انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Design and Performance Evaluation of a Photovoltaic Solar Water Pumping System with Comparative Assessment of Different Motor–Pump Technologies طراحی و ارزیابی عملکرد سیستم پمپاژ آب خورشیدی ﻓﺘﻮﻭﻟﺘﺎییک با رویکرد مقایسه فناوری‌های مختلف موتور–پمپ 11028 11042 246296 10.22034/jess.2026.566823.2434 FA کوشا امامی دانشجوی دکتری مهندسی سیستم های انرژی، دانشگاه صنعتی همدان، همدان، ایران 0009-0008-8472-3471 سیدمحمدمهدی موسوی گروه مهندسی برق، دانشکده مهندسی برق و کامپیوتر، دانشگاه صنعتی همدان، همدان، ایران 0000-0002-1526-6261 Journal Article 2025 12 23 EXTENDED ABSTRACT Introduction Growing agricultural water demand and increasing limitations of conventional energy resources have intensified the need for sustainable water supply solutions. In many rural and remote areas, access to electrical grids remains limited or economically impractical, while diesel-powered pumping systems are still widely used despite high operating costs, maintenance requirements, and environmental impacts. Photovoltaic (PV) solar water pumping systems provide an effective alternative by directly converting solar energy into mechanical energy for water extraction and irrigation, offering low operating costs, reduced emissions, and reliable long-term operation. Iran, especially provinces such as Hamedan, possesses considerable solar energy potential while agriculture depends heavily on groundwater pumping. Unlike grid-connected pumps operating under stable electrical supply, PV-driven systems must function under continuously varying input power caused by fluctuations in solar irradiance and ambient temperature. Motor–pump selection therefore becomes a critical design parameter affecting efficiency, reliability, and water delivery. Although many studies have investigated photovoltaic water pumping systems, most focus on a single motor technology or use simplified assumptions, limiting direct comparison. This study presents a comparative evaluation of a photovoltaic solar water pumping system using four motor–pump technologies. A real deep-well pumping system located in Razan County, Hamedan Province, Iran, is selected as the case study. The objective is to determine the configuration that achieves higher energy efficiency, stable operation, and improved water delivery while assessing economic feasibility under different water pricing scenarios. Materials and Methods A combined analytical and simulation-based approach is adopted. Hydraulic power demand is calculated using flow rate, total dynamic head, and water properties while accounting for pipeline losses. Pump and motor power ratings are determined using efficiency-based relationships to ensure proper matching between hydraulic demand and electrical supply. The photovoltaic array is sized to meet system energy requirements while considering system losses and seasonal solar radiation variations. To ensure fair comparison, all scenarios employ the same PV array capacity, and only the motor–pump technology is varied. Motor efficiency characteristics and operational behavior under variable input power are incorporated into the model. Simulations are performed using PVsyst software, which models PV module performance, system losses, and load operation. Four independent simulations corresponding to BLDC, induction, brushed DC, and PMDC motor configurations are conducted under identical climatic and hydraulic conditions. Results and Discussion Results show that motor–pump technology significantly influences photovoltaic water pumping performance. Among the evaluated configurations, the BLDC motor–pump system achieves the highest technical performance. This configuration exhibits the greatest Performance Ratio, indicating more efficient utilization of available solar energy. High efficiency and a wide operating speed range allow stable operation under fluctuating solar conditions, resulting in consistent water delivery throughout the year. The BLDC system also produces the highest annual pumped water volume and closely satisfies irrigation demand, while unused photovoltaic energy is minimized, demonstrating improved matching between energy generation and hydraulic load. Conclusion The study confirms that motor–pump selection is a key factor affecting both technical and economic performance of photovoltaic solar water pumping systems. Among the evaluated technologies, BLDC motor–pump configurations provide superior energy efficiency, maximum water delivery, and improved operational stability under variable solar conditions. Although economic feasibility depends strongly on regional water pricing, the technical advantages demonstrated support the adoption of BLDC-based photovoltaic pumping systems as a sustainable solution for agricultural water supply in solar-rich off-grid regions. Introduction Growing agricultural water demand and increasing limitations of conventional energy resources have intensified the need for sustainable water supply solutions. In many rural and remote areas, access to electrical grids remains limited or economically impractical, while diesel-powered pumping systems are still widely used despite high operating costs, maintenance requirements, and environmental impacts. Photovoltaic (PV) solar water pumping systems provide an effective alternative by directly converting solar energy into mechanical energy for water extraction and irrigation, offering low operating costs, reduced emissions, and reliable long-term operation. Iran, especially provinces such as Hamedan, possesses considerable solar energy potential while agriculture depends heavily on groundwater pumping. Unlike grid-connected pumps operating under stable electrical supply, PV-driven systems must function under continuously varying input power caused by fluctuations in solar irradiance and ambient temperature. Motor–pump selection therefore becomes a critical design parameter affecting efficiency, reliability, and water delivery. Although many studies have investigated photovoltaic water pumping systems, most focus on a single motor technology or use simplified assumptions, limiting direct comparison. This study presents a comparative evaluation of a photovoltaic solar water pumping system using four motor–pump technologies. A real deep-well pumping system located in Razan County, Hamedan Province, Iran, is selected as the case study. The objective is to determine the configuration that achieves higher energy efficiency, stable operation, and improved water delivery while assessing economic feasibility under different water pricing scenarios. Materials and Methods A combined analytical and simulation-based approach is adopted. Hydraulic power demand is calculated using flow rate, total dynamic head, and water properties while accounting for pipeline losses. Pump and motor power ratings are determined using efficiency-based relationships to ensure proper matching between hydraulic demand and electrical supply. The photovoltaic array is sized to meet system energy requirements while considering system losses and seasonal solar radiation variations. To ensure fair comparison, all scenarios employ the same PV array capacity, and only the motor–pump technology is varied. Motor efficiency characteristics and operational behavior under variable input power are incorporated into the model. Simulations are performed using PVsyst software, which models PV module performance, system losses, and load operation. Four independent simulations corresponding to BLDC, induction, brushed DC, and PMDC motor configurations are conducted under identical climatic and hydraulic conditions. Results and Discussion Results show that motor–pump technology significantly influences photovoltaic water pumping performance. Among the evaluated configurations, the BLDC motor–pump system achieves the highest technical performance. This configuration exhibits the greatest Performance Ratio, indicating more efficient utilization of available solar energy. High efficiency and a wide operating speed range allow stable operation under fluctuating solar conditions, resulting in consistent water delivery throughout the year. The BLDC system also produces the highest annual pumped water volume and closely satisfies irrigation demand, while unused photovoltaic energy is minimized, demonstrating improved matching between energy generation and hydraulic load. Conclusion The study confirms that motor–pump selection is a key factor affecting both technical and economic performance of photovoltaic solar water pumping systems. Among the evaluated technologies, BLDC motor–pump configurations provide superior energy efficiency, maximum water delivery, and improved operational stability under variable solar conditions. Although economic feasibility depends strongly on regional water pricing, the technical advantages demonstrated support the adoption of BLDC-based photovoltaic pumping systems as a sustainable solution for agricultural water supply in solar-rich off-grid regions. افزایش تقاضای آب در بخش کشاورزی و محدودیت دسترسی به شبکه برق، موجب توجه روزافزون به سیستم‌های پمپاژ آب خورشیدی ﻓﺘﻮﻭﻟﺘﺎییک به‌عنوان یک راهکار پایدار و مستقل از شبکه شده است. عملکرد این سیستم‌ها به‌طور مستقیم تحت تأثیر طراحی اجزای اصلی، به‌ویژه نوع موتور–پمپ، آرایش سامانه ﻓﺘﻮﻭﻟﺘﺎییک و شرایط اقلیمی محل نصب قرار دارد. در این پژوهش، یک چارچوب جامع برای تحلیل نظری، شبیه‌سازی و ارزیابی عملکرد یک سیستم پمپاژ آب خورشیدی ﻓﺘﻮﻭﻟﺘﺎییک ارائه شده است که شامل محاسبه توان هیدرولیکی، تعیین اندازه آرایه ﻓﺘﻮﻭﻟﺘﺎییک، انتخاب موتور–پمپ و ارزیابی بازده کلی سیستم می‌باشد. چهار سناریوی مختلف با تفاوت در نوع موتور الکتریکی و پیکربندی پمپ‌ها شامل موتور جریان مستقیم بدون جاروبک (BLDC)، موتور آسنکرون سه‌فاز، موتور جریان مستقیم معمولی و موتور جریان مستقیم آهنربای دائم (PMDC) مورد بررسی و مقایسه قرار گرفته‌اند. شبیه‌سازی‌ها با استفاده از نرم‌افزار PVsyst و بر اساس داده‌های واقعی اقلیمی و مشخصات منبع آب در استان همدان (شهرستان رزن) انجام شده است. نتایج نشان می‌دهد که سناریوی مبتنی بر موتور BLDC بالاترین نسبت عملکرد (PR)، بیشترین حجم آب پمپاژشده و کمترین میزان آب از دست‌رفته را در میان سناریوهای بررسی‌شده ارائه می‌دهد. تطابق بهتر این فناوری با توان متغیر تولیدی آرایه ﻓﺘﻮﻭﻟﺘﺎییک، کاهش تلفات الکتریکی و پایداری عملکرد در شرایط تابش متوسط و پایین، از عوامل اصلی برتری این سناریو محسوب می‌شوند. تحلیل اقتصادی نشان می‌دهد که در شرایط قیمت واقعی آب در ایران، سیستم فاقد توجیه اقتصادی است، در حالی که با در نظر گرفتن قیمت‌های جهانی آب، پروژه از نظر اقتصادی سودآور بوده و دوره بازگشت سرمایه کوتاهی را نشان می‌دهد. در مجموع، نتایج این مطالعه نشان می‌دهد که انتخاب صحیح فناوری موتور–پمپ نقش کلیدی در بهبود عملکرد انرژی، پایداری بهره‌برداری و توجیه‌پذیری اقتصادی سیستم‌های پمپاژ آب خورشیدی دارد.

