SQI, with H20 recommended as an optimal level to improve fertility and reduce long-term salinity risks.
Saeed Farahani, Farhad Mirzaei, Masoud Parsinejad, Mahmood Akbari,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (spring 2026)
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of quantitative and qualitative analysis of agricultural water consumption in Markazi Province, and calculated and examined water consumption at the level of 18 crops and 12 counties using the water footprint as a comprehensive indicator. A simultaneous study of the three components of the blue, green, and gray water footprint was conducted as an analytical tool to assess the amount and manner of water consumption. In this study, meteorological, agricultural, and input consumption data were used in the 2022-2023 crop year, and water footprint values were estimated in terms of units and totals by crop and county. The results showed that BWFU is strongly influenced by spatial factors (climate and precipitation) and plant characteristics (yield, crop type, and growth period). A difference of up to 98% in BWFU among different crops and a difference of more than 9 times in GWFU in rainfed compared to irrigated lands were observed. Also, GRWFU values exceeded BWFU for many crops, indicating a significant pollutant load from the use of chemical fertilizers. In addition to spatial factors and plant characteristics, the difference of 223 MCM between Saveh and Ashtian counties and the difference of 52.7 MCM between Shazand and Mahallat counties in BWF and GWF, respectively, indicate spatial differences in BWFU and cultivation area. Also, the difference in 1377 MCM between the GRWF of Arak and Ashtian counties is affected by the amount and type of fertilizer used, in addition to the cultivation area. In addition to improving performance, suggested management measures include reducing the cultivation area of high-consumption crops, expanding rainfed lands in high-rainfall areas, optimizing input consumption, and modifying the cultivation pattern in accordance with resources and climatic conditions in order to maintain the quantity and quality of water resources. Accordingly, the research results demonstrate the potential of the water footprint index in location-based and product-based analysis of water consumption and formulation of management responses.
Noroullah Mirghaffari, Mohsen Soleimani, Azita Tayebi,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (spring 2026)
Abstract
As the industry expands and water resources decline, attention has increasingly focused on the treatment and recycling of wastewater generated by various industrial processes. Adsorption using cost-effective and readily available adsorbents is a simple and low-cost method for wastewater treatment in various industrial sectors. In this study, clinoptilolite natural zeolite (CNZ) was employed for the removal of two dye pollutants: cationic methylene blue and disperse red 60. To evaluate the efficiency of CNZ, four variables, pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial dye concentration, were investigated using response surface methodology. Based on the results obtained from batch experiments, the maximum removal efficiencies of methylene blue and disperse red 60 by CNZ were 98.9% and 78.7%, respectively. These optimal removal percentages were achieved under the following conditions: a contact time of 120 minutes, an initial dye concentration of 50 mg/L, an adsorbent dosage of 20 g/L, and a pH of 10 for methylene blue and a pH of 4 for disperse red 60. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with an R² value greater than 0.90, exhibited the best fit for the adsorption of both dyes from aqueous solutions. Furthermore, the extent of dye adsorption exhibited a better correlation with the Langmuir (Disperse Red 60) and the Freundlich (Methylene Blue) adsorption isotherms. Results of column experiments demonstrated that the maximum adsorption capacities for Methylene Blue and Disperse Red 60 were 97.7 and 45.9 mg/g, respectively. The results revealed the high potential of CNZ as a sorbent for cationic dye pollutants from industrial wastewaters.
Amir Mahdi Bayat, Mohammad Shayannejad, Mahmood Akbari,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (spring 2026)
Abstract
Mathematical models are a suitable tool for surface irrigation design. The EDOSIM model, as a surface irrigation simulation-optimization model, utilizes simulation with the volume balance model and meta-heuristic optimization. In this study, with the aim of improving the simulation of the advanced phase in the EDOSIM model, the Full Hydrodynamic model was replaced by the Volume Balance model for furrow irrigation design, leading to the development of the EDOSIM-HD model. The Saint-Venant equations were discretized using the implicit Preissmann’s finite difference scheme and transformed into a set of nonlinear equations in the form of a system of equations. The resulting system of equations was linearized using the Newton-Raphson method and solved using the Sparse matrix method. The results were compared with the SIRMOD software to validate the simulation. Using the particleswarm solver of the MATLAB software optimization toolbox, the inflow rate as a decision variable was used to optimize the hydraulic objective function consisting of efficiency, adequacy, and uniformity. The results in the experimental field showed that in the initial simulation with an inflow rate of 1.4 lps, important irrigation times, infiltration volume, performance indicators, profiles, and hydrographs showed a deep percolation loss of about 50 percent of water. Also, the results of the EDOSIM-HD model were closer to the Hydrodynamic model of the SIRMOD software than the EDOSIM model. By optimizing and increasing the optimal flow rate (1.8 lps) compared to the initial inflow rate, the advance, cut-off, depletion, and recession times were reduced, and the required infiltration time remained unchanged. The reduction in infiltration volume was also achieved by applying higher inflow rates in less time. All performance indicators also moved closer to their optimal state. Except for Tail Water Ration (TWR), which showed a slight increase of 11 percent (due to higher inflow rate), was negligible compared to the sharp 22% reduction in Depth Percolation Ratio (DPR), and 10% increase in Application Efficiency (Ea). Totally, according to the performance indicators obtained in the validation with the SIRMOD, the simulation of the EDOSIM-HD model was better than in the EDOSIM model in the advanced phase of furrow irrigation design
