In healthcare centers one of the most factors that threats for the healthcare workers are Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSIs) (1,2).

Background & Aims of the Study: Detergent and phosphate are one of the main and vital threats (eutrophication phenomenon and production of synthetic foam) for the source of drinking water, agriculture and industrial uses in the Ahvaz, Iran that threaten human health. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the efficiency of the electrocoagulation (EC) process in the removal of detergent and phosphate from car wash effluent. Materials & Methods:In this experimental study, we used a glass tank with a volume of 2-4 liters (effective volume of 2 liters) containing 4 electrode-plate iron and aluminum (AL-AL, AL-Fe, Fe-Fe). Bipolar method was used to convert alternative electricity to direct; electrodes were connected to a power supply. Daily samples were collected from different car washes sewage. Initial PHs of samples was from 7 to 9. At first, different tests were performed on primary samples. Reaction times were set for 90, 60 and 30 minutes with middle intervals of 2 cm. Results: According to the result of this study, percentage of phosphate removal in the EC with Al-Fe electrode, with an optimum pH = 7, has been from 34 % (in the 10 Volt) to 78% (in the 30 Volt). Percentage of detergent removal in the EC with AL electrode, with an optimum pH = 7, has been from 68 % (in the 10 Volt) to 94% (in the 30 Volt). Conclusions: Altogether, it was found that this method can be used as a confident and convenient method for treating car wash effluent and according to the highest removal efficiency of the process, effluent can be discharged safely into the environment.

This study investigates the concentrations of PM 10 -bound PAHs and their seasonal variations in three cities of Ahvaz, Abadan, and Asaluyeh in Iran. The mean concentrations of PM 10 in two warm and cold seasons in Ahvaz were higher and in Abadan and Assaluyeh were lower than the national standard of Iran and the guidelines of the World Health Organization. The Σ16 PAHs concentration in ambient air PM 10 during the cold season in Ahvaz, Abadan and Asaluyeh was 244.6, 633, and 909 ng m − 3 , respectively, and during the warm season in Ahvaz, Abadan, and Asaluyeh was 242.1, 1570 and 251 ng m − 3 , respectively. The high molecular weight PAHs were the most predominant components. The most abundant PAHs species were Pyr, Chr, B [ghi] P, and Flt. The results showed that the total PAHs concentration in the cold and warm seasons was dependent on industrial activities, particularly the neighboring petrochemical units of the city, vehicular exhausts, traffic and use of oil, gas, and coal in energy production. The total cancer risk values as a result of exposure to PAHs in ambient air PM 10 in all three cities for children and adults and in both cold and warm seasons were between 1 × 10 − 6 and 1 × 10 − 4 , and this indicates a potential carcinogenic risk. Therefore, considering the various sources of air pollutants and its role on people's health, decision makers should adopt appropriate policies on air quality to reduce the ambient air PAHs and to mitigate human exposure.

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