https://www.jess.ir/article_246296_80d488d8a1a25f7640936e9697ae1f78.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Determining the Optimal Rice Harvesting Method in Paddy Fields of Gilan Province Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) تعیین مناسب ترین روش برداشت برنج در اراضی شالیزاری استان گیلان با استفاده از روش تحلیل سلسله مراتبی (AHP) 11043 11056 246399 10.22034/jess.2026.579455.2449 FA روح اله یوسفی استادیار پژوهشی، موسسه تحقیقات برنج کشور، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، رشت، ایران. 0000-0001-5437-9333 افسانه برنجکار گورابی دانش آموخته دکتری جغرافیا و برنامه ریزی روستایی، علوم تحقیقات تهران، ایران. 0009-0006-0419-1838 Journal Article 2026 04 25 ABSTRACT This research was conducted with the aim of determining the most suitable rice harvesting method in the paddy fields of Guilan province using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Three harvesting methods, including two-stage harvesting (manual + thresher), two-stage harvesting (reaper + thresher), and one-stage harvesting (special rice combine harvester), were evaluated based on eight main criteria: effective field capacity, harvesting losses, total harvesting cost, required labor force, energy consumption, fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and adaptability to field conditions. The results indicated that among the criteria, effective field capacity with a weight of 0.304 had the highest importance, and pollutant emissions with a weight of 0.037 had the lowest importance from the experts’ perspective. In the final prioritization of options, the one-stage harvesting method (special rice combine harvester) was identified as the most suitable method, achieving the highest score. This method was preferred due to its highest field capacity, lowest total cost, reduced labor requirement, and high operational efficiency compared to other methods. The two-stage harvesting (reaper + thresher) showed moderate performance and is a suitable option in resource-limited conditions. The two-stage harvesting (manual + thresher), despite its high adaptability to various land conditions and lowest pollutant emissions, had the lowest priority from economic and operational perspectives. The calculated inconsistency rate (0.02) indicated a high consistency and reliability of the results. This study suggests that mechanizing rice harvesting can significantly increase productivity, save time, and reduce costs, while manual or semi-mechanized harvesting serves as alternative options in specific situations with land and human resource constraints. The obtained results can assist decision-makers and farmers in Guilan province in selecting the appropriate harvesting method and improving paddy field performanceare. Introduction Rice is a staple food and a major agricultural commodity in Iran, particularly in Gilan province, which significantly contributes to national rice production. Efficient harvesting is a critical stage in paddy cultivation, as it directly influences yield, operational costs, labor requirements, and environmental sustainability. Traditional harvesting methods, often based on manual labor or two-stage processes combining cutting and threshing separately, are widely practiced in smallholder farms. However, they are associated with high labor demand, prolonged harvesting periods, and increased post-harvest losses. Mechanized harvesting, including single-stage combine harvesters, offers potential advantages in terms of productivity and cost-efficiency; yet, it can increase energy consumption, fuel usage, and pollutant emissions, highlighting trade-offs between operational efficiency and environmental impacts. Previous studies have examined individual aspects of rice harvesting, but few have systematically integrated technical, economic, and environmental criteria to guide method selection. This study addresses this gap by evaluating and prioritizing rice harvesting methods in Gilan using a multi-criteria decision-making approach. Specifically, the research objectives are to (i) identify and quantify the relative importance of harvesting criteria, (ii) compare single-stage mechanized, two-stage mechanized, and manual harvesting methods, and (iii) provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing rice harvesting strategies. By employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study provides a structured framework to support decision-making, offering both theoretical insights into sustainable agricultural management and practical guidance for farmers and policymakers. Materials and methods This study identified the optimal rice harvesting method in Gilan province using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Three methods (manual+thresher, walk-behind harvester+thresher, combine harvester) were evaluated across the 2023-2024 season in key districts. Eight criteria—effective farm capacity, harvesting losses, total cost, labor, energy, fuel consumption, emissions, and field adaptability—were identified through literature review and expert consultation. Operational definitions and qualitative assessments (for adaptability) were established. A three-level AHP structure was developed, with experts performing pairwise comparisons using Saaty’s 9-point scale. Thirty experts (academics, executives, farmers) were purposively selected. Questionnaires underwent content validity checks, and expert judgments were aggregated using geometric means after ensuring consistency (inconsistency ratio < 0.1). Relative weights of criteria and options were calculated, and final option weights were determined via linear combination. Robustness was tested through sensitivity analysis, varying criteria weights by ±5%, ±10%, and ±20%. All analyses were conducted using Expert Choice software (v11). Results and discussion The results showed that effective field capacity held the highest priority (weight = 0.304), indicating that maximizing harvested area per unit time is the most decisive factor for both farmers and agricultural experts in Gilan province. Conversely, pollutant emissions (weight = 0.037) were ranked lowest, suggesting that environmental considerations currently play a minor role in harvesting decisions. Among intermediate criteria, harvest losses received a relatively high weight, reflecting farmers’ emphasis on minimizing yield losses and ensuring product quality, often over economic concerns. In pairwise comparison of harvesting methods, the one-step harvesting method (full-feed rice combine) achieved the highest weights in effective field capacity (0.649), total cost (0.606), labor requirement (0.648), and energy efficiency (0.437). This method demonstrated superior operational performance by integrating cutting and threshing simultaneously, reducing labor dependency, and lowering overall costs. However, it exhibited the highest levels of fuel consumption (0.474) and pollutant emissions (0.395), largely due to continuous engine operation and higher diesel usage. The two-step manual + thresher method showed better adaptability to local field conditions (weight = 0.637) and lower emissions and fuel consumption, making it more suitable for small, uneven, or waterlogged fields. Despite these advantages, its low field capacity and high labor requirements reduced its overall preference. According to the integrated weighting of all criteria, the one-step harvesting method ranked first, followed by the two-step (reaper + thresher) and two-step (manual + thresher) methods. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the AHP results, identifying effective field capacity as the most influential criterion, followed by harvest losses, total cost, and labor requirement. Overall, the model demonstrated strong internal consistency and stability across multiple weighting scenarios. Conclusion This study identified the one-step rice harvesting method using a full-feed combine as the most suitable option for the paddy fields of Gilan province. The superiority of this method stems from its higher field efficiency, reduced total operational cost, lower labor requirement, and greater energy-use effectiveness compared with other alternatives. In contrast, the two-step manual + thresher method ranked lowest due to its higher labor dependence and operational expenses. Nevertheless, in small-scale or irregular fields with high soil moisture, the manual-based two-step method remains more adaptable, emphasizing the importance of aligning harvesting technology with field conditions and mechanization infrastructure. The consistency ratio (0.02) validated the reliability of the AHP framework and the robustness of expert judgments. Findings highlighted effective field capacity as the most influential factor in decision-making, underlining the central role of operational efficiency in the mechanization of rice harvesting. Overall, adopting the full-feed combine harvester is recommended as an optimal strategy for improving productivity, reducing costs, and advancing sustainable mechanization in Gilan’s paddy systems, while adaptive multi-method approaches may be suitable under specific local constraints. این تحقیق با هدف تعیین مناسب‌ترین روش برداشت برنج در مزارع شالیزاری استان گیلان با استفاده از فرآیند تحلیل سلسله مراتبی (AHP) انجام شد. سه روش برداشت شامل برداشت دو مرحله‌ای (دستی + خرمن‌کوب)، برداشت دو مرحله‌ای (دروگر + خرمن‌کوب) و برداشت یک مرحله‌ای (کمباین برنج مخصوص) بر اساس هشت معیار اصلی مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفتند. نتایج نشان داد که در بین معیارها، ظرفیت مؤثر مزرعه با وزن 0.304 بیشترین اهمیت و انتشار آلاینده‌ها با وزن 3.037 کمترین اهمیت از دیدگاه خبرگان را داشتند. در اولویت‌بندی نهایی گزینه‌ها، روش برداشت یک مرحله‌ای به عنوان مناسب‌ترین روش با بالاترین امتیاز شناسایی شد. این روش به دلیل بالاترین ظرفیت مزرعه، کمترین هزینه کل، کاهش نیاز به نیروی کار و راندمان عملیاتی بالا نسبت به سایر روش‌ها ترجیح داده شد. این مطالعه نشان می‌دهد که مکانیزه کردن برداشت برنج می‌تواند بهره‌وری را به طور قابل توجهی افزایش دهد، در زمان صرفه‌جویی کند و هزینه‌ها را کاهش دهد، در حالی که برداشت دستی یا نیمه‌مکانیزه به عنوان گزینه‌های جایگزین در شرایط خاص با محدودیت منابع زمین و انسانی عمل می‌کند. نتایج حاصله می‌تواند به تصمیم‌گیرندگان و کشاورزان استان گیلان در انتخاب روش برداشت مناسب و بهبود عملکرد مزارع شالیزاری کمک کند.