Mina Alipour Babadi, Mojtaba Norouzi Masir, Abdolamir Moezzi, Afrasyab Rahnama Ghahfarokhi, Mehdi Taghavi Zahedkolaei,
Volume 30, Issue 1 (spring 2026)
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of iron (Fe) aminochelate application methods on Fe chemical speciation in the soil solution, as well as Fe concentration and uptake in sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L. cv. Oscar). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research field of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. Treatments included two application methods (seed priming and fertigation) and three Fe sources: Fe–glycine aminochelate [Fe(Gly)₂], Fe–methionine aminochelate [Fe(Met)₂], and ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄·7H₂O), along with an unfertilized control. Fe speciation was determined using Visual MINTEQ software. Results indicated that Fe aminochelates, [Fe(Met)₂], significantly decreased soil pH and increased DTPA-extractable Fe (by 35.7%), seed Fe concentration (by 13.5%), and seed Fe uptake (by 79.1%) compared with the control (p < 0.01). Application of Fe fertilizers also significantly enhanced the concentrations of dominant Fe species (Fe²⁺ and FeSO₄(aq)) in the soil solution, with the highest Fe²⁺ level (3.1-fold higher than the control) observed under [Fe(Met)₂] seed priming. Strong and significant positive correlations between Fe²⁺ and FeSO₄(aq) concentrations and both DTPA-extractable Fe (r = 0.88** and r = 0.89**, respectively) and seed Fe uptake (r = 0.84** and r = 0.87**, respectively) highlight the pivotal role of these species in improving Fe bioavailability and uptake by plants in calcareous soils.
Seyed Mohammad Mirhashemi, Mohammad Shayannejad, Mahmood Akbari,
Volume 30, Issue 2 (summer 2026)
Abstract
Proper estimation of soil water infiltration parameters and Manning roughness coefficient is one of the influential factors in the correct design and evaluation of surface irrigation systems. The EDOSIM model, as a surface irrigation simulation-optimization model, uses a combination of simulation with the Volume Balance model and meta-heuristic optimization. In the evaluation part of this model, the Elliott-Walker two-point method is used to estimate the parameters of the Kostiakov-Lewis infiltration equation. In this study, the Manning coefficient and parameters of the Kostiakov-Lewis infiltration equation were calibrated in furrow and border irrigation using observational advance data. This was done through three methods: Volume Balance model with constant shape coefficients (VB-CC), a combination of Volume Balance and Zero Inertia models (VB-ZI), and Volume Balance model with variable shape coefficients (VB-VC), using a total of 10 data series of border and furrow irrigation evaluation. Then, the ability to calibrate the infiltration parameters and roughness coefficient using a superior method was added to the EDOSIM model. The results showed that the VB-CC model had the best calibration accuracy and precision in 10 farms, according to the average statistical indices R2=0.998, NRMSE=2.4%, and MBE=-0.06. The VB-ZI and VB-VC methods underestimated the advance length even with calibrated values. The use of the VB-CC model instead of the Elliott-Walker two-point method in the EDOSIM model increased the accuracy of simulation and optimization by reducing (improving) the objective function from an average of 0.34 to 0.13 in border irrigation and from an average of 0.86 to 0.36 in furrow irrigation. Therefore, it is recommended to use the VB-CC calibration method in the EDOSIM model as a powerful tool for optimal operation of surface irrigation systems.
Mihamad Malehmir Chegini, Ahmad Golchin, Mohamad Babaakbari,
Volume 30, Issue 2 (summer 2026)
Abstract
Biochar, a stable, economical, and environmentally friendly carbonaceous material, has garnered significant attention in the development of advanced adsorbents for the immobilization and removal of environmental pollutants from water and soil. This interest stems from its oxygen-containing functional groups, aromatic structure, notable porosity, high specific surface area, and suitable cation exchange capacity. However, the performance limitations of pristine biochar in pollutant removal underscore the necessity for its modification and engineering. In this regard, the production of biochar composites through the combination with minerals and iron-containing compounds has emerged as an effective strategy to enhance structural and chemical properties, as well as surface reactivity. This review paper examines the primary methods for synthesizing biochar composites, including post-pyrolysis modification and direct mixing with mineral phases. Synergistic and direct loading methods are introduced as novel approaches. Furthermore, the influence of biomass type, pyrolysis conditions, modifier type, and synthesis pathway on the final physicochemical characteristics of the composites is analyzed. Additionally, the governing mechanisms underlying the performance of these materials in immobilizing and removing heavy metals are discussed, encompassing adsorption, precipitation, complexation, ligand exchange, redox reactions, electron transfer, electrostatic interactions, and ion exchange. Study results indicate that the synergy between biochar and mineral/iron-bearing phases can significantly enhance the efficiency of immobilizing pollutants, including both anionic and cationic heavy metals. This review emphasizes the importance of targeted design of biochar composites based on a precise understanding of the relationship between synthesis methods and functional properties. Future challenges and prospects concerning the application of biochar-mineral composites in environmental remediation and the promising commercialization of this technology are also addressed.