https://www.jess.ir/article_246399_fdde8220a6303e891a1baaf56a7112fb.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Rangeland Restoration Strategies in Iran under Climate Change: A Comprehensive Three-Axis Adaptive Management Framework راهکار احیای مراتع ایران در شرایط تغییرات اقلیمی: چارچوب سه‌محوری جامع مبتنی بر مدیریت انطباقی 11057 11069 246614 10.22034/jess.2026.576148.2444 FA مرضیه علی خواه اصل استادیار، گروه کشاورزی و محیط زیست، دانشگاه پیام نور، تهران، ایران 0000-0002-4032-0717 Journal Article 2026 02 25 Iranian rangelands constitute one of the most extensive land resources in the country and play a crucial ecological and socio-economic role across arid and semi-arid regions. They sustain biodiversity, regulate hydrological processes, store carbon, and provide livelihoods for pastoral communities. However, over recent decades these ecosystems have been increasingly exposed to climate variability and long-term climatic change. Rising temperatures, irregular precipitation patterns, prolonged droughts, and the growing frequency of extreme weather events have intensified environmental stress and accelerated land degradation processes. These pressures interact with existing land-use challenges such as overgrazing, unsustainable management practices, and fragmented institutional governance. As a result, rangeland systems are experiencing declining vegetation cover, reduced productivity, increased soil erosion, and shifts in species composition toward drought- and heat-tolerant plants. Such transformations indicate not only ecological stress but also a weakening of ecosystem services that are vital for long-term sustainability. Despite the growing body of scientific evidence documenting these changes, restoration and management approaches applied in Iranian rangelands have largely remained conventional, static, and sector-based. Many strategies still rely on assumptions of environmental stability and attempt to restore ecosystems to historical reference conditions without accounting for ongoing climatic shifts. This mismatch between ecological realities and management assumptions limits the effectiveness of restoration interventions. Short-term planning horizons, insufficient monitoring, and limited integration of ecological knowledge into policy further reduce the resilience of restoration programs. Consequently, there is a clear need for a more adaptive and forward-looking framework that can accommodate uncertainty, variability, and the evolving nature of dryland ecosystems under climate change. To address this need, the present study undertook a systematic review of national and international literature related to Iranian rangelands and comparable dryland systems. The review synthesized research on vegetation dynamics, biodiversity responses, soil stability, carbon sequestration, hydrological regulation, and management practices. By applying a thematic analytical approach, the study identified recurring ecological trends, key vulnerabilities, and structural weaknesses in existing restoration policies. Particular attention was given to translating scientific findings into operational guidance that could support practical decision-making. This synthesis allowed the study not only to assess ecological impacts but also to explore how restoration strategies could better respond to climatic uncertainty, socio-economic constraints, and evolving management priorities. The findings reveal that climate change is already reshaping ecological structure and function in Iranian rangelands. Declines in plant biomass and productivity are widespread, reflecting increased water stress and temperature extremes. Species composition is shifting toward more resilient but often less productive vegetation types, while overall species diversity tends to decline in heavily stressed areas. These biological changes are accompanied by reduced ecosystem functions, including diminished soil stabilization, weakened carbon storage capacity, and impaired regulation of water flows. Such losses are particularly concerning because they reduce the buffering capacity of rangelands against further environmental disturbances. Moreover, climate pressures do not act in isolation; they amplify the impacts of existing management challenges such as excessive grazing pressure, inadequate land-use planning, and weak coordination among institutions. The combined effect of these factors results in ecosystems that are increasingly vulnerable to degradation thresholds and recovery limitations. Traditional restoration approaches, which typically aim to re-establish historical vegetation patterns or fixed productivity targets, appear insufficient under these changing conditions. Because climate trajectories are uncertain and ecological responses are nonlinear, restoration must be understood as a dynamic process rather than a one-time intervention. In response, this study proposes a conceptual framework built on three complementary pillars: adaptive management, targeted ecological interventions, and data-informed decision-making. Adaptive management emphasizes flexibility, iterative learning, and continuous adjustment of practices based on monitoring results. Instead of rigid prescriptions, management actions are treated as hypotheses to be tested and refined over time. This approach allows restoration programs to evolve in response to climatic fluctuations and ecological feedbacks. The second pillar focuses on targeted ecological interventions designed to enhance resilience rather than merely recreate past conditions. Such interventions may include promoting drought-tolerant native species, improving soil structure through vegetation cover and erosion control measures, and optimizing grazing regimes to balance productivity with regeneration capacity. By prioritizing functional recovery—such as soil protection, nutrient cycling, and water retention—over strict historical replication, restoration efforts can better support ecosystem stability under future climatic scenarios. The third pillar highlights the importance of data-driven planning and monitoring systems. Advances in remote sensing, ecological modeling, and environmental indicators offer new opportunities to track vegetation dynamics, detect early signs of degradation, and evaluate restoration outcomes. Integrating these tools into management cycles enables evidence-based decisions and supports timely adjustments. An essential component of the proposed framework is participatory governance. Effective restoration requires collaboration among researchers, land managers, local communities, and policy makers. Pastoralists and local users possess valuable experiential knowledge about vegetation patterns, seasonal variability, and land-use constraints, which can complement scientific insights. Incorporating stakeholder participation improves the legitimacy of management decisions, enhances compliance with grazing regulations, and fosters shared responsibility for ecosystem stewardship. Furthermore, coordinated institutional arrangements can reduce fragmentation in policy implementation and improve the efficiency of restoration investments. Overall, the study argues that successful restoration of Iranian rangelands in the context of climate change depends on shifting from static, prescriptive approaches toward dynamic, learning-based strategies. Restoration must be seen not simply as the re-establishment of vegetation but as the strengthening of ecological processes and socio-ecological resilience. By embedding adaptive learning mechanisms into management plans, restoration programs can respond more effectively to environmental feedback and long-term uncertainty. Continuous monitoring, participatory governance, and the integration of technological tools can significantly enhance the durability of restoration outcomes. In conclusion, climate-aware rangeland restoration represents a critical component of sustainable land governance in Iran and other dryland regions. The framework proposed in this study offers a pathway to align ecological science with practical management by emphasizing flexibility, functional recovery, and evidence-based decision-making. Implementing such an approach can help reduce degradation risks, support ecosystem services, and strengthen the resilience of both landscapes and communities. As climate pressures intensify, restoration policies must remain responsive and forward-looking, ensuring that management strategies evolve alongside environmental change. By linking scientific understanding with adaptive governance and continuous monitoring, this perspective provides actionable guidance for improving the long-term sustainability of rangeland ecosystems under uncertain climatic futures. مراتع ایران، به‌عنوان یکی از اکوسیستم‌های حساس مناطق خشک و نیمه‌خشک، در دهه‌های اخیر به‌طور فزاینده‌ای تحت تأثیر تغییرات اقلیمی از جمله افزایش دما، تغییر الگوهای بارش و تشدید نوسانات اقلیمی قرار گرفته‌اند؛ روندی که فشارهای قابل توجهی بر پوشش گیاهی، تنوع زیستی و کارکردهای اکوسیستمی این سامانه‌ها وارد کرده است. هدف این پژوهش، بررسی پیامدهای تغییر اقلیم بر ساختار و عملکرد مراتع ایران و دستیابی به یک چارچوب تحلیلی جامع و عملیاتی برای احیای پایدار آن‌ها متناسب با شرایط اقلیمی است. این مطالعه با بهره‌گیری از مرور نظام‌مند و تحلیل کیفی پژوهش‌های معتبر داخلی و بین‌المللی انجام شد. نتایج نشان داد که رویکردهای مدیریتی سنتی، به‌دلیل ماهیت ایستا و بخشی‌نگر، توان پاسخ‌گویی مؤثر به معضلات کنونی و عدم‌قطعیت‌های اقلیمی را ندارند و مدیریت مراتع نیازمند چارچوبی پویا، انعطاف‌پذیر با قابلیت انطباق و بازنگری مستمر می باشد. بر این اساس، این پژوهش با تلفیق شواهد موجود، به ارائه یک چارچوب سه‌محوری تحت مدیریت انطباقی شامل اجتماع، اکوسیستم و فناوری دست یافته است که امکان هم‌راستاسازی اقدامات اجتماعی، مداخلات اکولوژیک و ابزارهای فناورانه را در یک چرخه تصمیم‌گیری داده‌محور فراهم می‌کند. چارچوب پیشنهادی، احیای مراتع را از سطح اقدامات منفرد و پراکنده به سطح برنامه‌ریزی یکپارچه و کل‌نگر ارتقا داده و با کاهش ریسک تخریب اکوسیستم، حفظ تنوع زیستی و تقویت تاب‌آوری اکولوژیک و اجتماعی، زمینه احیای پایدار مراتع ایران را در شرایط عدم‌قطعیت اقلیمی فراهم می‌سازد.

https://www.jess.ir/article_246614_6121eaf9367e8be6eaf9c674d7d737cb.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Integrated Crop-Orchard Simulation Framework Incorporating Water Banking: An Analysis of Farmer Water Purchase and Sale Decisions During Drought مدل شبیه‌سازی ترکیبی زراعی–باغی با بانک آب: تحلیل رفتار خرید و فروش آب کشاورزان در شرایط خشکسالی 11070 11087 246525 10.22034/jess.2026.574670.2443 FA نیکتا لطافت دانشجوی دکترای اقتصاد کشاورزی دانشگاه شیراز. ایران 0009-0008-1802-9975 محمد حسن طرازکار دانشیار گروه اقتصاد کشاورزی، دانشکده کشاورزی، دانشگاه شیراز. ایران. 0000-0001-9585-4460 Journal Article 2026 02 22 Introduction Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges of the twenty-first century, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where natural water availability is inherently limited. In recent decades, this crisis has intensified due to a combination of interrelated factors, including climate change, rapid population growth, urbanization, economic development, and increasing water demand across all sectors. Climate change has altered precipitation patterns, increased the frequency and severity of droughts, and intensified evapotranspiration rates, thereby reducing renewable water supplies. At the same time, population growth and economic expansion have led to rising demand for water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses, placing unprecedented pressure on already stressed water resources. Among all water resources, groundwater plays a particularly critical role in ensuring water security. In many regions, groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water, supports agricultural production, and contributes to ecosystem stability by sustaining base flows in rivers and wetlands. However, excessive and unsustainable groundwater extraction, often driven by weak governance, inadequate monitoring, and misaligned economic incentives, has resulted in declining water tables, land subsidence, salinization, and deterioration of water quality. These trends threaten not only current water availability but also the long-term resilience of socio-ecological systems. Traditionally, water management policies in many countries have focused on supply-side solutions, such as dam construction, reservoir expansion, and inter-basin water transfers. While these approaches were effective in earlier stages of development, their potential has largely been exhausted, particularly in closed or overexploited basins where no new water sources can be developed. Moreover, such infrastructure-based solutions are often associated with high financial costs, environmental degradation, and social conflicts. Consequently, there has been a growing recognition that sustainable water management must shift from supply augmentation to demand management. Demand-side approaches emphasize improving water use efficiency, reallocating water to higher-value uses, and employing economic instruments such as water pricing, extraction quotas, and water markets. Within this framework, water banking has gained increasing attention as an institutional mechanism that facilitates voluntary water trading among users, particularly farmers. A water bank acts as an intermediary that reduces transaction costs, enhances transparency, and ensures that water is allocated to uses with the highest economic and social value. By enabling temporary transfers of water rights, water banking can help improve water productivity, reduce pressure on groundwater resources, and enhance adaptive capacity during drought periods. In Iran, where agriculture accounts for the majority of total water consumption and where many aquifers are severely overexploited, the need for innovative water management tools is particularly urgent. The agricultural sector faces the dual challenge of maintaining food security while reducing water use and preventing further environmental degradation. In this context, the establishment of an agricultural water bank could play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable water allocation, enhancing farmers’ income stability, and supporting long-term water resource sustainability. This research therefore seeks to clarify the role of water banking in improving water allocation efficiency and promoting sustainable water resource management under conditions of increasing water scarcity. Materials and Methods This study employs a Crop–Orchard simulation model to analyze farmers’ decision-making behavior under conditions of water scarcity and the presence of a water market facilitated by a water bank. The model is designed to capture the complex interactions between water availability, crop choice, economic profitability, and farmers’ responses to changing hydrological and market conditions. By integrating both field crops and horticultural crops, the model reflects the diversity of agricultural production systems and their varying water requirements. The primary objective function of the model is to maximize the farm’s gross margin (MBT), which serves as an indicator of economic performance. Gross margin is calculated as the difference between total revenues and total variable costs. Revenues include income from crop sales as well as any applicable subsidies, while variable costs encompass production inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, labor, and irrigation-related expenses, including water pricing. By focusing on gross margin, the model captures short-term economic incentives that strongly influence farmers’ production and water use decisions. To reflect heterogeneity among farmers and production systems, the study categorizes agricultural activities into seven distinct clusters of field and horticultural crops. These clusters differ in terms of cultivated area, crop composition, water demand, and profitability. Such clustering allows for a more nuanced analysis of behavioral differences and distributional impacts of water scarcity and water trading mechanisms. The model incorporates four drought scenarios representing different levels of water shortage: 0% (normal conditions), 25%, 50%, and 75% reductions in water availability. These scenarios simulate increasing drought severity and allow for the examination of farmers’ adaptive responses across a wide range of hydrological conditions. Under each scenario, farmers are allowed to participate in a water bank, either by purchasing additional water to maintain production or by selling surplus water when cultivation becomes less profitable. Through this simulation framework, the study analyzes changes in cropping patterns, water trading volumes, economic returns, and shadow prices of water. The shadow price reflects the marginal value of water in production and provides insight into the economic scarcity of water under different conditions. By comparing outcomes across clusters and drought scenarios, the model assesses the effectiveness of water banking as a tool for mitigating the impacts of water scarcity and improving overall economic efficiency in the agricultural sector. Results and Discussion The results of the simulation model highlight the critical role of water availability in shaping cropping patterns, economic profitability, and farmers’ water allocation behavior. Under normal conditions, clusters with greater access to water resources particularly Clusters 1 to 3 exhibit higher levels of crop diversity, larger cultivated areas, and significantly higher gross margins. In these clusters, farmers are able to allocate water to a mix of high-value and moderately water-intensive crops, resulting in substantial economic returns, with gross profits reaching up to 57.7 trillion rials. As drought severity increases, the disparities between clusters become more pronounced. Clusters facing moderate water constraints adjust their production strategies by reducing the area under water-intensive crops and increasing reliance on water trading through the water bank. The availability of a water market enables these farmers to purchase additional water when the expected marginal returns justify the cost, thereby stabilizing income and maintaining production levels to the extent possible. In contrast, clusters experiencing severe water scarcity such as Clusters 6 and 7 face significant limitations in their ability to sustain agricultural production. These clusters exhibit sharp reductions in cultivated area, a shift toward low-water-demand crops, and substantially lower economic returns, in some cases falling below 1 trillion rials. The shadow price of water in these clusters rises dramatically, exceeding 1,240,000 rials per cubic meter, indicating extreme economic scarcity and highlighting the high opportunity cost of water use. The introduction of water banking plays a crucial role in enhancing adaptive capacity across all clusters. As drought intensity increases, the model shows a clear increase in water purchases and a corresponding decrease in water sales, reflecting farmers’ efforts to secure sufficient water to sustain profitable activities. Conversely, under less severe conditions, some farmers choose to sell water through the bank, particularly when the returns from water sales exceed those from crop production. This flexibility allows for a more efficient reallocation of water resources, directing water toward uses with higher economic value while providing income opportunities for water sellers. Overall, the findings demonstrate that water banking can significantly mitigate the negative economic impacts of drought by enabling flexible water reallocation, reducing vulnerability, and improving the efficiency of water use. Differences in behavioral patterns among clusters further underscore the importance of considering crop diversity, farm size, and profitability in the design and implementation of water market mechanisms. Conclusion Based on the results of the integrated crop–orchard simulation model incorporating a water bank, this study concludes that drought severity has a direct and significant impact on farmers’ water trading behavior, particularly on the volume of water purchases. The presence of a water bank enhances farmers’ flexibility in managing water resources, allowing them to respond more effectively to water scarcity while maintaining economic viability. Clusters characterized by greater crop diversity and the ability to sell water during periods of lower demand demonstrate higher profitability and greater resilience to drought. These findings suggest that water banking can serve as an effective institutional tool for balancing economic efficiency with environmental sustainability in water-scarce regions. Consequently, the expansion of water banking systems, coupled with farmer training, incentive-based policies, promotion of low-water-consumption crops, and intelligent monitoring of water resources, is recommended as a comprehensive strategy to reduce drought risk and enhance both economic and environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector. مدیریت منابع آب در کشاورزی، به‌ویژه در شرایط محدودیت شدید منابع آبی و افزایش شدت خشکسالی، یکی از چالش‌های محوری پایداری محیط زیست و امنیت غذایی است. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی رفتار خرید و فروش آب توسط کشاورزان در شرایط مختلف خشکسالی، یک مدل شبیه‌سازی ترکیبی زراعی–باغی با بانک آب را برای هفت خوشه کشاورزی طراحی و اجرا کرد. در این شبیه‌سازی، چهار سناریوی خشکسالی با ضرایب دلتا برابر با ۱ (بدون خشکسالی)، ۰٫۷۵ (خشکسالی خفیف)، ۰٫۵ (خشکسالی متوسط) و ۰٫۲۵ (خشکسالی شدید) به‌کار گرفته شد تا تغییرات در الگوی مصرف، فروش و استراتژی‌های اقتصادی کشاورزان در طول یک سال تقویمی تحلیل شود. یافته‌ها نشان داد که با تشدید خشکسالی، حجم خرید آب به‌صورت پیوسته افزایش و فروش آب کاهش می‌یابد، به‌گونه‌ای که در شرایط خشکسالی شدید، کشاورزان منابع آبی خود را برای مصارف تولیدی حفظ می‌کنند و توانایی فروش مازاد را از دست می‌دهند. همچنین الگوی زمانی خرید و فروش آب در خوشه‌ها همسو با نیاز فصلی محصولات تعریف شده و نقش مهمی در پایداری اقتصادی دارد. نتایج شبیه‌سازی حاکی از آن است که تنوع محصول و مساحت زمین بر انعطاف‌پذیری اقتصادی کشاورزان در مواجهه با خشکسالی تأثیر مستقیم دارد؛ خوشه‌هایی با تنوع محصول و ظرفیت فروش بالاتر، سودآوری و بهره‌وری بیشتری را نشان دادند. این پژوهش تأکید می‌کند که به‌کارگیری بانک آب به‌عنوان ابزار مدیریتی می‌تواند به افزایش پایداری کشاورزی و بهبود تخصیص منابع آب در شرایط کم‌آبی کمک کند و برای سیاست‌گذاران و مدیران منابع آب راهبردهای عملیاتی ارائه دهد.

https://www.jess.ir/article_246525_ddc94c54b4fd888f085372792d26deff.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Nanocellulose Production from the Invasive Water Hyacinth for Environmental Protection and Biomass Valorisation تولید نانوسلولز از گیاه مهاجم سنبل آبی در راستای حفاظت محیط زیست و ارزش‌افزایی زیست‌توده 11088 11102 246628 10.22034/jess.2026.581711.2455 FA مهران منصوری گروه علوم و صنایع چوب و کاغذ ، دانشکده منابع طبیعی ، دانشگاه تهران، کرج، ایران 0009-0000-7619-4348 یحیی همزه گروه علوم و صنایع چوب و کاغذ، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه تهران، کرج، ایران 0000-0001-5237-9866 محمد آزادفلاح گروه علوم و صنایع چوب و کاغذ، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه تهران، کرج، ایران 0000-0001-7576-3991 علی عبدالخانی گروه علوم و صنایع چوب و کاغذ، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه تهران، کرج، ایران 0000-0001-5237-9866 رضا اولادی گروه علوم و صنایع چوب و کاغذ، دانشکده منابع طبیعی، دانشگاه تهران، کرج، ایران 0000-0002-8522-7321 Journal Article 2026 05 16 EXTENDED ABSTRACT Introduction Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the most aggressive invasive aquatic plants worldwide and has become a major environmental concern in many freshwater ecosystems. Due to its rapid vegetative propagation and exceptional adaptability, this floating macrophyte can quickly cover large areas of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, irrigation canals, and wetlands. The uncontrolled spread of water hyacinth causes severe ecological, environmental, and socio-economic problems. Dense plant mats formed on water surfaces block sunlight penetration, thereby reducing photosynthetic activity in submerged aquatic plants and disrupting aquatic food chains. In addition, decomposition of the accumulated biomass significantly decreases dissolved oxygen concentration, leading to hypoxic conditions that negatively affect fish populations and aquatic biodiversity. The obstruction of waterways also interferes with irrigation systems, fisheries, hydroelectric facilities, and navigation. Furthermore, stagnant water beneath the dense vegetation provides suitable breeding habitats for mosquitoes and other disease vectors. Despite these negative impacts, water hyacinth has recently gained attention as a promising lignocellulosic biomass resource. The plant contains relatively high cellulose content and comparatively low lignin levels, which facilitate cellulose extraction and reduce the severity of pretreatment processes compared with conventional lignocellulosic resources such as wood. These characteristics make water hyacinth an attractive renewable feedstock for nanocellulose production. Nanocellulose, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), is considered one of the most important bio-based nanomaterials due to its remarkable physicochemical and mechanical properties. These materials possess high tensile strength, low density, large specific surface area, biodegradability, renewability, and tunable surface chemistry. Such unique characteristics have led to increasing interest in their applications in sustainable packaging, advanced composites, paper reinforcement, environmental remediation, energy storage, biomedical materials, and flexible electronics. In this context, converting invasive water hyacinth into high-value nanocellulose represents an environmentally sustainable approach that simultaneously addresses biomass management and renewable material production within the framework of circular economy principles. This review aims to summarize recent advances in the extraction, characterization, modification, and industrial applications of nanocellulose derived from water hyacinth. In addition, the study discusses the environmental significance of utilizing this invasive biomass and highlights future research opportunities for developing sustainable nanocellulose-based technologies. Materials and methods This review study summarizes published research on the extraction, characterization, and applications of nanocellulose derived from water hyacinth, while also highlighting the environmental threats caused by the uncontrolled spread of this invasive aquatic plant. It critically evaluates major production methods, including acid hydrolysis, enzymatic, mechanical, and combined chemical-mechanical treatments. The structural and functional properties of the produced nanocelluloses, as well as their applications in composites, packaging, paper, energy, environmental remediation, and advanced materials, are discussed. Research gaps and future development opportunities are also highlighted. Results and discussion The reviewed studies demonstrate that water hyacinth is a highly promising lignocellulosic resource for nanocellulose production due to its relatively high cellulose content and low lignin concentration. These characteristics facilitate cellulose purification and reduce the intensity of chemical pretreatments required during nanocellulose extraction. As a result, water hyacinth can serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional cellulose sources such as wood and agricultural residues. Structurally, nanocellulose derived from water hyacinth exhibits nanoscale dimensions, high specific surface area, and high aspect ratio, which are important parameters for reinforcement applications. The crystallinity index of water-hyacinth-derived nanocellulose is typically reported between 68% and 73%, indicating relatively ordered crystalline structures. High crystallinity contributes significantly to improved stiffness, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and thermal resistance. Thermogravimetric analyses reported in the literature indicate thermal degradation temperatures ranging between 300 and 320 °C, demonstrating suitable thermal stability for various industrial applications. Moreover, the large number of hydroxyl groups present on nanocellulose surfaces enables strong hydrogen bonding interactions and facilitates surface functionalization. Various chemical modification techniques, including TEMPO- oxidation, acetylation, and graft polymerization, have been investigated to improve compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices and introduce additional functionalities such as conductivity or adsorption capacity. In packaging applications, incorporation of nanocellulose into biodegradable polymer films significantly improves tensile strength, elastic modulus, thermal stability, and barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor. These improvements are essential for the development of environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastic packaging. In composite systems, nanocellulose acts as an efficient reinforcing nanofiller due to its high aspect ratio and strong interfacial interactions with polymer matrices. In the pulp and paper industry, the addition of water-hyacinth-derived nanocellulose to recycled pulp improves inter-fiber bonding, sheet density, tensile strength, burst resistance, and overall paper quality. This application is particularly important because recycled fibers often experience mechanical degradation after repeated recycling cycles. The reviewed studies also highlight the potential of water-hyacinth nanocellulose in energy-related applications. Cellulose nanofibers have been successfully used as separators in rechargeable batteries due to their porous structure, electrolyte wettability, ion transport capability, and thermal stability. In addition, surface-modified nanocellulose combined with conductive polymers has enabled the fabrication of lightweight conductive materials suitable for sensors, supercapacitors, and flexible electronic devices. Environmental remediation is another important application area. The nanoscale structure and abundant functional groups of nanocellulose provide high adsorption capacity for heavy metals, dyes, oils, and other contaminants. Several studies have reported efficient removal of pollutants such as lead, cadmium, and chromium from wastewater using modified nanocellulose adsorbents derived from water hyacinth. Hydrophobic modifications have also enabled efficient oil–water separation systems for environmental cleanup applications. Although significant progress has been achieved, several challenges still limit commercial scale utilization of water-hyacinth-derived nanocellulose. High moisture content of the biomass, variability in chemical composition, energy-intensive drying processes, and chemical consumption during extraction remain important concerns. Therefore, future studies should focus on developing greener extraction technologies, reducing production costs, improving process scalability, and conducting comprehensive life cycle and techno-economic assessments. Conclusion The findings of this review clearly demonstrate that water hyacinth, despite being one of the world’s most problematic invasive aquatic weeds, can be effectively converted into a valuable renewable feedstock for nanocellulose production. The produced nanocellulose exhibits favorable structural, mechanical, thermal, and surface properties, making it suitable for a wide range of advanced industrial applications including packaging, composites, paper reinforcement, environmental remediation, energy storage, and functional materials. The valorization of water hyacinth biomass into high-value nanomaterials represents a practical example of sustainable development and circular economy principles, where an environmental problem is transformed into a renewable industrial resource. Such an approach not only contributes to invasive species management but also reduces dependence on fossil-based and non-renewable materials. Globally, water-hyacinth-derived nanocellulose shows strong potential for future multifunctional bio-based technologies. However, further research is still required to optimize environmentally friendly extraction methods, improve economic feasibility, scale up industrial production, and expand commercial applications. With continued technological advancements, nanocellulose derived from water hyacinth may become an important sustainable material for next-generation green industries. سنبل آبی (Eichhornia crassipes) یک گیاه مهاجم با رشد سریع است که مشکلات زیست‌محیطی گسترده‌ای ایجاد می‌کند، اما به دلیل محتوای مناسب سلولز و لیگنین پایین، منبعی ارزشمند برای تولید نانوسلولز محسوب می‌شود. این مقاله مروری با تحلیل مطالعات موجود، ویژگی‌ها و کاربردهای نانوسلولز حاصل از سنبل آبی را بررسی می‌کند. نانوسلولزهای استخراج‌شده معمولاً دارای قطر نانومتری، بلورینگی حدود ۶۸ تا ۷۳ درصد و پایداری حرارتی در حدود ۳۰۰ تا ۳۲۰ درجه سانتی‌گراد هستند که نشان‌دهنده کیفیت مناسب آن‌هاست. وجود گروه‌های هیدروکسیلی فراوان نیز موجب افزایش پیوند هیدروژنی و بهبود سازگاری در کامپوزیت‌ها می‌شود. این نانومواد در تقویت فیلم‌های پلیمری و بسته‌بندی زیست‌تخریب‌پذیر، بهبود خواص کاغذ، کاربردهای انرژی مانند جداکننده باتری و مواد رسانا، و همچنین در تصفیه آب و جذب فلزات سنگین کاربرد دارند. نتایج نشان می‌دهد سنبل آبی می‌تواند از یک معضل زیست‌محیطی به منبعی برای تولید مواد پیشرفته تبدیل شود. با این حال، توسعه روش‌های پایدار و ارزیابی اقتصادی برای تجاری‌سازی گسترده ضروری است.

https://www.jess.ir/article_246628_3401f07b193423fb827f0d5ff78bd912.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Identification and Evaluation Of the Geomorphological Heritage Of the Jashak Salt dome Using Quantitative Models شناسایی و ارزیابی میراث ژئومورفولوژیک مرتبط با گنبد نمکی جاشک با استفاده از مدل های کمی 11103 11119 247038 10.22034/jess.2026.580382.2452 FA سعیده منبری دانشجوی دکتری مدیریت و کنترل بیابان، دانشکده منابع طبیعی و کویرشناسی ، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران 0009-0000-7109-927X علی اکبر کریمیان دانشیار گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری، دانشکده منابع طبیعی و کویرشناسی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران 0000-0001-6083-1138 شیرین محمدخان دانشیارگروه جغرافیا-بخش جغرافیای طبیعی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه تهران، تهران، ایران 0000-0002-0529-6678 محمد شریفی پیچون دانشیارگروه جغرافیا-بخش برنامه ریزی محیطی، دانشکده جغرافیا، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران 0000-0002-9456-5285 Journal Article 2026 05 04 ABSTRACT Jashak Salt Dome, representing one of Iran’s largest and most prominent salt domes, exhibits an unparalleled diversity of geomorphological features including caves, waterfalls, and salt crystallizations—thereby qualifying it as a potential geosite. The primary objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the geomorphological heritage associated with Jashak Salt Dome utilizing the Pereira and Kubaliková models. Fieldwork was conducted involving 8 experts to analyze the site’s attributes. Subsequently, the evaluation was performed using the Pereira and Kubaliková methods, considering their respective criteria and sub-criteria. The Pereira model emphasizes scientific, acquisitive (cultural/historical), and managerial values, whereas the Kubaliková model prioritizes educational value and the vulnerability of protected areas. Notably, in the Kubaliková framework, sites with superior scientific and educational statuses receive higher scores. The findings indicate that, in the Pereira model, the criteria of scientific value, acquisitive value, geomorphological value, and conservation value achieved scores of 34.5, 54.2, 18.3, and 14.9, respectively. Conversely, under the Kubaliková model, the highest scores were assigned to the educational (25.3) and scientific (3.8) values, while conservation and acquisitive values each obtained a score of 2.5. Consequently, the results demonstrate that the most significant weights were allocated to the scientific-educational and aesthetic values. This underscores the high geological significance of Jashak Salt Dome and its unique diversity of geomorphological forms, characterized by exquisite erosion patterns, accessible caves, unique salt waterfalls, and multi-colored salt crystals. These features position Jashak as a practical educational site and a natural laboratory for students of geology and geomorphology. EXTENDED ABSTRACT Introduction In recent decades, the perception of natural heritage has evolved from a purely biological focus toward a more comprehensive concept known as geoheritage, in which geomorphological landforms and geological processes play a central role (1). Geomorphological heritage comprises a set of landforms and related processes that, due to their scientific, educational, aesthetic, and cultural values, merit identification, conservation, and sustainable use. This heritage not only reflects the evolutionary history of the Earth, but also plays a significant role in Earth science education and the development of geotourism. Reynard et al. (2), through the development of a theoretical framework for geomorphological heritage, emphasized the multidimensional nature of geosite values. According to their perspective, the value of a geomorphosite is not limited solely to its scientific aspect; rather, cultural, aesthetic, educational, and even economic values should also be considered in its assessment. This holistic approach has played an important role in linking geomorphological studies with concepts such as sustainable development and geotourism. Therefore, geosites or geomorphosites can be regarded as landforms with integrated values encompassing scientific, cultural, social, and economic dimensions, capable of acting as a bridge between scientific research, cultural integration, and artistic attributes (4). From a scientific perspective, the assessment of geomorphosite potential—particularly the identification of geomorphic systems, processes, and phenomena (scientific and educational dimensions)—should be given priority, as it inherently requires appropriate geomorphological research infrastructure (5).This is because geomorphosite assessment, in addition to identifying geosystems or structures governing landforms and processes (such as glacial, coastal, lacustrine, slope, karstic systems, and others), can play an effective role in understanding geological history (6). Moreover, such assessments provide documented evidence for recognizing paleogeomorphological indicators and reconstructing the history of the Earth’s climate (scientific significance) (7). Consequently, it is evident that in the evaluation of geomorphosites and geomorphological heritage, particular emphasis must be placed on the scientific and educational dimensions, which have received increasing attention in recent decades. Materials and methods The present study is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in nature, and was conducted using documentary research, field surveys, and geomorphosite assessment methods. The main research framework was designed based on the Pereira and Kubaliková approaches.In the first stage, the required data were collected through library-based studies, including scientific articles, geological reports, and available maps. Subsequently, field investigations were carried out to identify geosites, record their geographic locations, conduct photographic documentation, and describe their geomorphological characteristics.In the next step, the identified geosites were quantitatively evaluated according to the Pereira method, focusing on criteria such as scientific value, additional values, and management value. To complement the analysis, the Kubaliková method was applied to examine the educational and geotourism potential as well as the vulnerability of the geosites.The geomorphosite assessment was conducted using a questionnaire-based approach, in which the questionnaire was designed according to the criteria and sub-criteria of each method. For this purpose, eight experts familiar with the study area and its geosites were consulted. It should be noted that each geosite was scored for each criterion, and the final score was calculated as the average of the scores assigned by the experts.Finally, the results obtained from both methods were compared, and the conservation and management priorities of the study area were determined. Results and discussion Given the country’s rich geological history and the diversity of its geosites, there is considerable potential for the establishment of geoparks, which are regarded as national assets. From the perspective of sustainable development, effective planning and management of these areas are of strategic importance, as the intelligent utilization of their natural, scientific, cultural, and economic attractions directly contributes to the expansion of tourism activities and the improvement of regional economic conditions. The Jashak Salt Dome has been introduced as one of the tourism hubs and national heritage sites; however, this geological heritage has not been properly utilized and, in some areas, has even been subjected to degradation. Although the geosites and natural as well as historical–cultural attractions of this region are very rich, the present study focuses on identifying the most important geosite attractions and evaluating them. The region, through the integration of geological, historical, ecological, and cultural heritage, possesses significant potential for sustainable tourism, leading to economic growth, social development, and educational advancement. In this research, the Pereira and Kubaliková methods were employed to assess the geomorphological heritage of the Jashak Salt Dome. According to the Pereira method, the findings showed that scientific value achieved the highest total score (5.34), followed by additional value (2.54), geomorphological value (3.18), and protection value (1.49). These results can largely be attributed to the lack of infrastructure, insufficient tourism services, and the absence of an integrated conservation management system. Using the Kubaliková method, the evaluation results indicated that the highest scores were assigned to educational value (3.25) and scientific value (3.80), while the protective and additional value criteria each obtained total scores of 2.50, respectively. The findings of this study are consistent with similar research conducted on salt and arid geosites in Iran by Tahmak et al. (23), Rahimi‑Harabadi (24), Mokhtari et al. (25), and Hassanzadeh et al. (26), and demonstrate that salt diapiric phenomena are among the most attractive elements of geotourism. Conclusion The results of the study showed that, using the Pereira method, the criterion of scientific value obtained the highest total score (5.34), followed by additional value (2.54), geomorphological value (3.18), and protection value (1.49). Likewise, according to the Kubaliková method, the highest scores were assigned to the criteria of educational value (3.25) and scientific value (3.80), while the protective and additional value criteria each received a total score of 2.50. Therefore, it can be concluded that the highest scores were attributed to the scientific–educational and aesthetic criteria. This indicates the high geological significance of the Jashak Salt Dome and the exceptional diversity of its geomorphological features, including attractive erosion patterns, visitable caves, unique salt waterfalls, and multicolored crystals. These characteristics make the area suitable as a practical educational site and a natural laboratory for students of geology and geomorphology. گنبد نمکی جاشک، به‌عنوان یکی از بزرگ‌ترین و شاخص‌ترین گنبدهای نمکی ایران، دارای تنوع کم‌نظیری از اشکال ژئومورفولوژیکی نمکی است که آن را به یک ژئوسایت بالقوه تبدیل کرده است. هدف پژوهش حاضر، شناسایی و ارزیابی میراث ژئومورفولوژیک مرتبط با گنبد نمکی با استفاده از روش‌های ارزیابی علمی است. بدین منظور، با بهره‌گیری از مطالعات اسنادی، پرسشنامه، برداشت‌های میدانی و با استفاده از دو مدل کوبالیکوا و پریرا و با تاکید بر معیارها و شاخص‌های ژئومورفولوژیک مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفت. نتایج تحقیق نشان داد که در روش پریرا، معیار ارزش‌های علمی با مجموع امتیاز 34/5، ارزش اکتسابی با امتیاز 54/2، ارزش ژئوموفولوژی با امتیاز 18/3 و ارزش محافظت با امتیاز 49/1 را به خود اختصاص دادند. همچنین در روش کوبالیکوا، بیشترین امتیاز به معیارهای ارزش آموزش (25/3) و ارزش علمی (8/3) و معیارهای ارزش حفاظتی و اکتسابی هر کدام با مجموع امتیاز 5/2 تخصیص یافت. بنابراین معیار علمی– آموزشی و زیبایی‌شناختی اصول اساسی میراث ژئومورفولوژیک منطقه مورد مطالعه است. به طوری که، اهمیت زمین‌شناختی بالای گنبد نمکی جاشک و تنوع کم‌نظیر اشکال ژئومورفولوژیکی آن از جمله الگوهای فرسایشی زیبا، غارهای قابل بازدید، آبشارهای نمکی منحصربه‌فرد و بلورهای چند رنگ که می‌تواند به‌عنوان سایت آموزشی عملی و یک آزمایشگاه طبیعی برای دانشجویان زمین‌شناسی و ژئومورفولوژی در نظر گرفته شود.

https://www.jess.ir/article_247038_fbb29c38052f51b29b1975c613e3d52e.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Seasonal assessment of physical, chemical and microbial water quality of Gorganrud River using IRWQIsc index بررسی فصلی کیفیت فیزیکی، شیمیایی و میکروبی آب رودخانه گرگانرود استان گلستان با استفاده از شاخص IRWQISC 11120 11131 247172 10.22034/jess.2026.580538.2453 FA بهزاد رهنما گروه اکولوژی، پژوهشکده اکولوژی دریای خزر، مؤسسه تحقیقات علوم شیلاتی کشور، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، ساری، ایران 0000-0001-6646-9766 سیدجواد میرمحمد حسینی گروه محیط زیست، مجتمع آموزش عالی گلستان، گرگان، ایران 0000-0002-2037-8073 مهدی خوشناموند گروه اکولوژی، پژوهشکده اکولوژی دریای خزر، مؤسسه تحقیقات علوم شیلاتی کشور، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، ساری، ایران. 0000-0002-2037-8073 حسن نصراله زاده ساروی گروه اکولوژی، پژوهشکده اکولوژی دریای خزر، مؤسسه تحقیقات علوم شیلاتی کشور، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، ساری، ایران 0000-0003-1362-1036 عیسی حاجی رادکوچک گروه اکولوژی، پژوهشکده اکولوژی دریای خزر، مؤسسه تحقیقات علوم شیلاتی کشور، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، ساری، ایران 0000-0002-2037-8073 عبدالحمید آذری گروه اکولوژی، پژوهشکده اکولوژی دریای خزر، مؤسسه تحقیقات علوم شیلاتی کشور، سازمان تحقیقات، آموزش و ترویج کشاورزی، ساری، ایران 0000-0002-2037-8073 Journal Article 2026 05 28 EXTENDED ABSTRACT Introduction One of the main challenges in water quality management is the large volume of data from monitoring various physical, chemical, and microbial parameters. In this regard, the use of Water Quality Indices (WQI) as an efficient and simple tool has attracted the attention of researchers and responsible institutions. In response to the need for a localized index, the Iranian Department of Environment developed the national surface water quality index (Iran Water Quality Index for Surface Water Resources-Conventional Parameters; IRWQIsc) based on 11 key parameters. The Gorganrud River, with a length of about 300 km and a watershed area of 10,250 km², is one of the most important rivers in Golestan Province and the Caspian basin. Cultivation of various crops, high consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with the discharge of urban and industrial wastewater, have imposed significant pollution pressure on this water resource. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal quality of Gorganrud River water using the IRWQIsc index, identify critical stations, and determine the most important parameters affecting water quality reduction. Materials and methods Six sampling stations were selected along the river to cover upstream (minimal pollution), midstream (affected by urban and agricultural pollutants), and downstream (accumulation of pollutants) areas: (1) Pol-e Shahr-e Kallaleh, (2) Gonbad (Pol-e Gedam Abad), (3) Voshm Gir Dam outlet, (4) Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala, (5) Pol-e Khajeh Nafas, and (6) Gorganrud Estuary. Eleven water quality parameters were measured: pH, BOD₅, COD, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), ammonium (NH₄), nitrate (NO₃), phosphate (PO₄), total hardness, turbidity, and fecal coliforms. pH, temperature, EC, and DO. Fecal coliforms were determined by the multiple tube fermentation method (MPN) according to APHA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. One-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's HSD post-hoc test was used to compare water quality indices among stations and seasons. Results and discussion The IRWQIsc values ranged from 15 to 48.4 across all stations and seasons. The Gorganrud Estuary showed the highest quality (48.4, "moderate"), while Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala showed the lowest (15, "very bad"). The highest BOD (53 mg/L), COD (245 mg/L), EC (10,990 µS/cm), and fecal coliforms (996 MPN/100mL) were recorded at downstream stations. Spring: IRWQIsc ranged from 15 to 47.5. Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala (15, "very bad") and Gorganrud Estuary (47.5, "moderate") represented the extremes. Summer: IRWQIsc ranged from 20.8 to 42.3. Most stations showed "relatively bad" quality. Water quality decreased compared to spring due to reduced river flow and increased pollutant concentrations. Autumn: IRWQIsc ranged from 27 to 46.6. Voshm Gir Dam outlet (27) and Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala (28.1) showed "bad" quality, while Pol-e Shahr-e Kallaleh (46.6) showed "moderate" quality. Winter: IRWQIsc ranged from 32.1 to 48.4. The Estuary showed the highest quality (48.4, "moderate"), and most stations were classified as "relatively bad". Water quality decreased from upstream to midstream, reaching its lowest point at Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala, then showed partial recovery at downstream stations. This pattern indicates significant pollution input from Gonbad-e Kavus and Aqqala cities, followed by natural self-purification processes. Conclusion The water quality of the Gorganrud River is unfavorable, classified as "relatively bad" to "very bad" in most stations and seasons. Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala was identified as the most critical pollution hotspot. Analysis of spatial variations showed that water quality decreased from upstream to downstream until Aqqala, then improved at downstream stations due to natural self-purification processes. Temporal variations demonstrated better quality in wet seasons (winter and spring) due to dilution effects, although increased erosion in winter can offset this benefit at some stations. Considering the vital role of this river in agricultural water supply and feeding the International Wetland of Gorgan Bay, urgent actions are recommended: continuous water quality monitoring, proper operation of wastewater treatment plants, optimization of chemical fertilizer use, establishment of riparian buffer zones, and public awareness raising. Future studies should measure heavy metals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants, and extend the monitoring period over several years. EXTENDED ABSTRACT Introduction One of the main challenges in water quality management is the large volume of data from monitoring various physical, chemical, and microbial parameters. In this regard, the use of Water Quality Indices (WQI) as an efficient and simple tool has attracted the attention of researchers and responsible institutions. In response to the need for a localized index, the Iranian Department of Environment developed the national surface water quality index (Iran Water Quality Index for Surface Water Resources-Conventional Parameters; IRWQIsc) based on 11 key parameters. The Gorganrud River, with a length of about 300 km and a watershed area of 10,250 km², is one of the most important rivers in Golestan Province and the Caspian basin. Cultivation of various crops, high consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, along with the discharge of urban and industrial wastewater, have imposed significant pollution pressure on this water resource. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal quality of Gorganrud River water using the IRWQIsc index, identify critical stations, and determine the most important parameters affecting water quality reduction. Materials and methods Six sampling stations were selected along the river to cover upstream (minimal pollution), midstream (affected by urban and agricultural pollutants), and downstream (accumulation of pollutants) areas: (1) Pol-e Shahr-e Kallaleh, (2) Gonbad (Pol-e Gedam Abad), (3) Voshm Gir Dam outlet, (4) Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala, (5) Pol-e Khajeh Nafas, and (6) Gorganrud Estuary. Eleven water quality parameters were measured: pH, BOD₅, COD, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity (EC), ammonium (NH₄), nitrate (NO₃), phosphate (PO₄), total hardness, turbidity, and fecal coliforms. pH, temperature, EC, and DO. Fecal coliforms were determined by the multiple tube fermentation method (MPN) according to APHA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. One-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's HSD post-hoc test was used to compare water quality indices among stations and seasons. Results and discussion The IRWQIsc values ranged from 15 to 48.4 across all stations and seasons. The Gorganrud Estuary showed the highest quality (48.4, "moderate"), while Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala showed the lowest (15, "very bad"). The highest BOD (53 mg/L), COD (245 mg/L), EC (10,990 µS/cm), and fecal coliforms (996 MPN/100mL) were recorded at downstream stations. Spring: IRWQIsc ranged from 15 to 47.5. Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala (15, "very bad") and Gorganrud Estuary (47.5, "moderate") represented the extremes. Summer: IRWQIsc ranged from 20.8 to 42.3. Most stations showed "relatively bad" quality. Water quality decreased compared to spring due to reduced river flow and increased pollutant concentrations. Autumn: IRWQIsc ranged from 27 to 46.6. Voshm Gir Dam outlet (27) and Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala (28.1) showed "bad" quality, while Pol-e Shahr-e Kallaleh (46.6) showed "moderate" quality. Winter: IRWQIsc ranged from 32.1 to 48.4. The Estuary showed the highest quality (48.4, "moderate"), and most stations were classified as "relatively bad". Water quality decreased from upstream to midstream, reaching its lowest point at Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala, then showed partial recovery at downstream stations. This pattern indicates significant pollution input from Gonbad-e Kavus and Aqqala cities, followed by natural self-purification processes. Conclusion The water quality of the Gorganrud River is unfavorable, classified as "relatively bad" to "very bad" in most stations and seasons. Pol-e Kamarbandi-e Aqqala was identified as the most critical pollution hotspot. Analysis of spatial variations showed that water quality decreased from upstream to downstream until Aqqala, then improved at downstream stations due to natural self-purification processes. Temporal variations demonstrated better quality in wet seasons (winter and spring) due to dilution effects, although increased erosion in winter can offset this benefit at some stations. Considering the vital role of this river in agricultural water supply and feeding the International Wetland of Gorgan Bay, urgent actions are recommended: continuous water quality monitoring, proper operation of wastewater treatment plants, optimization of chemical fertilizer use, establishment of riparian buffer zones, and public awareness raising. Future studies should measure heavy metals, pesticides, and persistent organic pollutants, and extend the monitoring period over several years. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی فصلی کیفیت فیزیکی، شیمیایی و میکروبی آب رودخانه گرگانرود در استان گلستان با استفاده از شاخص کیفیت منابع آب سطحی ایران (Iran Water Quality Index for Surface Water Resources-Conventional Parameters; IRWQIsc) انجام شد. نمونه‌برداری از ۶ ایستگاه در چهار فصل سال ۱400 صورت گرفت و یازده پارامتر کیفی شامل pH، BOD، COD، اکسیژن محلول، هدایت الکتریکی، آمونیوم، نیترات، فسفات، سختی کل، کدورت و کلیفرم مدفوعی اندازه‌گیری گردید. نتایج نشان داد که محدوده شاخص IRWQIsc در ایستگاه‌های مختلف بین 15 تا 4/48 متغیر بود. ایستگاه مصب گرگانرود با مقدار 4/48 بهترین کیفیت (متوسط) و ایستگاه پل کمربندی آق‌قلا با مقدار 15 بدترین کیفیت (خیلی بد) را نشان دادند. بیشترین مقادیر BOD (۵۳ میلی‌گرم در لیتر)،COD (۲۴۵ میلی‌گرم در لیتر)، EC (۱۰۹۹۰ میکروزیمنس بر سانتیمتر) و کلیفرم مدفوعی (MPN/100 mL ۹۹۶) در ایستگاه‌های پایین‌دست ثبت گردید. نتایج نشان دادند که کیفیت آب رودخانه گرگانرود در وضعیت مطلوبی قرار ندارد و در طبقات «نسبتاً بد» تا «خیلی بد» ارزیابی می‌شود. ورود فاضلاب‌های شهری تصفیه‌نشده، پساب‌های صنعتی و رواناب‌های کشاورزی حاوی کودها و سموم شیمیایی مهم‌ترین عوامل کاهش کیفیت آب هستند. با توجه به نقش حیاتی این رودخانه در تأمین آب کشاورزی و تغذیه تالاب بین‌المللی خلیج گرگان، پایش مستمر کیفیت آب، احداث و بهره‌برداری صحیح از تصفیه‌خانه‌های فاضلاب شهری و صنعتی، بهینه‌سازی مصرف کودهای شیمیایی در بخش کشاورزی و ایجاد نوارهای حفاظتی در حاشیه رودخانه ضروری می‌باشد.

https://www.jess.ir/article_247172_e364054d74879f4d7e06f46b3728272e.pdf

انتشارات "فن پایا" مطالعات علوم محیط زیست 2588-6851 11 1 2026 05 22 Electrophytoremediation of Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals Using Innovative Methods الکتروفیتوترمیم خاک‌های آلوده به فلزات سنگین با استفاده از روش‌های نوآورانه 11132 11149 247426 10.22034/jess.2026.583240.2459 FA لیلا مصیبی دکترا، گروه مهندسی محیط زیست، دانشکده فنی مهندسی، دانشگاه دولتی چوکوراوا، آدانا، ترکیه. 0009-0002-7392-3028 زینب زایم اوغلو پروفسور، استاد تمام، رئیس دانشکده گروه مهندسی محیط زیست، دانشکده فنی و مهندسی، دانشگاه دولتی چوکوراوا، آدانا، ترکیه. 0000-0003-4515-8226 نهال بکتاش پرفسور، رئیس گروه مهندسی محیط زیست، دانشکده فنی و مهندسی، دانشگاه دولتی قبضه تکنیک، استانبول، ترکیه. 0000-0002-8257-9452 Journal Article 2026 06 03 Heavy metals in soil, due to their high density and strong toxicity, are considered among the most dangerous environmental pollutants. Because conventional physical and chemical remediation methods are often expensive, there is growing interest in alternative, low-cost approaches for improving contaminated soils. Among these methods, phytoremediation, electrophytoremediation, and electrokinetic techniques have been widely applied for heavy metal removal. In this experimental study, soils contaminated with lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and boron (B) were investigated under controlled conditions using 12 pots, including four control groups representing phytoremediation, electrophytoremediation, electrokinetic treatment, and reference samples. Mung bean, sunflower, and rapeseed were grown in the contaminated soils and exposed to a direct current (DC) voltage of 30 volts for 4 hours per cycle over a 30-day period. The results showed that graphite electrodes enhanced the efficiency of heavy metal removal, while electrical stimulation in the phytoremediation system increased the average soil pH. In the electrophytoremediation treatment, sunflower achieved the highest uptake of Cr, Cu, and B, whereas rapeseed accumulated the highest levels of Cd and Pb. In the phytoremediation treatment, mung bean showed the greatest uptake of Cr, Cu, and B, while sunflower recorded higher accumulation of Cd and B. Overall, the findings indicate that electric current has a stronger influence on metal uptake in sunflower compared to the other plants. The concentrations of heavy metals absorbed by plants per unit of dry biomass were measured using ICP analysis. The study concludes that electrophytoremediation is an efficient and promising approach for the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. EXTENDED ABSTRACT Introduction Soil contamination with heavy metals is recognized as one of the major environmental challenges worldwide. The accumulation of heavy metals in soil through industrial activities, agricultural practices, solid waste disposal, and the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can significantly reduce soil quality and threaten the health of humans and other living organisms. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and boron (B) are considered among the most hazardous soil pollutants due to their high toxicity, persistence, and potential for bioaccumulation within the food chain. Phytoremediation is a plant-based approach used to absorb, stabilize, or remove contaminants from soil. Because of its low cost, environmental friendliness, and suitability for large-scale applications, it has been widely recognized as an effective method for the remediation of contaminated soils. Nevertheless, the efficiency of phytoremediation may be limited under certain conditions and is influenced by factors such as plant species, contaminant concentration, and soil properties. In this context, the application of electric fields through electro-phytoremediation can enhance the mobility and uptake of contaminants, thereby improving the ability of plants to remove heavy metals from polluted soils. In the present study, the effectiveness of phytoremediation, electro-phytoremediation, and electrokinetic techniques in removing Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and B from contaminated soils was investigated. In addition, the uptake capacity of mung bean, sunflower, and canola plants for these elements was evaluated. Materials and Methods This study was carried out under greenhouse conditions using a pot experiment. A total of 12 pots, each containing 3 kg of soil, were prepared, and the soils were artificially contaminated with lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and boron. The contaminants were introduced into the soil using Pb(NO₃)₂, CdCl₂, K₂Cr₂O₇, CuSO₄, and H₃BO₃ after the required amounts had been accurately calculated. Twelve seeds of sunflower, mung bean, and canola were sown in each pot. In addition, several uncontaminated pots were used as control treatments. For the electro-phytoremediation experiment, graphite electrodes measuring 13 cm in length and 4 cm in width were employed. A direct current (DC) with a voltage of 30 V and a current intensity of 2–3 A was applied for 4 hours at predetermined intervals. The electric field treatment began on the tenth day after seed germination to allow sufficient time for the initial establishment of the plants. The investigated parameters included germination rate, plant growth, biomass production, and the efficiency of heavy metal removal. At the end of the growth period, soil samples and plant tissues, including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, were harvested. The samples were thoroughly washed, dried, and prepared for analysis, and the elemental concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. In the electrokinetic section of the experiment, soil samples were collected from the anode zone, cathode zone, and the central region of the pots at different time intervals, and the concentrations of the elements were subsequently measured. Results and Discussion The results indicated that the addition of heavy metals did not significantly affect seed germination; however, it led to a noticeable reduction in vegetative growth. At elevated boron concentrations, plants showed growth inhibition and eventual wilting, which necessitated adjustment of the boron levels. The findings from the electro-phytoremediation experiments revealed that the application of an electric current enhanced the uptake efficiency of heavy metals by the plants. In addition, the use of graphite electrodes significantly improved the overall removal efficiency of the target elements. A comparison between phytoremediation and electro-phytoremediation showed that applying an electric current enhanced the transport and uptake of elements in plants. In most cases, element accumulation under electro-phytoremediation was higher than that observed under conventional phytoremediation. The electrokinetic results also revealed a progressive decrease in heavy metal concentrations across different soil zones over time. In the anode region, the concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, and B showed a clear downward trend, while a reduction in elemental levels was also observed in the cathode region. Furthermore, measurements of pH and electrical conductivity (EC) indicated that the electric field altered soil chemical conditions and facilitated ion mobility. The results further demonstrated that plant species and the specific characteristics of each element significantly influence the patterns of uptake and accumulation of heavy metals. Overall, sunflower exhibited the highest efficiency in accumulating Cr, Cu, and B, whereas canola showed greater effectiveness in the uptake of Cd and Pb. In addition, the application of an electric field increased elemental mobility in the soil and improved the overall efficiency of plant uptake. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that the simultaneous use of appropriate plant species and an applied electric field can serve as an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly strategy for the remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. در این مطالعه، خاک‌های آلوده به عناصر سرب (Pb)، کادمیم (Cd)، کروم (Cr)، مس (Cu) و بور (B) تحت شرایط آزمایشی متفاوت در چهار نوع گلدان قرار گرفتند. مجموعاً ۱۲ گلدان در نظر گرفته شد که چهار گلدان آن نماینده‌ی گروه‌های کنترل مختلف بودند. فیتورمداسیون، الکتروفیتورمداسیون، الکتروکینتیک و نمونه‌های مرجع. در این راستا، گیاهان ماش، آفتابگردان و کلزا به خاک‌های حاوی عناصر مذکور اضافه شدند و طی مدت ۳۰ روز با اعمال ولتاژ ۳۰ ولت و جریان مستقیم (DC) به مدت ۴ ساعت در هر دوره، مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند. نتایج نشان داد که استفاده از الکترودهای گرافیتی موجب بهبود کارایی حذف فلزات سنگین شد. همچنین، تحریک الکتریکی در سیستم فیتورمداسیون باعث افزایش متوسط pH خاک گردید. در آزمایش الکتروفیتورمداسیون، بیشترین میزان جذب Cr، Cu و B توسط گیاه آفتابگردان و بیشترین جذب Cd و Pb توسط گیاه کلزا مشاهده شد، در حالی که در آزمایش فیتورمداسیون بیشترین جذب Cr، Cu و B توسط گیاه ماش و Cd و B توسط گیاه آفتابگردان ثبت شد. این نتایج نشان می‌دهد که جریان الکتریکی تأثیر بیشتری بر جذب عناصر توسط گیاه آفتابگردان دارد. میزان فلزات سنگین جذب‌شده توسط گیاهان بر اساس هر کیلوگرم وزن خشک با استفاده از دستگاه ICP تعیین شد. یافته‌ها نشان می‌دهد که تکنیک الکتروفیتورمداسیون در تصفیه خاک‌های آلوده به فلزات سنگین روشی مؤثر و امیدبخش است.

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